A William Flynn Society

[wsmorrison]

I believe Tom Doak, in an earlier thread, properly outlined the true responsibilities of an architectural society.  We on GCA can bear in mind such responsibilities, such as advocating the integrity of classic courses, encouraging sympathetic restorations, and generally promoting sound architectural principles among the moderns.  

I would like to propose a Flynn Society to promote an understanding of his works in design and agronomy.  We can be a clearinghouse for researchers and architects.  We should advocate and educate clubs and weigh in on the restoration and redesign of his inventory.  Subordinate to these endeavors would be a Flynn Invitational.  My friends at Glen View are working on such a prospect.  It will be great to bring together members of all his clubs and other enthusiasts.  Currently there is a Flynn Cup, but this is held among some of the Philly area Flynn courses.  (Wish this could be expanded, but that's another story).

Unlike most classic age architects, there exists a massive collection of Flynn's original drawings.  Anyone have any ideas or a desire to help see this come about?  Let's have a roundtable discussion here and see if we can come up with something.

[Mike_Cirba]

Wayne;

I'm sure you know you can count on my support.  

You've laid out quite the "mission statement" with your post!

[wsmorrison]

Mike,
You are member numer 003 (after myself and Tom Paul).  007 would be a cool number!   eaglepower, come over from the darkside.

[THuckaby2]

WSMorrison:

Though I live in California (a no-Flynn zone, correct?), I have played Lehigh and LOVED IT... and I've seen enough of Cherry Hills in CO... can you recruit 3 more members such that I am No. 007?  I'll be your missionary to the west coast savages...

 

TH

[mike_malone]

OF course i am in

[JSlonis]

Great idea...count me in!

[wsmorrison]

Tom H.

007 is yours, go forth as our  Left Coast representative.

Mayday

Well done.

Let's start discussing ideas.  We'll have to build a headquarters on Tom's farm.  He can design a par 3 in the manner of Flynn where we can sip the beverage of one's choice and learn from his superb short game.

[Craig Disher]

Wayne,
This is a great idea and I'm sure you know I'll do anything I can to help.

A model already exists - The Donald Ross Society. I don't know how it's managed but it's well represented in cyberspace with a website. They would probably be very willing to help.

The hardest part of something like this is starting it. A persistent core of true believers is always an assset. Do you see the light, brother?!

[THuckaby2]

For me, the light was turned on at megawatt power at Lehigh... and I plan to definitely seek out more Flynn as time goes on.  Hard to do from CA, but I will indeed preach to the heathens here.  Thanks, WSM!

I believe that's 7 already so I can honestly take card 007.  I always wanted to be a cool international spy-stud.  

Seriously though this is indeed a very worthwhile endeavor and I do NOT mean to make light of it.  Please do keep us all here apprised as this moves forward.

TH

[wsmorrison]

Craig,

I knew I could count on you.  You're Delta Chi name is Southern Man.

JamieSlonis,

Glad you are aboard.  CDisher is correct, with the right men and women we can build a great organization.  I'm not sure how the Ross and Tillie Societies are structured.  Let's take the best they have to offer and improve where we can.  I guess an Executive Board should be formed to plan the proper platform and see it done.  

[Scott_Burroughs]

I like the 4 Flynn's I've seen (all in the Philly area).  Count me in.

I'd ask Brad Klein (Ross Society) or Rick Wolffe (Tillie) about how to go about starting these things up.  I can give you their e-mails if you want to contact them.


Huck,

I could have sworn you've also played a certain Flynn course out on LI.

[Justin_Zook]

Mr. Morrison

It's been quite a while!  Please count me in as well.  I would love to be part of that.  Expect an email from me soon!

Justin Zook

[THuckaby2]

Scott - add this to the density I have displayed over on the AOTD thread.

Oh yes, I have had the great pleasure of having my ass handed to me at Shinnecock... that's why I had to chuckle reading on that other thread how Flynn courses are obsolete, too short, too easy...  

So I suppose I am indeed more of a worthwhile Flynn-ophile than I realized... excuse me while I pat my own back.

TH

[wsmorrison]

Scott,
Would welcome your inclusion, input, and contacts.  I think I have Brad's email, but would you send me both gentlemen's just in case.  Hope to see you in these parts again soon.

[mike_malone]

to hell with the stock market---let's start a Flynn Society

[eaglepower]

       I think it's a great idea to start a Flynn society.  Contrary to what you might think, I think it's of the utmost importance to both honor and preserve the work of the great archetects.

      My perceived criticism of Flynn was more of a lamentation of the effects of technology.  My "driver-wedge" comment seems to have drawn the most reaction.

     Wayne, while you invite me to the darkside,  I would be honored to get together, play a round with you, have some beers, and discuss Flynn.

[Dave_Miller]

Wayne:

I don't belong to a Flynn Course but have played several and feel his work is clearly among the best.

Count me in.

Best

Dave

[Dave_Miller]

Wayne:

I'm also a member of the Donald Ross Society and can give you the contact information if you wish to talk  with those who actually run the society on a day to day basis.

Give me a call if you want to speak with them.

Best
Dave

[Ed_Baker]

Geezuz Miller, is there anything you aren't a member of? BTW, your handicap dropped a shot, no more of this getting 5 shots a side baloney, see you Saturday.

Count me in Wayne, every fledgling society needs a token fat man.

[wsmorrison]

eaglepower,

A game of golf...let's do it !  Our society should allow a free flow of information with respect towards its members and those in the fellowship of golf.   I did offer you to come over from the dark side, but it seems you were never there.  I too lament the impact of technology on today's game.  

Perhaps as a proactive society that stresses education and consultation we can have an important impact of our own regarding Flynn's inventory of courses..  

[wsmorrison]

Dave and Ed,

Glad to have you in the Society.  We can discuss it this weekend when Tom and I pay a call on you two.  See you at CR Saturday at 8:30am, unless we hear from you.  Dave, will you see if you can get some contact names for me at the Ross society to help organize?  Looking forward to a great weekend!

Regards,
Wayne

[BCrosby]

Wayne -

I would be honored to be the Society's rep here in Flynnless Georgia.

Is this something like being a sales rep for a toboggan company in Georgia?

Seriously, it's a wonderful (and long overdue) idea. Let me know how I can help.

Bob

[Doug Wright]

Wayne,

As a resident of a city with a prominent Flynn design and a member of a course that might have been Flynn's Pine Valley of the West   , I'd be honoured to be included in your august group.

All The Best,

[wsmorrison]

Bob,

I was expecting to hear from you and am glad you did.  Of course you are welcome.   Its hard to beat beers in the upstairs lounge after a round at Prestwick, but I look forward to our next get together.  Perhaps you wouldn't mind helping us organize the Society.  In any case, you are the key man in Georgia!  Hope to talk to you soon.  I'm travelling with TPaul the next few weekends, but will call you soon.
Best regards,
Wayne

[wsmorrison]

Doug,

You're the man in Colorado.  Denver CC and Cherry Hills, awesome to have those two courses in the vicinity.  Have you had a chance to see the Flynn drawings that I sent Chuck Bonniwell?  I'm counting on the two of you to get me the scoop on Flynn's work at DCC.  Would especially like some aerials (early and contemporary), club histories, correspondence, etc.  Hope you don't mind the imposition, but the Society needs you!  

Pine Valley of the west may yet happen, we'll mobilize our resources.  From what I've seen, DCC is wonderful as is, but who knows what might result in the membership seeing those drawings.  A similar happening is in going on at Manor CC in Maryland.  Craig Disher is rallying the club and big changes for the better may result.  Go CD!

Regards,
Wayne