Two items of “golf” from the land of everybody’s least favorite lugnut, Kim Jong II. First, in an effort reminiscent of North Korean elections, a company building a golf course in the North’s Geumgang Mtns created a bizarre hole where the ball will careen into the cup as long as the golfer lands his shot anywhere on the green. “We plan...
From the “and I thought I was doing cool stuff” page, here’s a great feel good story. My best friend, entertainment lawyer David Rose of Pryor Cashman Sherman & Flynn saved some guy’s life last week. Apparently while waiting in line at Tony Luke’s Restaurant, some fella started choking on his cheese steak. According to the store...
Thanks to the architects who appreciate my perspective on public golf and course design, the writers who have befriended me, my and most importantly, you my readers, I received press credentials to cover the 2005 U.S. Open at Pinehurst. I’ll provide stories from past Opens in the coming weeks. There will also be features on Pinehurst, other major tournament...
PACIFIC DUNES GOLF COURSE Round Lake Drive Bandon, OR 888.345.6008 www.bandondunesgolf.com Architect: Tom Doak Par 71 Excitement Level – 12/12 Difficulty – 9/12 Conditioning – ***** Cost – $200 peak, $60 reduced Value – ***** Tees Yards Rating Slope Tournament 6557 72.9 133 Regular 6174 70.9 131 Resort 5799 69.3 125 Forward 5101 71.1 131...
I’m thrilled to get the privilege to be invited by the club and designer to play Mike Strantz’s redesign of Monterey Peninsula Golf Club (Shore Course) It was hailed by the attendees at the American Society of Golf Course Architects as a triumph. Many have predicted it will host a major soon. Also…a very happy birthday to my mom, Jeanne Flemma. I...
Help! Somebody call the doctor quick! I’ve got Michelle Wie Fever! What’s wrong??? Why, it’s Michelle Wie – there’s sooooo much that’s newsworthy and I’m just burning up with excitement! I can’t see straight. My ears are ringing I’m drenched in sweat and my breathing is shallow and raspy. And it’s all...
Short on time and long on work, Maples enlisted not one shaper, but four different ones at Little River Farm. He had laid out the basic sites for each of the eighteen holes previously and noted four different terrains, each of which comprised a stretch of four holes. Four shapers would speed the building timetable significantly and each could tackle four holes in...
Here’s a great alternative golf vacation – take part in some of the most unique golf tournaments in the world. My favorite is the Bushmill’s Malt Causeway Coast open, held over four days in June at four world class courses in Northern Ireland. Players are paired in four man teams and play one round each at Portstewart, Ballycastle, Castlerock and...
I am thrilled to introduce everyone to one of my dearest friends and favorite people in the world, Cameron Myler. Cameron is a four-time Olympic athlete in the sport of luge. (Just think back to when we all slid down hills in grade school on lunch trays, only way faster and more dangerous). Perhaps the greatest testament to Cameron’s dedication, sportsmanship...
The Pit’s popularity crosses a broad spectrum of player abilities. It is fair and negotiable for average players, “but when its tournament time” Maples says with a knowing look “we can tuck those pins in some cool places. My favorite line that describes The Pit is ‘Purgatory at its best.'” This catchy label left by one critic is...
THE PIT GOLF LINKS State Hwy 5 Pinehurst, NC 28370 800.574.golf www.pitgolf.com www.maplesgolf.com Architect: Dan Maples Par – 71/72 Excitement Level – 8/12 Difficulty – 5/12 Conditioning – Three stars Cost – $45, excellent packages available Yearly memberships – No Value – Three stars Tees Yards Rating Slope Screw 6600 71.8...
Right now the AWITP team is on 95-S in the teeth of a snowstorm. Not the greatest omen for golf, but as we have not yet reached VA, hopefully we’ll see 50s, maybe even 60s by journey’s end. I would shudder to think of trying to walk and play Tobacco Road in blowing 40 degree cold. The course would prove most cruel indeed. On such days, always remember...
AN OPEN LETTER TO DAVID DUVAL A lot of ink has been spilt and bandwidth absorbed chronicling the recent on-course tribulations of David Duval. Sure he has certainly carded some cringe-inducing scores and shouldered some searing, withering criticism. Sure he is a long way from the form that made him immortal back in the summer of 2001. Several folks have joked about...
CONCORD GOLF CLUB (THE MONSTER) Concord Road Kiamesha Lake, NY 12751 845.794.4000 Architect: Joe Finger Par – 72 Excitement Level – 8/12 Difficulty – 10/12 Design: Four and 1/2 stars (all ratings out of 7) Natural Setting – Four and 1/2 stars Conditioning – Three and ½ stars Cost – $65 Peak, $55 Off-Peak/Reduced Yearly memberships...
The 6th at Tot Hill Farm