Anyone who has spent any time researching golf course architectural history knows that it is sometimes a minefield of conflicting, inconclusive, and even contradictory evidence. The best we can do is try to digest this evidence using our own discernment and related knowledge and come to our own conclusions.
But, I came across an article recently that has set new standards for me in terms of muddying the waters related to the historical attribution of a great course. Unfortunately, I don't have the article scanned at present, but a Special Dispatch from Pinehurst, NC by an otherwise seemingly knowledgeable unnamed author wrote the following that was published in the March 12th, 1912 Philadelphia Press.
You almost have to wonder if he somehow knew he be perplexing historians a century later, so tortured is his description of the architectural origins;
"There are three distinct eighteen hole courses here, which is true of no other place in the world except the "Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews". A fourth has been staked out and will be in readiness next spring. The most famous of these courses is the No. 2 course, laid out by Donald Ross and Walter J. Travis.
They did not plan it together, but each coincided with the other's suggestions. The only change suggested by Travis and which was adopted was the omission of cross bunkers."
Can anyone tell me what they think the author is saying Travis did?
Do we have an interpreter in the house?
