Golfing News & Blog Articles

If the average golfer considers the points of strategy which have been worked out in advance for a properly designed hole, he will undoubtedly improve his game in his play of such a problem. There is no question but that the strategy of golf is one of its most important assets, and our newer courses present many most interesting situations which increase their value. The question of strategy is of the utmost importance to the golf architect and to the golfer, and such strategy will be developed more and more during the coming years. GEORGE THOMAS

If the average golfer considers the points of strategy which have been worked out in advance for a properly designed hole, he will undoubtedly improve his game in his play of such a problem. There is no question but that the strategy of golf is one of its most important assets, and our newer courses present many most interesting situations which increase their value. The question of strategy is of the utmost importance to the golf architect and to the golfer, and such strategy will be developed more and more during the coming years. GEORGE THOMAS

More than three blind holes are a defect and they should be at the end of a fine long shot only. Excessive climbing is a detriment. Mountain climbing is a sport in itself and has no place on a golf course. Trees in the course are a serious defect, and even when in close proximity prove a detriment. Out of bounds should be avoided if possible. Cops are an abomination. Glaring artificiality of any kind detracts from the fascination of the game. C.B. MACDONALD

More than three blind holes are a defect and they should be at the end of a fine long shot only. Excessive climbing is a detriment. Mountain climbing is a sport in itself and has no place on a golf course. Trees in the course are a serious defect, and even when in close proximity prove a detriment. Out of bounds should be avoided if possible. Cops are an abomination. Glaring artificiality of any kind detracts from the fascination of the game. C.B. MACDONALD

Riviera was a grand dame of the game, a dowager empress. Hogan made it famous, and its corridors between the eucalyptus groves became hallowed ground, a shrine of golf. It achieved this grandeur with the immaculateness of its challenge. No water holes had to be piped in to artificialize its difficulty. The first time Bobby Jones played these storied acres, he shot a 73 and, as he came off the course, someone wanted to know what he thought of it. “Riviera?” said Jones, startled. “Well, it’s a fine course. But tell me--where do the members play?” But that was historic Riviera. That was Riviera before titanium shafts, space-age metal woods, four-irons you could hit 240 yards. The onslaught of modern technology--and the proliferation of young guys who played the game with no respect for tradition--seemed to dim Riviera’s luster. You could almost hear them wondering what all the shouting was about.It was depressing for hard-liners. It was like hearing Babe Ruth couldn’t hit the slider, Dempsey couldn’t punch with Tyson. JIM MURRAY

Riviera was a grand dame of the game, a dowager empress. Hogan made it famous, and its corridors between the eucalyptus groves became hallowed ground, a shrine of golf. It achieved this grandeur with the immaculateness of its challenge. No water holes had to be piped in to artificialize its difficulty. The first time Bobby Jones played these storied acres, he shot a 73 and, as he came off the course, someone wanted to know what he thought of it. “Riviera?” said Jones, startled. “Well, it’s a fine course. But tell me--where do the members play?” But that was historic Riviera. That was Riviera before titanium shafts, space-age metal woods, four-irons you could hit 240 yards. The onslaught of modern technology--and the proliferation of young guys who played the game with no respect for tradition--seemed to dim Riviera’s luster. You could almost hear them wondering what all the shouting was about.It was depressing for hard-liners. It was like hearing Babe Ruth couldn’t hit the slider, Dempsey couldn’t punch with Tyson. JIM MURRAY

To my mind, the most important thing in the Championship course is the terrain, because no matter how skillfully one may lay out the holes and diversify them, nevertheless one must get the thrill of nature. She must be big in mouldings for us to secure the complete exhilaration and joy of golf. The made course cannot compete with the natural one… GEORGE THOMAS

To my mind, the most important thing in the Championship course is the terrain, because no matter how skillfully one may lay out the holes and diversify them, nevertheless one must get the thrill of nature. She must be big in mouldings for us to secure the complete exhilaration and joy of golf. The made course cannot compete with the natural one… GEORGE THOMAS

To my mind, the most important thing in the Championship course is the terrain, because no matter how skillfully one may lay out the holes and diversify them, nevertheless one must get the thrill of nature. She must be big in mouldings for us to secure the complete exhilaration and joy of golf. The made course cannot compete with the natural one… GEORGE THOMAS

Greens may be long and narrow, wide and shallow, in fact of every shape; but the great thing to be noted is that they must adhere to three most important principles: First, their utility for the shot required, which includes orientation and visibility; second, their utility as to all drainage and other physical needs; third, their beauty taken as an individual unit, and also as they appear in the landscape. The man who can comply with these principles, and also diversify his greens, is a successful golf architect.
GEORGE THOMAS