Pete Dye or Donald Ross?

[Ronald Montesano]

During a match at our home course this week, a fellow asked me "Is this a Pete Dye course?"


The fellow plays on a Donald Ross course, but could not connect the two courses. They are not dissimilar.


I realized that many people simply offer a name of an architect that they have heard or read.


To the untrained and unread eye and mind, bunkers are bunkers. Greens are greens. Fairways are fairways.

[John Kavanaugh]

Define trained. It's the assumption of stupidity that quells the thirst for knowledge. I find it fascinating to listen and learn what golfers know before I preach to them about what they don't.

[Richard Hetzel]

"most" golfers I come across are not golf architecture geeks like us. They are there to play golf, they couldn't care less who designed the course, and all the nuances involved in course design.
I would play most Ross courses over most Dye courses most days of the week.

[John Kavanaugh]

With all the Dyebros restoring Ross courses it won't be long before the only difference is the age of the clubhouse.

[Tim Martin]

After the current lineup of superstar archies are called home their courses will also get changed/restored. I can’t say exactly when but it’s the way of the world.

[John Kavanaugh]

I'll be spending a week with a bunch of untrained and unread minds at Pinehurst next week. We got through Pebble last year without anyone falling in the ocean. I will say though that despite their dumbheadedness they all thought Spanish Bay was the worst course we played. Their analysis was spot on, the only difference being that these guys don't bitch about maintenance with quite the fervor you see on here. Maintenance meld...give me a break.


I am looking forward to listening to the debate concerning Cradle v. Hay.


One thing I do know is that these guys won't be taking practice swings in greenside bunkers just cause some starter says that every inch of sand on the course is a waste area.

[Terry Lavin]

I have a friend bringing a group to Pebble next week. He’s just hoping to break 100 on each course. I said, “where you staying, not where you playing?”


He said they’re staying at Spanish Bay. That, in my opinion, is what they’ll be happiest about. Just saying.

[Michael Moore]

Has failing to know or care about the architect ever cost anyone a shot or an ounce of enjoyment?

[John Kavanaugh]

During a match at our home course this week, a fellow asked me "Is this a Pete Dye course?"


The fellow plays on a Donald Ross course, but could not connect the two courses. They are not dissimilar.


I realized that many people simply offer a name of an architect that they have heard or read.


To the untrained and unread eye and mind, bunkers are bunkers. Greens are greens. Fairways are fairways.

Does the golfer who asked you the question know that you are a recognized published expert in the field? What Ross course does he play?

[Mike Hendren]

Poor H H Barker - not even a footnote to Donald J Ross.


Mike

[cary lichtenstein]

It's the same with paintings, most people not only don't know who the artist is, but could care less. They are just not interested. I have a friend who has an important worldclass train collection, who knows nothing about golf or art, and he is a very bright guy.

[John Kavanaugh]

It's the same with paintings, most people not only don't know who the artist is, but could care less. They are just not interested. I have a friend who has an important worldclass train collection, who knows nothing about golf or art, and he is a very bright guy.

Cary,


Would your friend think you were stupid if you mistook his Z scale train for a more classic HO scale? Would he post about it on his blog?  It is kinda stupid. Who could blame him?

[Steve Lang]

I'll be spending a week with a bunch of untrained and unread minds at Pinehurst next week...


I am looking forward to listening to the debate concerning Cradle v. Hay.


One thing I do know is that these guys won't be taking practice swings in greenside bunkers just cause some starter says that every inch of sand on the course is a waste area.

JK, So how many and which Ross courses are on the itinerary?  The usual suspects?

[Peter Sayegh]

Has failing to know or care about the architect ever cost anyone a shot or an ounce of enjoyment?

+1. A perfect post.