Golf books you'd like to see written

[Matt Schoolfield]

Based on my exposure to Charlie Sifford, I suspect he would find what Nick is doing as more helpful than worrying about “truth and reconciliation”.

I would like to remind everyone here that Pine Valley effectively admitted they had been illegally discriminating against women literally in the last 12 months. Not a single prominent publication published anything about it, much less condemned the club. This isn't some historical artifact. It's a cultural poison that is still actively hurting the game right now. This is exactly why I'd like to see that book published. We don't even know the level at which each club could have done these things intentionally or maliciously, and we won't unless someone is able to ask some tough questions, and unless some people at these clubs are willing to talk about how it happened.

I wonder what is said at sororities and exclusive city women’s clubs.


https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN2410P0/

Look, I'm already regretting the comment, because it's distracting away from the genuinely thought provoking responses here from other folks, but I'll say this with as much patience as I can muster...

I am talking about literally illegal behavior. Pine Valley Golf Club violating the civil rights of women in New Jersey should be seen as shameful, period. The fact that you would conflate this with the existence of fraternities and sororities makes me think you do not take seriously that PVGC actually broke the law. This goes way beyond the lows of the expectations we should have for golf clubs, much less the institutions that represent "the best" of what golf has to offer.

Obviously, there is nuance to broad issues like this. Are there places where sex-discrimination is not harmful, or is even reasonable? Of course. Sororities and fraternities are generally reasonable, women's sporting leagues are generally reasonable. The game of golf is not one of those places. The stewards of the game ought to have a modicum of decency and not proliferate the bigoted traditions of their institutions.

Just knowing how much that club inspired the Dunes Club and Bandon, I wonder how much worse off the golf world be if Mike Keiser's name had just happened to be Michelle.

[Philip Gordillo]

I'd love to read an in-depth biography of Joseph Bartholomew, the African-American architect who was born in New Orleans, moved to NY to study golf architecture, and then moved back to New Orleans where he designed several courses in the area. He also had his own construction company. He was born in the 1880's, so he did all of this during an era where society, let alone country clubs, didn't exactly treat "his kind" with open arms.

David - Agree that a book on Mr. Bartholomew certainly deserves to written given his amazing life.  We devoted a chapter on him in the Metairie CC Centennial Book and an additional sidebar on the Joe Bartholomew Memorial Golf Course.  However, sources material was difficult to obtain except for early newspaper articles which never tell the whole story.  Fortunately, two of his grandsons provided interviews for the book which was very helpful.  Hopefully more information is discovered in the future.

[Michael Morandi]

Based on my exposure to Charlie Sifford, I suspect he would find what Nick is doing as more helpful than worrying about “truth and reconciliation”.

I would like to remind everyone here that Pine Valley effectively admitted they had been illegally discriminating against women literally in the last 12 months. Not a single prominent publication published anything about it, much less condemned the club. This isn't some historical artifact. It's a cultural poison that is still actively hurting the game right now. This is exactly why I'd like to see that book published. We don't even know the level at which each club could have done these things intentionally or maliciously, and we won't unless someone is able to ask some tough questions, and unless some people at these clubs are willing to talk about how it happened.

I wonder what is said at sororities and exclusive city women’s clubs.


https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN2410P0/

Look, I'm already regretting the comment, because it's distracting away from the genuinely thought provoking responses here from other folks, but I'll say this with as much patience as I can muster...

I am talking about literally illegal behavior. Pine Valley Golf Club violating the civil rights of women in New Jersey should be seen as shameful, period. The fact that you would conflate this with the existence of fraternities and sororities makes me think you do not take seriously that PVGC actually broke the law. This goes way beyond the lows of the expectations we should have for golf clubs, much less the institutions that represent "the best" of what golf has to offer.

Obviously, there is nuance to broad issues like this. Are there places where sex-discrimination is not harmful, or is even reasonable? Of course. Sororities and fraternities are generally reasonable, women's sporting leagues are generally reasonable. The game of golf is not one of those places. The stewards of the game ought to have a modicum of decency and not proliferate the bigoted traditions of their institutions.

Just knowing how much that club inspired the Dunes Club and Bandon, I wonder how much worse off the golf world be if Mike Keiser's name had just happened to be Michelle.

Pine Valley is a special case. It is its own municipality and must comply with state law governing municipalities. As such, it cannot discriminate against women.


https://www.nj.com/news/g66l-2019/03/5a79621ac7293/inside-njs-exclusive-tiny-town-where-only-men-who-golf-can-own-homes.html

[Matt Schoolfield]

Pine Valley is a special case. It is its own municipality and must comply with state law governing municipalities. As such, it cannot discriminate against women.

And yet they chose to anyway, for decades. Perhaps they just couldn't afford legal council to let them know they were breaking the law... maybe that's why it took them over a year to come to the settlement that fully complied with the NJ AG's demands. And, to their credit, they did comply without incident, though voting to remove some restrictions only after the investigation started.

The reason why I'd like to read a book about this is to understand what happened. Why did the State of New Jersey have to sue instead of simply informing them politely. Why did it take over a year for them to settle? There is a story there, just like how there is a story to the reason why Cypress Point simply refused to admit any black members for 20 years after being pilloried by the PGA tour. Was there animus or just an existing wait list? Understanding these nuances is the difference between a strident, if unpopular, decision and a legal but shameful one. Beyond that, I see any conflation between what is legal and what is good as... myopic at best.

[Joe Zucker]

Is there a good Pete Dye biography I'm unaware of? If not, that seems like an obvious one.


Honestly, I really liked "The Golf Courses of Seth Raynor" and would love a book in this style about several other architects.  A high level summary about each course, how it came to be, what changes have been made, and key features that makes it stand out.  All with great pictures.  A book like this would be enjoyable for MacKenzie, Ross (too many courses, so maybe pick the top 100?), Bendelow, Flynn, Morris, Maxwell, Macon, Dye, Tillinghast, Langford, Thompson.

[Tommy Williamsen]

Is there a good Pete Dye biography I'm unaware of? If not, that seems like an obvious one.


Honestly, I really liked "The Golf Courses of Seth Raynor" and would love a book in this style about several other architects.  A high level summary about each course, how it came to be, what changes have been made, and key features that makes it stand out.  All with great pictures.  A book like this would be enjoyable for MacKenzie, Ross (too many courses, so maybe pick the top 100?), Bendelow, Flynn, Morris, Maxwell, Macon, Dye, Tillinghast, Langford, Thompson.

Joe, you probably are familiar with these books about Ross. Others might not be.


https://www.amazon.com/Discovering-Donald-Ross-Architect-Expanded/dp/0578083981/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Q0DJHWRJNPTK&keywords=discovering+donald+ross&qid=1707170638&sprefix=discovering+donal%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-1\\

https://www.amazon.com/Golf-Was-Meant-Played-Celebration/dp/0789303957/ref=sr_1_5?crid=Q0DJHWRJNPTK&keywords=discovering+donald+ross&qid=1707170757&sprefix=discovering+donal%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-5

And this one about Tillinghast.

https://www.amazon.com/Tillinghast-Creator-Classics-Selection-Literature/dp/0940889676/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3ILXMP167Q5JM&keywords=aw+tillinghast&qid=1707170838&sprefix=tillinghast%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-4#customerReviews


I like this one about Dye


https://www.amazon.com/Bury-Me-Pot-Bunker-Challenging/dp/0201407698/ref=sr_1_2?hvadid=580761820256&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9059777&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14925751763316276466&hvtargid=kwd-1859155238&hydadcr=2763_13534666&keywords=bury+me+in+a+pot+bunker&qid=1707170974&sr=8-2

[Joe Zucker]

Thanks a lot for sharing those Tommy. I had not seen the Tillinghast book.  Bury Me in a Pot Bunker looks familiar, but I've never read it so I'll rectify that.  However, it's 25 years old so maybe time for an update!

[Garland Bayley]

Golf world badly needs an in-depth golf equipment book. There are concepts in club fitting and club building that are significantly more nebulous to golfers than Redans and surface drainage. Professional fitters shouldn’t be the only ones hanging onto dynamic loft and EI curves.

Cap'n Clubmaker: Experiences & Insights from a Life in Search of the Perfect Golf Club, Tom Wishon

[Wayne_Kozun]

How about a book on The Tillinghast Sketches controversy that played out on GCA about a decade ago?

[Greg Hohman]

 “Greatest Hits” of the thread begun on Feb 10, 2010 by Ed Oden: A Compilation of Routing Maps, Plans and Architectural Drawings. Including essays about them. Essay topics would emerge during the research.

[Adam Lawrence]

How about a book on The Tillinghast Sketches controversy that played out on GCA about a decade ago?

Some sleeping dogs are best left lying.

[Tom_Doak]

Thanks a lot for sharing those Tommy. I had not seen the Tillinghast book.  Bury Me in a Pot Bunker looks familiar, but I've never read it so I'll rectify that.  However, it's 25 years old so maybe time for an update!

I have recently gone back to Mr. Dye's book a couple of times for research as to what he said about Crooked Stick and Harbour Town.  It's a better book than I remembered . . . a lot of it is in Pete's own words.  He maybe doesn't get into as much detail as some would want, but I don't know who could possibly add anything to it, other than maybe a coffee table edition with photos of the courses.  [It doesn't have any photos of his work.]

[Niall C]

How about a book on The Tillinghast Sketches controversy that played out on GCA about a decade ago?

Some sleeping dogs are best left lying.

My first thought was has it really been 10 years ?


Niall

[Marty Bonnar]

How about a book on The Tillinghast Sketches controversy that played out on GCA about a decade ago?

Some sleeping dogs are best left lying.

My first thought was has it really been 10 years ?


Niall

Yup! 2014.
I’d really like to see a biography of Jamie Anderson. A sad, tragic end to a glittering three-Opens-in-a-row career.
F.

[Joe Zucker]

Thanks a lot for sharing those Tommy. I had not seen the Tillinghast book.  Bury Me in a Pot Bunker looks familiar, but I've never read it so I'll rectify that.  However, it's 25 years old so maybe time for an update!

I have recently gone back to Mr. Dye's book a couple of times for research as to what he said about Crooked Stick and Harbour Town.  It's a better book than I remembered . . . a lot of it is in Pete's own words.  He maybe doesn't get into as much detail as some would want, but I don't know who could possibly add anything to it, other than maybe a coffee table edition with photos of the courses.  [It doesn't have any photos of his work.]

I guess I'd be interested in the work that was done post 1994? Straits and Irish come to mind (and maybe the Kampen at Purdue?), but I'm not sure what he designed of consequence after the book was published.  Perhaps a new book isn't needed, but an update for the rest of his life?

[Dan Boerger]

I would like to see a book by someone who would be bold enough to predict the future of this game (professional and recreational) for the next 50 years or so. A Faith Popcorn futurist of sorts.



For a golf book that's already been written, I fully recommend Michael Bamberger's "The Ball in the Air." Moving stories about people who love the game and have experienced some real highs and lows chasing the little white ball.

[Garland Bayley]

Thanks a lot for sharing those Tommy. I had not seen the Tillinghast book.  Bury Me in a Pot Bunker looks familiar, but I've never read it so I'll rectify that.  However, it's 25 years old so maybe time for an update!

I have recently gone back to Mr. Dye's book a couple of times for research as to what he said about Crooked Stick and Harbour Town.  It's a better book than I remembered . . . a lot of it is in Pete's own words.  He maybe doesn't get into as much detail as some would want, but I don't know who could possibly add anything to it, other than maybe a coffee table edition with photos of the courses.  [It doesn't have any photos of his work.]

I don't understand why all the references to Pete on this thread ignore that fellow member Joel Zuckerman wrote and published such a book: Pete Dye Golf Courses Fifty Years of Visionary Design.

[Cal Carlisle]

I would like to see a book by someone who would be bold enough to predict the future of this game (professional and recreational) for the next 50 years or so. A Faith Popcorn futurist of sorts.

If only Alvin Toffler was still alive. Some of his books made pretty impressive predictions.

[Bill Shamleffer]

Not an architecture related book, but would like to see a bio on Frank Stranahan.


A cool architecture book could be great muni courses.  From Van Cartland Park to Chambers Bay, and the many in between.

[Joe Zucker]

Thanks a lot for sharing those Tommy. I had not seen the Tillinghast book.  Bury Me in a Pot Bunker looks familiar, but I've never read it so I'll rectify that.  However, it's 25 years old so maybe time for an update!

I have recently gone back to Mr. Dye's book a couple of times for research as to what he said about Crooked Stick and Harbour Town.  It's a better book than I remembered . . . a lot of it is in Pete's own words.  He maybe doesn't get into as much detail as some would want, but I don't know who could possibly add anything to it, other than maybe a coffee table edition with photos of the courses.  [It doesn't have any photos of his work.]

I don't understand why all the references to Pete on this thread ignore that fellow member Joel Zuckerman wrote and published such a book: Pete Dye Golf Courses Fifty Years of Visionary Design.

Probably because we didn't know it existed?  I just bought a copy, thanks for sharing!

[Tom_Doak]

Thanks a lot for sharing those Tommy. I had not seen the Tillinghast book.  Bury Me in a Pot Bunker looks familiar, but I've never read it so I'll rectify that.  However, it's 25 years old so maybe time for an update!

I have recently gone back to Mr. Dye's book a couple of times for research as to what he said about Crooked Stick and Harbour Town.  It's a better book than I remembered . . . a lot of it is in Pete's own words.  He maybe doesn't get into as much detail as some would want, but I don't know who could possibly add anything to it, other than maybe a coffee table edition with photos of the courses.  [It doesn't have any photos of his work.]

I don't understand why all the references to Pete on this thread ignore that fellow member Joel Zuckerman wrote and published such a book: Pete Dye Golf Courses Fifty Years of Visionary Design.

Well, I for one have never seen that book.  Edit:  guess I wasn't alone.

[Tommy Williamsen]

I have Joel’s book. It is a good read.

[Tim_Cronin]

Joel's book is excellent. A broad overview of his work and then course-by-course details reviews/analyses. Copious photos. Note that there are several dust jackets for the same book; the jacket of mine is Delray Dunes.

[Dónal Ó Ceallaigh]

I have Joel's book; signed by the author and Mr. Pete Dye. I think it's very well done, plenty of text and good photos.

[Bill Shamleffer]

A book on the Foulis family could be a good addition.