Drew's Blog

My Time with Jackie Burke, Jr.

Each year, the American Society of Golf Course Architects conducts our annual meetings — always at a different venue. In April, we held our event at The Woodlands in Houston. Each day is a mixture of business meetings, continuing education, formal dinners and.golf.

A Summer to Remember

I was fortunate enough to have two, sizeable renovation construction projects going on simultaneously in Naples, Florida that commenced work in April, 2017. As we began the work, water levels in the lakes were at all-time lows.

Seminole: Does it Measure Up?

Donald Ross's Seminole Golf Course in Juno Beach, Florida, is universally recognized as one of the great architect's true masterpieces, and is a fixture in every list of the world's top courses. I first visited Seminole about two years ago and spent upwards of five hours walking and studying what is widely considered to be a perennial fit within the top 15 courses in the US. So when I returned again in May to actually play it for the first time, I was anxious to see how valid my initial impressions were.

MacKenzie Meets Augusta One Last Time (The Big Finish)

Having nearly completed the back nine tour, MacKenzie was regaining his humor, at least somewhat, and seemed to be tiring a bit as they finished at #16.

MacKenzie Meets Augusta One Last Time (Back Nine Tour)

When we last paused, Dr. MacKenzie was on his way to the 10th tee. The spirit amongst the group was strained at best as the architect's criticisms continued to mount.

MacKenzie Meets Augusta One Last Time (Front Nine Tour)

I had a dream last night. Alister MacKenzie is not dead. He's been hiding away since 1934 and he is completely unaware of the state of our game much less his designs. During his 82-year absence, MacKenzie has never once taken notice of The Masters......until now.

Does Size Really Matter ????

Maybe the title got your attention Just talking golf holes here - mainly the short-ish ones especially the 4's under 340 yards and the 3's under 120 yards.

Lake Zurich A Brand of Golf All It's Own

I've certainly enjoyed my share of "perks" while working in the golf industry. And while work often supersedes many of the opportunities presented, once in a while I get to take in some really unique golfing experiences. One such opportunity came about this past season when I was invited to visit Lake Zurich Golf Club in the north suburbs of Chicago.

March Madness at Doral

In an era where golf courses have fallen defenseless to the almighty length of touring professionals, we've seen fairways narrowed, bunkers added, trees planted, higher rough, conditions firmed up and green speeds lowered to the point that balls roll well beyond the tolerance of designed contours. Why? Because yes, "these guys are THAT good".

Girding for the Aftermath of Winter's Wrath

If you're living most anywhere in the Eastern US, chances are good the winter of 2014 has been a long, cold and entirely forgettable stretch.