Hello GCAers,
I wanted to introduce myself to some and re-introduce myself to others. After a long layoff, thanks to Ran’s kindness, I have access once more to the tree house. I was content for a long time to simply read the posts but recent topics piqued my interest in participating once again.
My wife and I live in Mill Valley, CA. north of San Francisco. My interest in GCA started many years ago with the convergence of two events. First, I used to play Sonoma National quite a bit in the old days before the renovation. While walking down the eighth fairway I spied a grass depression that I had never before noticed. Making the turn, I stopped in the clubhouse and asked Ron Blum (head pro and NFL official) what it was. He looked at me as if parts of my brain were oozing from my ears and said, “Why that’s an old bunker that has been grassed over.” I can’t explain it, but I had never entertained the notion that a golf course changed over time. I had never considered before that “man” had anything to do with the creation of a course.
Perhaps my preoccupation with gaining the skill itself required to play the game never allowed me the opportunity. Perhaps I am not very bright. I don’t know. But that “Eureka” moment was quickly followed by another event that solidified forever my interest in architecture. Friends of mine gifted me a copy of "The World Atlas of Golf." I know many here relish this wonderful book and especially its section on “The imperishable genius of the master architects” by Herbert Warren Wind.
That was it. I was hooked. I devoured everything I could get my hands on related to GCA. I know I am not alone here in having read virtually all of the masters’ books in their own voice: Mackenzie, Macdonald, Ross, Tillinghast, Thomas and of course, Robert Hunter’s, "The Links."
I became a devotee of the strategic design school and remain steadfastly so to this day. I wish I had written "Grounds for Golf" by Geoff Shackelford. It is still one of the many books I hand out to those poor souls who cross my path and stray unwittingly into a discussion of architecture.
Among other things, I write golf course reviews for “Wayne’s Golf Addiction” website, where my bias shows. My good friend Wayne Freedman insisted that I write, a decision I am sure he now regrets. My reviews focus on the architecture.
I am a decent “chop.” My handicap varies between eight and twelve. The lowest I have ever been is a four. I once had reasonable length off the tee, but alas that is a mere memory. Other than a few dusty trophies, meager physical evidence of it now exists. I love the game. I love the hallowed grounds upon which it is played. I love match play. I hate rough. I love courses that play hard and fast. I love the term I stole unrepentantly from Tom Paul long ago, “maintenance meld.” I miss the sound of persimmon against balata and the wonderful rants of Tommy Naccarato.
Apparently I must also love talking about myself, because this post is getting rather long. I’m happy to be back.