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A_Clay_Man

Whose this Mother, Tucker? or, Lawrenece who?
« on: November 08, 2002, 06:55:01 AM »
I had the distinct honor and privledge to golf the Championship course at University of New Mexico, yesterday.
The course was built in 1967 by a regional gentleman named Lawrence(sp?). His use of the hillside topography was admirable, with movement everywhere. One hole even reminded me of some of Tillie's work at SFGC. Does anyone have any info about this man?

The course wasn't the first at UNM, I understand that in the early 40's a Scot by the name of Tucker built 18 holes of which nine survive to today. Showing much ignorance due to a lack of reading, can anyone elaborate on who Tucker was and why his name seems so familiar?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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SPDB*

Re: Whose this Mother, Tucker? or, Lawrenece who?
« Reply #1 on: November 08, 2002, 07:36:24 AM »
I'll assume its Red Lawrence, who, like so many other archs of this period, learned at the knee of William Flynn.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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SPDB*

Re: Whose this Mother, Tucker? or, Lawrenece who?
« Reply #2 on: November 08, 2002, 07:40:18 AM »
He designed primarily in the SW, and is probably best known for Desert Forest in Carefree. Also recall that he did the Wigwam.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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A_Clay_Man

Re: Whose this Mother, Tucker? or, Lawrenece who?
« Reply #3 on: November 08, 2002, 08:41:06 AM »
Yes, you assume correctly. Red was his nickname. Interesting that he learned from a golden ager. The description that filled my head while enjoying the round was that this was a classic course, in disguise.

I felt that on a day in day out basis this would be a wonderful home course. I did have the pleasure of playing with two local gentleman and thier discriptions of the Golf Association there, made me yearn to emulate and question why here in Farmington the populous doesn't "get it". Also Since the University owns and ops, the greed factor was non-existent and the general attitude would make even some nor-easters blush.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Jay Carstens

Re: Whose this Mother, Tucker? or, Lawrenece who?
« Reply #4 on: November 10, 2002, 08:04:56 AM »
A_Clay_Man,
Don't feel bad if you haven't seen or read much about Tucker.
Other than C&W, I'm yet to see anything and I've been searching for years!

We may be the "Tucker Capitol of the World" here in Lincoln, NE with three designs.  
The Country Club of Lincoln (1923)
Hillcrest CC FKA Shrine CC (1925)
and my home, Pioneer Park GC (1930)

Tucker has a connection with Willie Dunn, Jr. (which I haven't been able to pin down entirely yet) and he did work  construction for Tom Dunn and Young Willie Dunn in Europe before coming over (C&W).  This makes sense as Dunn did a 36-hole plan for us at PP but it wasn't used because it consumed over 300 of the 500 acre park.  Dunn also wanted the entire 36 built at one time,with his help, but the City declined and he was out.  
Enter Tucker, almost immediately, with his 27-holes (of which 18 exist).  These are the holes we enjoy today and I think you'd enjoy them too.  They fit the ground perfectly and it seems very little dirt was moved.  I've got a picture of our 10th if you'd like to see it or help post it here for everyone.

Tucker's name has come up here a couple times since I've been on but mostly the responses have few.  Glad to hear you enjoyed NM and I'll put it on my list of places to play!  Until then, I guess William Henry Tucker will continue to be the mystery golden age architect of GCA.

Jay
p.s. Mother Tucker?  




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

Re: Whose this Mother, Tucker? or, Lawrenece who?
« Reply #5 on: November 11, 2002, 07:48:12 AM »
Jay- Thanx for the info. I may have actually played Pioneer Pk. ten years ago.

MT was me trying to be cute. Try implies can't.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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John_D._Bernhardt

Re: Whose this Mother, Tucker? or, Lawrenece who?
« Reply #6 on: November 11, 2002, 07:57:54 AM »
Adam I played that course in the late 60s when I was in high school. small world. I have found memories.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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Jay Carstens

Re: Whose this Mother, Tucker? or, Lawrenece who?
« Reply #7 on: November 11, 2002, 09:06:53 AM »
A_Clay_Man,
No worries regarding "our" MT  ;)
It is sad Tucker hasn't recieved his due IMO because I'd consider him a skilled architect.  He's also someone I'd really like to learn more about if anyone can help.  We spent $1500 back in '29 for his design and it's the best money we ever spent.  Except for an '89 greens redesign (thanks, Jeff Brauer) the course hasn't changed and wouldn't need to be.

John/ACM, If you're ever in the neighborhood again be sure and stop by and I'll take care of you guys.  It's still a great buy regardless at $15 wkdy & $20 on the wkend.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
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