Is there a "barrens" school of architecture?

[Michael Moore]

I recently went for a walk at the Wells Barrens Preserve in Wells, Maine.



This is a vital conservation area, and I was enjoying it as such. However, I must confess that after a while I began to imagine a golf course laid out on these 550 magnificent sandy acres.

Are there such courses out there? Courses on barrens or built to emulate this gorgeous landscape?

[Peter Pallotta]

Wow.

I'm as blind as a bat with such things, but I think I can already see a gentle Par 5 opener, a short but dangerous Par 3 2nd set amidst the trees, and then a stout Par 4 coming back (and playing into the wind).  Perfect for C&Cs tastes and approach -- they haven't been afraid (and have been accused, I believe) of sometimes being "boring" -- so called. Let me tell you, if you can start "4-4-4" at Barren Wells you should take that to the bank and run, not walk, to the next tee.  

[Mark Bourgeois]

That land reminds me of the Carthage Club.

[Peter Pallotta]

I have to disagree with the esteemed Mark B. The land for Barren Wells is much more interesting than that for the Carthage Club. Take for example the opening Par 5, a slight right-to-left dogleg with room to the right. If you'll notice: about 230 yards out from the white tees you see a slight rise, maybe only 2 or 3 feet in elevation -- but enough in the hands of expert architects to create a conundrum/choice in the golfer's mind, as a 'safe' tee shot off to the right leaves a tricky second with the ball above your feet and an slightly obscured view, and little chance of reaching the green in two.

Peter

[Mark Bourgeois]

In addition to an all-world routing, Carthage Club has ambiance and solid infrastructure -- sets up well for events

[BCrosby]

Just the kind of place Tom Simpson would have loved.

Bob

[Peter Pallotta]

Mark - granted re the Carthage Club, but note: Barren Wells is out in the middle of nowhere, is difficult to get to, provides only very expensive on-site accomodation, charges $195 a round (after October 1st), and features a $22.50 hot-dog made of muskrat meat and organic seaweed at the turn....so it has all that going for it.

Peter

Remember - as the greeting card says: Minimalism means NEVER having to say you're sorry!

[Mark Bourgeois]

"That's because he treats her like dirt. Anyone can get a girl that way."

[Brad Tufts]

Was the ill-fated Booth/Faxon Burnt Mills near this land?

[Michael Moore]

Keenly observed Bradford, as that site is just to the south. I have always wanted to walk that abandoned layout. Poor Burnt Mill . . .

[Phil McDade]

I think its cousin might be the moors of England and Scotland:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb7zhYzenhY