1st Post

[Matthew Hunt]

My name is Matthew Hunt and I am 14 years old. I love golf and live in Newcastle Ireland right beside RCD although I need to get my handicap cut to get to play on the number 1 course[I'll be playing it within 18 months]

I would love to be a golf course architect and I love sketching Original holes and thinking how holes I have played could be better designed. Unfortunately I know no-one in the the business and didn't know how to go about achieving my dream.

 
I love Golf Club Atlas and I enjoyed reading the site especially the Discussion Forum.  

 
I would be very grateful if you could tell me more about this career IE:what grades you need, where I could get work experience ,what university course to do and how to get a Job

Look foward to posting on the site

Matthew Hunt

[Jeff_Brauer]

Matthew,

I think Brian Phillips, a Euro gca who posts here would be the best one to ask.  (You could email him direct from this site) He went through the golf architects training program, apprenticed, and now has his own practice.  That would probably be your most likely route and he could advise.

[Eric Franzen]

Matthew,

EIGCA's Proffesional Diploma Course might be one part of achieving this for you later on. http://www.eigca.org/education.php

Good luck!

[ANTHONYPIOPPI]

Welcome to the site.

Rule No. 1 about GolfClubAtlas, or any Internet site, everything posted here is not fact. Just because someone says it is fact, does not make it so. Always double-check to make sure.

Rule No. 2 is that there are no stupid questions. At times you will see regulars answering, what they believe to be, inane questions with condescending or patronizing answers. Don’t worry about those people and do not be insulted by them; ask away.

Rule No. 3 is make up your own mind about what you think are good and bad golf holes. Visit as many courses as you can because a course with 17 crappy holes might be worth the time just to see one great hole.

Rule No. 4 is Geoffrey Childs is always right. I'm serious. He may be short, he may be bald, he may be lefthanded, but he's always right. (See Rule No. 1 above)

Rule No. 5 is Thomas Naccarato is more right more often than Geoffrey Childs. I'm serious. How long have we known each other? Have I ever lied to you?

Glad you are on board, enjoy the ride and if you ever need to contact me feel free to do so.

Cheers,

Anthony Pioppi
Apioppi@earthlink.net

[Jordan Wall]

Matthew,

Welcome, sir!

As a 14 year old you must be either a Freshman or in eighth grade, correct?

My advice to you is to make sure you do your very best in high-school and, as corny as this sounds, do your homework.
A key to getting into a good college is through good grades.
I am a Junior in HS right now, and due to some good grades I will be able to apply for a scholarship through a club in my area, and the odds I get the scholarship are very good.

The reason I may be receiving this scholarship is because I was a persistent caddy, which brings me to my next suggestion.
For a job, especially if you want to be a golf course architect, caddy as much as you can.
You are a very lucky lad to live where you do, and I think it is great you are so interested in GCA.  By caddying at courses in Ireland (RCD, Portrush, etc etc), you can get a first hand look at some great design.  As for me, I have caddied at six diffferent clubs this year (which btw is the year in which I began to caddy) and have to admit I have learned a lot, albeit maybe not as much as I would at many of the courses in Ireland.

Perhaps as far as caddying goes, maybe Mr. Doak could elaborate on the effectiveness of learning about GCA while actually caddying.  I hear he was once a caddy before he became what he is today, and that is a great golf course architect.  
Also, a final suggestion before I get ahead of myself (I am excited to have a young on this site like myself!), is at least look at the internship program that Tom Doak provides every year (www.renaissancegolf.com.  Though you may be too young right now to get the internship, as I still am, it is still worth applying as in a few years, who knows what could happen.  Plus, the tasks needed to apply for the internship are tasks you will need to know well in order to become a successful golf course architect.

Happy holidays and a big welcome to the site,

Jordan

[Craig Sweet]

Welcome aboard Matthew....Jordan is a wise vetern. Nearly a senior in high school!

[Forrest Richardson]

Matthew — You are about the same age as I was when I became interested in golf design. I wrote a letter to the ASGCA and received back something that changed my life: A simple brochure showing all their members, listed state-by-state. I called one of the members sho shared the same postal code as me. This man, Jack Snyder, spent countless hours showing me design examples and talking with me about design.

I would encourage you to do the same with the EIGCA.

I do not know if you have met Pat Ruddy (European Club), but he seems the type of gentleman who might take great interest in speaking with you and sharing ideas on how you might get into the business.

Good luck to you. There is neat advice here. Much of it already passed on in the few short posts above!

[JR Potts]

Matthew,

Welcome, sir!

As a 14 year old you must be either a Freshamn or in eighth grade, correct?

My advice to you is to make sure you do your very best in high-school and, as corny as this sounds, do your homework.
A key to getting into a good college is through good grades.
I am a Junior in HS right now, and due to some good grades I will be am able to apply for a scholarship through a club in my area, and the odds I get the scholarship are very good.

The reason I may be receiving this scholarship is because I was a persistent caddy, which brings me to my next suggestion.
For a job, especially if you want to be a golf course architect, caddy as much as you can.
You are a very lucky lad to live where you do, and I think it is great you are so interested in GCA.  By caddying at courses in Ireland (RCD, Portrush, etc etc), you can get a first hand look at some great design.  As for me, I have caddied at six diffferent clubs this year (which btw is the year in which I began to caddy) and have to admit I have learned a lot, albeit maybe not as much as I would at many of the courses in Ireland.

Perhaps as far as caddying goes, maybe Mr. Doak could elaborate on the effectiveness of learning about GCA while actually caddying.  I hear he was once a caddy before he became what he is today, and that is a great golf course architect.  
Also, a final suggestion before I get ahead of myself (I am excited to have a young on this site like myself!), is at least look at the internship program that Tom Doak provides every year (www.renaissancegolf.com.  Though you may be too young right now to get the internship, as I still am, it is still worth applying as in a few years, who knows what could ahppen.  Plus, the tasks needed to apply for the internship are tasks you will need to know well in order to become a successful golf course architect.

Happy holiday and a big welcome to the site,

Jordan

For so much of what you wrote, I must ask, what do you know?  You're 17 years-old.

Matt, my suggestion, listen to the guys that have actually accomplished something in this field.  Learn as much as you can from each of them, get an education, then follow your dreams....whatever they may be.

[Dan Kelly]

Matthew --

Welcome. And may the wind be always at your back.

As you can see, I am a "Word Freak."

I can't tell you how to go about becoming a golf-course architect, but I can tell you this:

Whatever you end up doing with your life -- in golf, or otherwise -- you'll do better at it if you write prose that is clear and clean.

I most enthusiastically recommend (not only to you, but also to young Mr. Wall) "The Elements of Style," by Mr. William Strunk and Mr. E.B. White.

I also recommend that you (and everyone else) read this document: "Theory and Practice of Editing New Yorker Articles" -- written in the 1930s by Wolcott Gibbs of The New Yorker magazine. You'll find it at Page 74 of this document: http://tinyurl.com/yygn9m.

Best wishes from the New Sod,

Dan

[PThomas]

welcome Matthew

I plan on visiting your land in 2008!

[Brian Phillips]

Matthew,

Welcome!! Please e-mail me as soon as possible and I will try to help you as much as I can.  I have over 200 books that I would be willing to lend out to you. The European Institute of Golf Course Architects also has a great library that allows none members to also use.

After you have emailed me I can give contact details to various people withing the Institute including our Irish rep. in Baltray, Ronan Branigan.

I am sure that a number of the members from the Institute would be willing to give you a summer job on various construction sites (if allowed by your parents and the law) or in the office learning CAD skills etc.

I would also write a letter to Tom Doak NOW! Keep bugging hime each year just so that he knows how you are when you are old enough for an internship.  You can never start too young for job applications!!

Keep in touch.

brian@niblickgolfdesign.com

Brian Phillips
Niblick Golf Design

[Brian Phillips]

Matthew,

Welcome, sir!

As a 14 year old you must be either a Freshamn or in eighth grade, correct?

My advice to you is to make sure you do your very best in high-school and, as corny as this sounds, do your homework.
A key to getting into a good college is through good grades.
I am a Junior in HS right now, and due to some good grades I will be am able to apply for a scholarship through a club in my area, and the odds I get the scholarship are very good.

The reason I may be receiving this scholarship is because I was a persistent caddy, which brings me to my next suggestion.
For a job, especially if you want to be a golf course architect, caddy as much as you can.
You are a very lucky lad to live where you do, and I think it is great you are so interested in GCA.  By caddying at courses in Ireland (RCD, Portrush, etc etc), you can get a first hand look at some great design.  As for me, I have caddied at six diffferent clubs this year (which btw is the year in which I began to caddy) and have to admit I have learned a lot, albeit maybe not as much as I would at many of the courses in Ireland.

Perhaps as far as caddying goes, maybe Mr. Doak could elaborate on the effectiveness of learning about GCA while actually caddying.  I hear he was once a caddy before he became what he is today, and that is a great golf course architect.  
Also, a final suggestion before I get ahead of myself (I am excited to have a young on this site like myself!), is at least look at the internship program that Tom Doak provides every year (www.renaissancegolf.com.  Though you may be too young right now to get the internship, as I still am, it is still worth applying as in a few years, who knows what could ahppen.  Plus, the tasks needed to apply for the internship are tasks you will need to know well in order to become a successful golf course architect.

Happy holiday and a big welcome to the site,

Jordan

Jordan,

In Ireland and Great Britain you don't need to caddy to get on courses, you just play them, even as a junior.

Brian

[Brian Phillips]

Matthew,

Welcome, sir!

As a 14 year old you must be either a Freshamn or in eighth grade, correct?

My advice to you is to make sure you do your very best in high-school and, as corny as this sounds, do your homework.
A key to getting into a good college is through good grades.
I am a Junior in HS right now, and due to some good grades I will be am able to apply for a scholarship through a club in my area, and the odds I get the scholarship are very good.

The reason I may be receiving this scholarship is because I was a persistent caddy, which brings me to my next suggestion.
For a job, especially if you want to be a golf course architect, caddy as much as you can.
You are a very lucky lad to live where you do, and I think it is great you are so interested in GCA.  By caddying at courses in Ireland (RCD, Portrush, etc etc), you can get a first hand look at some great design.  As for me, I have caddied at six diffferent clubs this year (which btw is the year in which I began to caddy) and have to admit I have learned a lot, albeit maybe not as much as I would at many of the courses in Ireland.

Perhaps as far as caddying goes, maybe Mr. Doak could elaborate on the effectiveness of learning about GCA while actually caddying.  I hear he was once a caddy before he became what he is today, and that is a great golf course architect.  
Also, a final suggestion before I get ahead of myself (I am excited to have a young on this site like myself!), is at least look at the internship program that Tom Doak provides every year (www.renaissancegolf.com.  Though you may be too young right now to get the internship, as I still am, it is still worth applying as in a few years, who knows what could ahppen.  Plus, the tasks needed to apply for the internship are tasks you will need to know well in order to become a successful golf course architect.

Happy holiday and a big welcome to the site,

Jordan

For so much of what you wrote, I must ask, what do you know?  You're 17 years-old.

Matt, my suggestion, listen to the guys that have actually accomplished something in this field.  Learn as much as you can from each of them, get an education, then follow your dreams....whatever they may be.

Ryan,

I am very impressed with Jordan, especially his attitude to life and his keeness for golf.

He is doing very well and IMHO knows a fair amount for a 17 year old.

Brian

[Ian Andrew]

Matthew,

There is a series of architects on this site. Each one has been exactly where you are now. They all have a different route and different advice which can help you out. Take the time to email each one and they will do there best to help you out. I know almost all of them and each will be very happy to help you out.

....and as Anthony beautifully stated, there are no dumb questions.

My email is on this post.

iandrew@sympatico.ca

[Tommy_Naccarato]

Following Mr. Pioppi's wise advice, first rule of Golf Club Atlas is don't talk about Golf Club Atlas.... People will think your weird if you do.
Second rule of Golf Club Atlas is, go out right now and buy the rave new novel, To The Nines by famed author and brilliant scribe, Anthony Pioppi.
Third Rule of Fight Clu...I mean Golf Club Atlas is by all means have fun. Any sign of you becoming Tom Huckaby Jr. and your posting privileges, as the immortal rock group Kansas once sang, will be dust in the wind!

It's sad however that you won't be able to be invited to any course grand openings or Renaissance Cup events, thanks to Jordan dissing the generous guy who could have been his mentor and was quick to cut that mentoring program from his busy schedule after being insulted. Instead Jordan got to say he liked his very first Fazio course a lot, just to butter-up his host for more access in the future!

[RJ_Daley]

Matthew, I would seek out those people that were associated with Eddie Hackett, and make a study of Mr. Hackett from the prospective of those who remember him and heard him express his ideals about golf and creating the fields the game is played upon.  I'd find an excuse to write a paper on the subject, or a biography on one of Irelands most esteemed men of golf, and its designs.

I would also attempt to interview Mr Ruddy (as advised by someone above).  

Perhaps try to locate as many other local people as possible who are involved in the maintenance of the golf courses, and any who work on renovation or remodelling golf course features on the construction side.   Introduce yourself and tell them your interests, bfriend them and listen to what they say.  And most important, find a part time job on a maintenance crew, or with a construction crew for when you are not attending school in the season.

[Matthew Hunt]

Thanks for all the response.

Brian,I would love to borrow some Books.Will email you

Does any-one know how to conntact Pat Ruddy or Tom Doak, I greaty admire both their work although I have not got hte chance to play any of thier Courses, but I'm playing Pat's Warrenpoint in a couple of months in a school match

Matthew Hunt

If anyones in my area I would love to play a couple of rounds with them  

[Jordan Wall]

Tommy,

I was dead honest, though I think I may have overlooked #18 at TC.

Looking back, it may be better than #18 at Aldarra.

But, I still remember my day with Mr. Doak very well.  It brings a smile to my face every time I look at all the pictures we took.  I think I may have told my entire family, plus friends about that day because it was one I will never forget.


Matthew,

In the top right corner of your GCA page you will see an instant message thing.
If you send a message to Mr. Ruddy and/or Mr. Doak me thinks you may get a response..
 

[George Pazin]

I always find Jordan's outspokenness fascinating, probably because it contrasts so much with how I was raised. I don't like giving advice at the ripe old age of 39, I'm amazed at his comfort doing so at age 17.

Matthew - I will send you a private message with a few thoughts. That's the area in the upper right hand corner Jordan spoke of.

[Mike_Young]

Good luck on your quest.....
If you can get doen to LaHinch you may be able to watch some of the work they will be doing there.   I will IM you a # for the secretary there and I am sure he would be glad to show you around.....or if you are over this way...you can always stop by....I am sure that would be true for the others archies also....

[Geoffrey Childs]

Matthew

Welcome.  Tony Pioppi is probably the wisest man of all. Listen to what he says and you will do OK.

Seriously now until he got to the part about me and Naccarato he was spot on.  

[Doug Ralston]

Hey!

You guys didn't treat ME this well when I started *sniffle*. What am I, too ugly or some such? Sorry I ever let that picture leak out ....  

Matt;

Welcome aboard. Remember we are all just lovers of golf courses. There will be lots of chance for you to offer your thoughs on courses, and to laugh at ours. Wish I was just getting started with golf ...... it is a great thing. Enjoy!

Doug

[Jeff_Mingay]

Jordan Wall: we don't even know what Freshmen are in Canada. You can't expect an Irish kid to know  

[Matthew Hunt]

Thanks, I've IMed Pat Ruddy

[Forrest Richardson]

I should mention that Fred W. Hawtree (Martin's father) was very kind to me when I was in school. Mr. Hawtree attended an event in Dundee where I convinced him to speak to a bunch of students about golf design. Perhaps the gene pool of kindness is alive with Martin...I think you will benefit from meeting as many designers and minds as possible in this field. Not to mention the other side: Venturing out to see as many courses as possible, even a few in the new land*.

*America