Golf course architecture in the blogosphere

During the hours when I’m not turning out prose for TravelGolf.Com, spanking the wee whitey around the links or watching the children grow up, I learn about golf course architecture. A noted forum on the web accepted me as a member a few years back, so I now chime in with frequency on courses of note and architects of name. More often than not, I receive a comeuppance, but that’s ok. I cannot imagine passing the adult years as an expert on everything!

One of the interesting aspects of the aforementioned forum is the presence of actual, working golf course architects. Guys like Tom Doak (look him up if the name rings hollow) toss in their two cents with frequency, adding credibility and authenticity to the give and take. Of late, two of the guys I’ve enjoyed reading are a couple of Canucks, guys from the Toronto, Ontario area. Their names are Ian Andrew and Jeff Mingay.

One of the simplest ways to describe recent turns of events in golf course architecture is, a return to a simpler time. The journey away from the augustification of courses (overly- aestheticized, greened, flowered, ponded courses based on THAT place where THE Masters is held every year) toward the rustic, rugged, audubonish appearance of courses from the early days of American golf, coincided with the downturn in the economy. At that juncture, it was recognized that reclaiming natural areas (i.e., not mowing portions of the course, letting nature take over) was not only easier on the upkeep budget, but also healthier for the course and local flora/fauna.

While I can’t promise you acceptance by the powers that control the forum, you can bookmark their blog sites and stop in from time to time, to see what’s new. Andrew can be found at ianandrewsgolfdesignblog.blogspot.com while Mingay hangs out at mingaygolfcoursedesign.blogspot.com.