J Drew Rogers

Tournament Golf

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. As the group shuffled down the hill from the tee, MacKenzie referred to the relocated green and uttered, “Now this looks more like Maxwell!” Indeed, […]

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. And when I think of some of the best I’ve played… and a few that I’ve designed… it’s these shorter ones that always seem to be […]

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”.  So […]

From Sunningdale to Sylvania

Golf has been kind to the greater Toledo, Ohio area – a rich history of playing personalities, storied tournaments and grand courses.  One thinks immediately of the Inverness Club, regularly regarded among America’s top 50 courses and host to US Opens, PGA Championships, and a US Amateur, among others.  The course was designed by one […]

Reflections on Long Island Part One of Four

Several weeks ago, I joined up with nearly 100 of my golf course architect friends from Europe, Australia and the US for five days of golf, architectural study and camaraderie on some of our country’s finest venues.   Our destination: Long Island, NY.                           […]

Why is Golf Fun?

  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 […]

When April Can Go Bad

  Masters week… a savored tradition among golfers.  For the sport, there is hardly a more sought after ticket.  For those without badges, CBS will have us all dialed in to watch what some call their “favorite major”.  Without question, we can all recall our favorite moments from the tournaments of the past – on […]

Reflections on Riviera

  I confess that I am less intrigued these days by watching the PGA Tour on TV than in previous years.  Aside from the linksland challenges of the Open Championship and being serenaded on my sofa by the guitar music of the Masters (is there a better afternoon nap, interrupted occasionally by chirping birds or […]

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