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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 –...
The 6th at Tot Hill Farm
For decades Dan Maples has designed highly acclaimed courses throughout the Carolinas, most notably The Pit, which for years graced numerous top 50 lists. Now his daughter Jennifer has helped carry the torch of egalitarianism, designing and offering wonderfully inexpensive golf packages...
One singular moment of ugliness reigned supreme over the ESPN-endorsed craziness at the 16th hole at the TPC Scottsdale – Kevin Na was not merely heckled, but booed by the crowd. It’s one thing to root a little harder for a favorite player, but mob justice has no place in golf...
I’ll get back to golf travel again next post, but I have congratulate ESPN again for keeping a perfect record – when it comes to golf, no one is more wrong, more loudly, more often. Robert Thompson from www.goingforthegreen.blogspot.com and I are lamenting the drivel that...
In the interest of consumer awareness, every once in a while we will have to make frank and honest reviews of some courses that “need improvement” ;);) in certain areas. Some great designs occasionally fall into dis-repair. Other courses may have great conditioning, but have...
They are our unsung heroes. Those great teching professionals who are our svengalis of swing, our crying towel after losses, our homestyle sports psychologists, and our hope for the future (and the future of our great game). This week we highlight three great course pros who are great...
We are hard at work on more long form reviews while the snow flies here in the Big Apple, but to keep your nose and toes warm, here’s three more great places that won’t break the bank, but will maximize your golf excitement. At a mere $60 in high season (and some top out at a...
Photo Courtesy of Jane Hardy and Shotmakers Photography, www.shotmakersphotography.com
ARROWHEAD GOLF CLUB 10850 West Sundown Trail Littleton, CO 303.973.9614 Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Par – 70 Excitement Level – 10/12 Difficulty – 5/12 Cost – $125 peak, $35 reduced Yearly Memberships – No Conditioning – **** Value – *****...
I’ll try to keep this brief and get back to golf soon. As most of you know, my main profession is as an entertainment and intellectual property attorney with a strong focus on the confluence of media and the internet. (OK…as well as representing rock bands and record cos and...
Brent Kelly and the nice folks at about.com did an interview with me about my book and blog. Please check out their terrific golf site at www.golf.about.com and if you want to read the interview there the link is . Golf Course Architecture Aficionado Turns Passion into Book Project Jay...
Hang tight Ralph, we’ll get you out of there in a second!
Steve, Terry and the player to be named later.
Thanks to everyone who made the first trip of ’05 such a success. The only thing better than great golf is great friends and great golf together and this trip was surely “meet new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold. PGA Golf Club – Dye and South...
Great Florida Trips Jacksonville Area (four or five days): Sawgrass (five stars value, 12/12 Excitement Level, 12/12 Design), Ocean Hammock, (four stars value, 9/12 Excitement Value, 10/12 design) Amelia Island Plantation. (four stars value, 7/12 Excitement Value, 7/12 design) Day 1: Fly...
TPC SAWGRASS (STADIUM) 110 TPC Blvd. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 904.273.3235 www.tpc.com Architect: Pete Dye Par 72 Excitement Level – 12/12 Difficulty – 12/12 Design – Seven stars Natural Setting – Four and 1/2 stars Conditioning – Seven stars Cost –...
The scenic 12th green at Richter Park