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TEPaul

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #75 on: February 04, 2002, 06:21:58 PM »
I did not forget NGLA's first tee! You've been exiled to that prison camp of Florida and forced to play golf with your computer confiscated for too long.

I even said NGLA's clubhouse might be one of the most hittable around from the first tee! What do you think? Before you say no, let me tell you about the doctor from Philly (actually a very good player) who hauled off and slammed one hard into the clubhouse. After the screaming and embarrasment subsided somewhat, he reteed and did it again!!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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wsmorrison

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #76 on: February 04, 2002, 06:28:17 PM »
Right again, TE Paul.  

Trippe was the man who got Flynn the Shinnecock job.  He was well respected and liked by leaders in many fields of business and entertainment (his social skills were up to his architectural skills).  I spent this evening with Flynn's daughter.  On many occasions she has told me about Dick Wilson's work at Shinnecock.  In no uncertain terms, he exagerrated his involvement; for he was on the construction crew and that is all.  He is not the only Flynn protege, others tried to claim more of a role in the courses at Boca Raton as well (Lawrence).

I am certain Flynn had a significant hand in a lot of the redesign at Merion.  He lived close by, was on the grounds a lot, placed Joe Valentine and consulted on grass seeds.  He and H. Wilson were great friends and saw eye to eye on design matters; Flynn as his protege.  If H. Wilson was not on site and working the redesign, his mind and will are surely expressed through the hand of Flynn.  The philosophy underpinning the re-routing and alterations are evident in the subsequent work of Flynn.  Because of Wilson's premature death (a fate shared with Flynn) we are deprived of seeing his design philosophy expressed elsewhere.  They were of similar minds, each contributing significantly to the end product that is Merion today, a much better course than originally laid out.

Again Tom, you are right on.  Barbara is a devoted archivist and she knows that collection well.  There are many inconsistancies in the catalog; I found some recently, but the Dallin notes are seemingly pure.  Great sharing your knowledge on the subject TEP, as usual!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:02 PM by -1 »
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ChipOat

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #77 on: February 04, 2002, 06:52:38 PM »
Pat Mucci:

Unlike my NGLA #1 post on the other thread that you missed,
I didn't put that tee on "great first tees".  I sort of look at it like you do at Seminole - great anticipation but, otherwise.....

Actually, other than the back tee at Merion being a lunch stopper, I had a hard time with this thread.  Great first HOLE I can envision.  Great first tee box is a tougher one - it's the 17.9 holes to follow that usually makes them "great".

For example, i find the great thing about the first tee at Machrihanish is the tee SHOT, not where the tee box is located.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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TEPaul

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #78 on: February 04, 2002, 07:16:44 PM »
WayneM:

Great stuff! I applaud you! I have a gut feeling that William Flynn will be the next that will enter that top echelon of great American architects! Very likely in the next few years. His entire inventory is just so solid! I don't know that much about Flynn but I'm fascinated where you've looked so far and if I can help at all with some of those I might know I'd love to help your book effort--it is very much needed in the literature of golf architecture!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Paul Richards

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #79 on: February 04, 2002, 07:19:38 PM »
Old Course, St. Andrews.  

Such a fabulous place, this HAS to be one of the favorite
tee shots in all of golf! :)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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"Something has to change, otherwise the never-ending arms race that benefits only a few manufacturers will continue to lead to longer courses, narrower fairways, smaller greens, more rough, more expensive rounds, and other mechanisms that will leave golf's future in doubt." -  TFOG

TEPaul

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #80 on: February 04, 2002, 07:26:16 PM »
Chip, you've got Merion's first tee backwards. The golfer on the tee isn't a lunch stopper. The lunchers are a stopper for the golfer on the tee!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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John_D._Bernhardt

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #81 on: February 05, 2002, 05:53:53 AM »
TOC, best in golf!!, Cypress Point, SFGC,Machrihanish, Olympic Lake, Cruden Bay, Nairn, Crail, Prestwick and Pebble.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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golfarc

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #82 on: February 05, 2002, 07:04:07 AM »

Ben and Patrick,

Understated elegance!  As you both eluded to, it's the opening statement of a memorable round in hopefully blustery conditions.  It dosen't have to knock you off your feet to be good.  Sometimes simple is better.  
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Ben Cowan-Dewar

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #83 on: February 05, 2002, 09:58:14 AM »
I will give you the opening statement, not one of my favourite openers, but certainly good as a teaser.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Tom MacWood (Guest)

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #84 on: February 05, 2002, 10:18:52 AM »
I don't know if its been been mentioned, but one of the most exhilirating first tees is at Sand Hills.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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wsmorrison

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #85 on: February 05, 2002, 10:44:52 AM »
TE Paul:

I welcome your help, to do the subject matter properly takes a network of outstanding individuals to help.  That is one of the many benefits of the work, you meet enjoyable people.  Please call me to set up a time to get together.  It would seem from your comments that you are in the Phila area, I don't have your tel# with me otherwise I would call.  I can be reached evenings and weekends at 610.664.9663
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Gib_Papazian

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #86 on: February 05, 2002, 10:46:02 AM »
Here are a couple not mentioned that struck me as special:

#1. Mid Ocean. A fresh breeze off the Atlantic (the hole is actually called "Atlantic") with those cross bunkers draped across the ridge line. What a place to be . . . .

#2. Say what you will, but the first tee at Cherry Hills gives me goose bumps. The member I was playing with walked to  the upper markers and pointed to the terrace where Palmer's plaque rests.

You know where I hit from!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:02 PM by -1 »
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THuckaby2

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #87 on: February 05, 2002, 10:49:57 AM »
Sure we know, Gib:  the purple challenger tees three blocks up!

Sorry, couldn't resist.

TH
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Richard_Goodale

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #88 on: February 05, 2002, 11:25:43 AM »
Anybody who does not think that context is important should go homeward and think again (....just paraphrasing the Scottish "national" anthem).....!

Merion in October, with the leaves beginning to fall, and the colors in those "bunkers in the sky" near their best was magnificent, but not a patch as to what it probably is at the Wilson, with sun in the sky, and people rather than empty chairs on the veranda and a whole lot of really good golfers watching you try to hit off the first tee, and you knowing that the course is playing firm and fast and no matter what score you manage to make it is going to be written up on some wall later in the day for everybody to see.....

I know it is the same at Dornoch and I assume it is the same at NGLA, for the Singles, etc., etc......

And yet, there are also those days such as early springs at Rye, or late autumns at Ballybunion, where you are playing off forward tees, and the course is a bit rough, but still very visible, and you feel glad to have chosen to play this wonderful game....

And there will be, those days when you play one of your last rounds with your father or one of the first rounds with your daughter, and you connect--silently, probably--and leave whatever first tee you are on with the warmest and most thoughtful smile that it is possible for a human being to achieve....
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:02 PM by -1 »
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Patrick_Mucci

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #89 on: February 05, 2002, 05:15:50 PM »
ChipOat,

That elevated view of Peconic Bay, The Sound, North Fork, and Islands is pretty impressive.

Bringing your eyes down a notch, the adjacent view of the 18th green and its surrounds is pretty impressive as well.
Letting your eyes drift down # 18 fairway, that view of the immense flag pole, with the flag snapping in the breeze, the clubhouse, clubhouse lawn, 1st fairway and green is........
inspiring.

It gets my vote.

Golfarc,

The addition of the snack BUILDING, versus the old tent has diminished the flavor on the first tee, but only for a moment.

One of the most unnerving aspects of the 1st tee at Merion is the noticeable noise of the people having lunch reducing to a deathly silence as you prepare to tee off.   Whoever wrote
"The Eyes of Texas are upon You" probably stole the title from the first tee at Merion.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Jeff Rice

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #90 on: February 05, 2002, 05:20:17 PM »
Machrahanich!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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ChipOat

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #91 on: February 05, 2002, 05:38:30 PM »
Pat Mucci

I must have been thinking too much about Timmons.

CO
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Paul Richards

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #92 on: February 05, 2002, 05:42:06 PM »
Jeff:

Macrihanish is a great choice too!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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"Something has to change, otherwise the never-ending arms race that benefits only a few manufacturers will continue to lead to longer courses, narrower fairways, smaller greens, more rough, more expensive rounds, and other mechanisms that will leave golf's future in doubt." -  TFOG

Patrick_Mucci

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #93 on: February 05, 2002, 06:06:46 PM »
Chipoat,

I loved Timmons, he was worth two holes in match play if your opponent had never experienced him, and perhaps
three holes if he had.

I spent a lot of time with him, what a great character.

Joe McBride asked him what shot to hit one day and Timmons says hit the five iron Mr. Mac.  Joe says, gee it looks awful short.  Timmons says, hit the 5 mr mac.  Joe says are you sure ?  Timmons says, I know this game, hit the 5 mr mac.
So, Joe McBride hits the five, airmails the green and turns sharply to look at Timmons, who says, Just a game mr mac, just a game !  Ya gotta love it !
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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les claytor

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #94 on: February 05, 2002, 08:50:42 PM »
How about the first at Noth Berwick hard against the sea.  A very nice progression from the rail station, the links hard against the town, to the understated pro shop cut into the dune. A fine start to one of my favorite courses.

For obscurity in Scotland, I found Old Musselborough fun in it's simplicity.  Talk about bare bones public golf. The first green is sunken and very few features are evident from the tee adding to the mysterious nature of the place. Did they really hold the Open here?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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mps

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #95 on: February 08, 2002, 08:18:11 AM »
Machrihanish - hands down (especially if you have some idea of how much of the beach to cut off)!

Portstewart - distant second.

I also like the Old White nomination - not one that would instantly come to mind but a great starter.

How can anybody pick the first at Prestwick?  Not my ideal starter that's for sure! And I even like the course.  I just have an aversion to beginning a round with a 3 iron that ends up on the railway.

North Berwick (one of my all-time favorites as well) does start with a great setting but the first hole is one of the worst on the course - how can you pick a hole as the best opener when someone supposedly played it with a putter (off the tee) then a 3 wood?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Richard_Goodale

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #96 on: February 08, 2002, 08:33:59 AM »
mps

The object at Preswtwick is to NOT hit the ball on the railway line.  A much better opener than NB or Machrihanish, IMHO.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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mps

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #97 on: February 08, 2002, 09:32:32 AM »
Rich - believe me, I wasn't aiming for the railway!  I hate "playing it safe" then screwing up anyway.  

As for NB - I think it's a poor opening hole but a great setting for a first tee.  Given that the hole is such a dog it shouldn't be uttered in the same breath as MACHRIHANISH or Portstewart.

I'll also nominate the TENTH at Muirfield as a great FIRST tee since all three times I've played there, they have made me play the back nine first!  The Honourable Company is such an agreeable bunch - so welcoming, so laid back!  Happy to take your CASH (no credits cards here, SIR) but we'd rather you not step foot on the grounds.  Ahh Muirfield...makes me long for Dornoch.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Richard_Goodale

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #98 on: February 08, 2002, 09:47:38 AM »
mps

It's usually a 4-iron to the railway line for me at Prestwick, but I'm pretty long....... :)

I've played Muirfield about 15 times and NEVER played off the 10th.  Must be equivalent to winning the Powerball lottery!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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mps

Re: Favourite First Tees
« Reply #99 on: February 09, 2002, 08:48:55 AM »
Rich
Did you play Muirfield with a member?  Can't figure out why I've had such rotten luck over the years.  Maybe I'm paranoid but I'm convinced they take perverse pleasure in pimping American visitors around.  That's the main reason I'd rather be a welcoming club like Dornoch or Machrihanish.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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