...re: his new Perry Maxwell book.
How history views Perry Maxwell and the merits of his work is a curious one. He is not quite as lionized as some of the other Golden Age designers , there are no Maxwell societies, etc.. Yet Maxwell's talent and artistry especially in green construction are held up for worship by some modern architects while others aren't nearly as taken.
For example, of my three favorite living architects, I think there is a decent chance that none of them would say their three finest designs are as good as Maxwell's three finest (Prairie Dunes, Crystal Downs, and Southern Hills) when taken as a whole. Yet if one was to ask the three most prolific modern designers the same question, I think there is a great chance that they would say their three best are indeed better - how does one explain that?!
Maxwell didn't design anywhere near the sheer volume of courses as some architects. Chris Clouser has seen written evidence suggesting that Mawell designed 70 courses. So far, Chris has identified approximately 55 of them.
Several of today's name architects have designed well over 150 courses. Their work is very much in demand and the quantity of their output confers a certain market approval of their product. Undeniably, these busy architects are extremely successful but are their courses great? After all, quantity and greatness don't have an automatic link. Indeed, without great discipline, quantity may imply that an architect flits from project to project, never giving any single project its full and proper due.
No one would ever accuse Maxwell of the same. Maxwell's resume points to great original designs and to quality work at some other great courses (Colonial CC, Augusta National, etc.). To be selected to work at Augusta National says a lot about his reputation at the time.
Chris's just released book on Maxwell entitled The Midwest Associate: The Life and Work of Perry Duke Maxwell goes a long, long way toward introducing the reader to many of the best features and unique attributes of Maxwell's work including such hidden gems as Dornick Hills, Muskogee, and Oakwood. Nobody built greens like Maxwell and Chris's book squarely shines the spotlight on an architect most deserving of the attention.
With the Midwest of the United States a prime location for great courses to be built in the next several decades, this Maxwell book also serves as a very timely reminder on how to maximize the opportunity.
Cheers,