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 […]
Now I can recall sitting in a college lecture hall, over 20 years ago, listening to my Landscape Architecture History professor babble on about English gardens, pocket parks, Sir Humphrey Repton, Capability Brown….and a fellow by the name of Jens Jensen. Why do I remember his name? Even then, it struck me that his […]
Surely by now the word is out….there is a world class golf resort on the coast of southern Oregon? It’s called Bandon Dunes. There are four 18-hole courses on the property and they’re all ranked among the Top 100 in the US. Yes, you say? You’ve heard of it? Oh, you’ve been there? Great! […]
Several weeks ago, I found myself channel surfing (a common, last ditch effort before going to bed). I happened to stumble upon a documentary program on PBS on Machu Pichu. I have always had a strong curiosity and desire to visit this Incan ruin someday, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World…so I […]
I’m not attempting to be trite here! The subject of “fun” has become a trendy topic of late and, in all seriousness, FUN is something that has frankly been overlooked in our fine game for some time. Not because of lack of interest, but because the game became perhaps a bit too serious on […]
The past few years have been exhausting. Golf industry trends have been as depressing as the Nightly News. So when you hear a success story, it really stands out and makes you take pause. One such incidence involves a links style golf course in Rhode Island that I co-designed with Arthur Hills called Newport […]
It sure has been a heck of a summer, hasn’t it? The upper Midwest has seen some brutally hot periods… very dry, and windy. Not a great recipe for keeping a golf course looking good – not to mention our own yards. Our droughty conditions should serve as a great reminder though – that […]
My friend, writer Chris Santella placed this interesting piece in the NY Times earlier this week called "Pitch and Putt and Behold the Glory." His placement is a timely one now with waves of non-traditional golf facilities popping up all over North American and the World. Why? The people have spoken and their messages are […]
This past week marked a bit of history, and perhaps the dawning of a new movement in high profile, international golf course architecture. Pennsylvania based Gil Hanse was appointed to design the official golf venue in Brazil for the 2016 Olympic games, and we take with that decision a few, key notes. Much to the […]
For me, this is a fun list – not to be taken too seriously. So, it’s not up for debate or for comparison with the Top 100 lists. It is simply a mentioning of some courses that offer up a good day on the course – for me at least, and maybe for you as […]
This week marks the beginning of the annual PGA Tour sweep through Florida …including stops at PGA National, Doral, Innisbrook, Lake Nona, and Bay Hill – all tune-ups for the April bloom date in Georgia. So let’s say hello again to palm trees, white sand, grainy bermudagrass greens and lots of liquid trouble. It’s too […]