Why didn't Snead go into architecture?

[Joel_Stewart]

I've been reading about the life and times of Sam Snead and wondered why he or any other of the great players in the 40's, and 50's never seriously ventured into golf course construction and architecture.  A quick search on golfcourse.com showed that Sam Snead is the listed architect on 2 courses, Chateau Elan in 1993 with Gene Sarazan and in 1999 at Savannah Harbor with Bob Cupp.  Being the skeptic I doubt if he ever set foot on the property but cashed very big checks?

Ben Hogan only did one course in Texas (in 1976) and Byron Nelson a handful all after 1970.

My thoughts are,
1.  There was not any money in it.
2. These great players had an appreciation for the great courses and architects and couldn't compete with Mackenzie, Raynor, etc.

[Robert "Cliff" Stanfield]

The Greenbriar Resort...but yes I see what you mean how much real design?

I think though he was just a player and wasnt really interested...he would rather play or teach than tromp around designing...I may be wrong.

[TEPaul]

There's only one reason and one reason alone that champion golfers of that era like Snead and Hogan did not get more involved in architecture!

Neither one of them had an agent like IMG!!

[Patrick_Mucci]

Joel,

I think Snead recognized his limitations, and in his era, architecture was ceded to and the sole domain of... architects

[Lynn_Shackelford]

Remember it was Sam Snead who said, "having a golf pro design your course is liking asking a hooker for advice on your marriage."  That generation was cognizant of their limitations.

[Bruceski]

So TEPaul,

You would predict Tiger Woods will eventually try his hand at design?

[Neal_Meagher]

Joel,

Well, he did dabble in golf architecture to some degree.  I know that he at least lent his name to a series of courses in Florida that went by something like "Sam Snead All-Star Golf Courses", or something like that.  John Conley: maybe you can chime in.

Also, in 1991, he visited with us at the office in Walnut Creek along with his son, Jack (who I really think was the force behind that) to talk about doing some work together.  The project in question was interminably delayed by the early 90's recession so the "partnership" never fully bloomed.

But I can agree with one of the things I have been hearing these past few days: he could sure tell stories.  And not very polite ones at that.  Just very, very funny guy's stories.  Not meant to be shared in a mixed grill.

[John_Conley]

Neal:

I don't know much about it, but you are correct to some degree.  South of Titusville on your way to Cocoa there is/was an executive course coupled with a driving range.  Everyone in Brevard called it "Sam Snead".  

Never went down there to play.

I think the address is Sharps.

[David Kelly]

There is an executive course in Colton, CA that Sam Snead used own and everyone called it Sam Snead's but GolfWeb lists the architect as RTJ, Sr.

[Bye]

From today's Crittenden Golf Developments report:

Recently formed Guident Management Group will oversee the construction of the Sleeping Giant, a new course under development in Amherst, VA....

....... Sam Snead Design is handling design for the eighteen hole course, which is named for a nearby mountain that will be visible from almost every tee....

[Herb_Flood]

TEPaul,

I completely agree with you on this: IMG is why he never delved into architecture.