[Mark_Fine]

Mike Strantz was one of the most brilliant architects of his day.  When I first saw Tobacco Road right after it opened, my initial thoughts were that this is really cool but someone needs to reign this guy in.  I was dead wrong.  If anything, Mike needed to be let alone to keep thinking out of the box but sadly Mike left us way too early.   He clearly had the vision and imagination to do different things and maybe alter the direction of golf course design.  Who knows what he would have done if he were still designing today.  Mike's work was nothing like a Ruth’s Chris Steak House where you know the food is going to be exceptional, but the menu is going to look pretty much the same 

[Ronald Montesano]

I agree, Mark. Stonehouse was one of the great letdowns for me, because I wondered how much of its penal nature was the result of the housing. It was the most unStrantz course of the six (TRoad, TBlue, Caledonia, THFarm, RNKent are the others) that I have played. I'd like to see Bulls Bay some day.


I'm always happy to see Maverick Golf Design still has an operating web site. Strantz courses were built for guys like me and my colleague, Kevin "The Scrambler" Lynch. There's something about the recovery shot, about the grand risk, about the unconventional, that calls to the pair of us.


The tee shot at Tot Hill Farm is akin to Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole. A wonderland awaits, you're not certain what you'll see, and you cannot wait.

[Mark_Fine]

Ronald,
Mike was a true visionary.  He saw GCA differently.  I have played many of the ones you mentioned along with others such at Monterrey Peninsula Shore Course.  I think he was just getting started with trying to change GCA but we will never know.

[Niall C]

Mark


I've played True Blue and Caledonia and thought they were fantastic courses but not sure where the Stranz being a visionary bit comes in. Care to explain ?


Niall

[Mark_Fine]

Niall,
Have you played Tobacco Road?  Part of the point behind that Tobacco Road thread was because that design was sooo different and so "controversial".  I have experienced a lot of golf courses all over the world and never have seen anything like it.  I think those who have played it agree.  The mix of visual stimulation and deception and blindness and contour and obstacles all integrated together in something that works and frankly is playable for many is stunning.  You can call that what you want but I called it visionary

[Ronald Montesano]

I'm not certain how many other architects are also excellent painters. Mike Strantz was. I know that Ian Andrew also paints.


I think that there is a correlation between artist and visionary. Mike Strantz courses are all playable, and they never grow old. There are always new angles to discover on the par 4 and 5 holes, and some of the par 3 holes have what I call a Cauldron set-up. The green sits in a place around which tees are placed on an arc. Different ways to come in. He loved the short par four that could be driven and seduced. The safe zone always existed, and the line to the green said hell yes, you can make the carry. Really good stuff.

[Dan_Callahan]

He loved the short par four that could be driven and seduced. The safe zone always existed, and the line to the green said hell yes, you can make the carry.

The 5th hole at Tobacco Road is a great example of this. It also happens to be one of my favorite uphill par 4s. The elevation change adds an interesting element to an already cool as hell hole. The yardage immediately has you thinking about taking the straight line to the green. But then you wonder how much the uphill will take off your driver. And with all the visual intimidation staring you in the face, your mind quickly turns to an internal debate between playing safe or be a hero.

[Mark_Fine]

Dan,
Amen.  I was tempted to make that carry and did.  The tee shot rolled up to the edge of the green and rolled back down to 30 yards from the pin.  Sadly my second shot did the same and what looked like a sure birdie after making the long carry turned into a quick bogie.  But it was fun! 


What a cool golf hole with so many interesting hole locations as well.  And the temptation and deception off the tee is brilliant. 

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