Tillinghast Illustrated

[Phil_the_Author]

For those interested, Issue #2 of the Tillinghast Association's on-line journal will be put up on www.tillinghast.net in a few days.

Among the gems contained within will be found an interview with Ben Crenshaw in which he reveals the Hardest Golf Course he EVER played (if anyone can guess this I'll send them a Tilly bio; I GUARANTEE no one will be able to!) as well as the golf course whose design inspired him to learn about golf course architecture.

There are article's about Tilly's father's writings, his fascination with antiques and a few other surprises...  

[TEPaul]

I believe Crenshaw was inspired to learn about architecture when he first saw Brookline (The Country Club).

[wsmorrison]

Phil,

By hardest, do you mean firmest or most difficult?  

Ben Crenshaw did tell me that his interest in golf architecture began with his playing his first course outside of Texas...TCC, Brookline.  He was playing in some national junior tournament.

Does Tom win half a bio for answering half the question?

[Phil_the_Author]

Wayne,

Yes, Tom was correct in that it was the TCC at Brookline that sparked his interested in architecture and design but, no, Tom doesn't even get a page!

The book goes to the person who can guess the "hardest course" (Ben's words) in difficulty he ever played. The only hint I'll give is that he has only played this course one time.

I just emailed Tommy the answer as he let me know that he had no idea, so no cheating! I guarantee he's laughing at the answer...

[mike_beene]

Poppy Hills,(maybe one play in a Crosby,it is wooded and he drives it wild at times,and no interest in playing more than once which eliminates Carnoustie and Kingsbarns)

[jeffwarne]

Ben Crenshaw's hardest course
Doral-White course after the Norman "redesign"
he shot 94 there in the Shark Shootout

[Rich Goodale]

North Berwick, where he failed to pre-qualify for an Open at Muirefield 20 or so years ago?

[Phil_the_Author]

North Berwick - NO!

Doral-White - NO!

Poppy Hills - NO!

[Rich Goodale]

OK

It's gotta be a Tillinghast course (given the context and Ben's legendary politesse), so I'd say Bethpage Black, but it can't be, as we all know that the Black is a Burbeck.

[wsmorrison]

Hmmm, if Tom laughed at the answer, it must be either Fernandina Beach Municipal or maybe Gulph Mills.  Right?

My serious guess is.......a heck, I haven't a clue  

[Steve_ Shaffer]

How about Quaker Ridge?

[Phil_the_Author]

Sorry guys,

Still way wrong on all accounts, even as to the architect!

A new hint - it is in the northeast!

[Tom Roewer]

Aronimink?

[TEPaul]

No, Richard, I only laughed because when Phil tells you the answer I can just see most of you over-arching, over-thinkers screaming foul and demanding a full refund. Not just that but I can even tell you exactly why you'll scream. I can tell you but of course I'm not going to.  

If that remark actually gives any of you a hint then all I can say is you are very good over-arching, over-thinkers.  

[Rich Goodale]

No, Richard, I only laughed because when Phil tells you the answer I can just see most of you over-arching, over-thinkers screaming foul and demanding a full refund.  

If that remark actually gives any of you a hint then all I can say is you are very good over-arching, over-thinkers.  

Tom

That was your pal Wayno laughing, not me.  I don't find this thread funny at all, unless the answer really is Burbeck's Bethpage Black.

Rich

[Phil_the_Author]

Sorry Richard, as much as I would love to proclaim it, it isn't Tilly's Bethpage Black.

[Rich Goodale]

OK, Philip, how about the International in Bolton, MA?   Ben would have been worn out trying to make 250 yard carries and hit out of the trees even before he got to the greens.

[TEPaul]

Wayne:

Fernandina Beach Municipal isn't it but Ben Crenshaw is aware that he has to play it to complete his education in golf course architecture. He seems most excited about the prospect. I'm trying to get him access to the course but sometimes these things just ain't so easy.

On that note, do you realize one time Bill Coore asked Gulf Stream GC if they'd mind if he walked the course and they wouldn't let him. I mean, really, what a bunch of smucks.

Of course it obviously would've helped if he'd just bothered to tell them who the hell he was---but that just isn't Bill.  

[Jim_Kennedy]

Phil,
Oak Hill CC?

[TEPaul]

You dufusses are just pathetic. The correct answer is so obvious you'll be shocked. Somebody has got to win this thing and at this rate none of you are going to. I feel sorry for you idiots and so I'm gonna give you a hint. I think most all of you would feel this course sort of tends toward the aerial game.

[Phil_the_Author]

Sorry, still no one even close... especially Richard!  

[Jeff Spittel]

Let's see:

In the Northeast
Requires an aerial game
Penal for a wild driver hitting it in the to the trees.
Hard as hell.
Painfully obvious.

What the hell, I'll be the idiot who says Pine Valley.

[Robert Emmons]

Phil,

Garden City Golf Club

[Bill Shamleffer]

Ponkapoag Golf Club  

[Rich Goodale]

Aerial game....Hmmmmm....

I'll go for The Flying Wallenda's GC, Jones Beach, LI.  Original Burbeck/Moses 1933, (r. Tillinghast, 1932).

Is the course record still 89 by TE Paul in the 3rd round of the Adios Lido Open, 1947?

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