Arizona Golf Insider
ARIZONAGOLF INSIDER
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
Stay and Play Amid the Untouched Sonoran Desert October 2021
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48 8. 12. 44. 64.
Features 16.
COVER STORY - WE-KO-PA CASINO RESORT | By Jerica Redd After 20 years of investment, We-Ko-Pa is now one of the leading stay-and-play golf retreats in Arizona, featuring updated amenities rivaling its top-ranked courses.
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THE PEOPLE’S OPEN IS BACK After a year of health restrictions and safety guidelines, the Waste Management Phoenix Open is back and set to be better than ever in 2022.
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SCOTLAND HISTORY & TRAVEL | By Scott MacPherson The fourth installment of the series, featuring an essay from noted St Andrews historian — and former caddie — Scott MacPherson, detailing his unique perspective on the Home of Golf.
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PATRIOT ALL-AMERICA - THRIVING IN YEAR 11 | By David Bataller One of the top collegiate golf tournaments in the country introduces a standout women’s field for the first time, with the AGF hosting upcoming events to garner the community’s support.
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OCTOBER 2021
SIGNATURE HOLE MEMBERS ONLY AGA NEWS 19TH HOLE
Departments 57.
RULES By Ed Gowan The unplayable lie goes under the microscope, and understanding the Rule can help gain the relief you’re looking for in a sticky situation.
60.
OUT OF BOUNDS By Dr. Alister MacKenzie One of the best golf course architects of all time questions the motives and methods of those looking to modify their local track.
ON THE COVER
What started as a Bingo parlor just off the Beeline Highway has become a stay-and-play golf and casino powerhouse. We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort offers Vegas-style amenities and some of the most picturesque golf on the planet.
ARIZONAGOLF INSIDER
7600 E. Redfield Rd., Suite 130, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (602) 944-3035 | www.azgolf.org
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS
From the Executive Director BY ED GOWAN
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Jackie Bertsch, Vera Ciancola, Barbara Fitzgerald, Ed Gowan, Bryan Hoops, Jerry Huff, Mark Jeffery, Mike Kane, Leslie Kramer, Ann Martin, Scott McNevin
AGA STAFF
O
ctober may be my favorite month in Arizona, with the exception of courses closed for overseeding. The weather is perfect, the courses which haven’t overseeded are perfect, and the anticipation for another great winter golf season is at the front of my mind. Looking ahead to the season, golf is about to go mainstream. The Schwab Cup at Phoenix CC returns November 11-14. Kevin Sutherland won last year’s event in a 9-hole playoff over Paul Broadhurst, but it wasn’t the “Cup” final thanks to Covid. That all returns to normal this year with Bernhard Langer once again playing Lead Dog going in. Following two weeks later is the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame Ceremony, honoring John Gunby, Tina Tombs, Mark Woodward and the Desert Mashies. All have made significant efforts on behalf of golf in Arizona, and are more than deserving, especially the Mashies. This is just one of the rapidly expanding outreach efforts now in place with the AGA and Arizona Golf Foundation (AGF) to grow and expand opportunities for all who love to play the game, thanks especially to the growing number of loyal members of the AGA, now approaching 100,000! Coming in the next month is a fundraiser for military charities in partnership with Folds of Honor Arizona you will hear about in this edition, and a new membership option for the Foundation in concert with the USGA Foundation. The 11th Patriot All America is again December 29-31, with the Opening Ceremony on December 28th at 10:00am. It’s a
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PRESIDENT ........................................ Bob McNichols VICE PRESIDENT ....................................... Tim Brown VICE PRESIDENT ................................... Michelle Cross SECRETARY ............................................ John Souza TREASURER ......................................... Tim Hulscher GENERAL COUNSEL ...................................... Greg Mast
OCTOBER 2021
“not-to-be-missed” event where we introduce the 84 male and – for the first time – 42 female college All Americas, together with the colors parachuted in by the Air Force Academy’s Wings of Blue and an F-35 fly-over courtesy of Luke Air Force Base. The Am-Am follows (playing spots at $500 per) at the Wigwam. Please consider joining us for a very memorable time. Other articles inside are a reminiscence of St Andrews, and a reprise of a long-ago article by the great golf architect, Alister MacKenzie, that seems as relevant today as ever, especially with the USGA/R&A’s coming rules affecting distance and sustainability of golf courses. Note especially the return of Los Caballeros and the significant upgrades outlined in the We-Ko-Pa feature, just another example of the continuing improvements in golf and Stay & Play offerings here. The Phoenix Open also returns to normal with new dates, February 7-13, which should bring spectacular weather. Golf has been more popular than ever these past two years, so I expect the attendance numbers will be at the top end of The Thunderbirds’ wishlist. All of these indicate 2022 will be a great year for golf and golfers alike. Please join me this year in playing at least one more round of golf than you did last year!
Ed Gowan, David Bataller, Anj Brown, Alexa Cerra, Tim Eberlein, Caleigh Essert, Le Ann Finger, Alex Gelman, Ryan Hyland, Sharon Goldstone, Lucas Kauffman, Vivian Kelley, Mike Mason, Derek McKenzie, Chris Montgomery, Robyn Noll, Logan Rasmussen, Alex Tsakiris, Susan Woods Partnership Contact ............................. Chris Montgomery cmontgomery@azgolf.org - (602) 872-7011 National Advertising Contact ........................ Brian Foster bfoster@azgolf.org - (602) 909-7799
AZ GOLF INSIDER STAFF
EDITOR IN CHIEF .................................. David Bataller AGA EDITOR ............................................. Anj Brown CONTRIBUTORS ...... Ed Gowan, David Bataller, Anj Brown, Alexa Cerra, Josh Evenson, Ryan Hyland, Jerica Redd, Scott MacPherson, Scott McNevin
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
LISA GRANNIS, ROBYN LAMBERT, MORGAN MCCLELLAN MICHELLE SCHNEIDER, DEIDRA VIBERG PRODUCTION MANAGER .............................. Deidra Viberg CREATIVE DIRECTION .......................... Haines Wilkerson, Hither & Wander Inc. ART DIRECTION ...................................... Michael Min FOR PRINT ADVERTISING SALES CONTACT: SALES@ONMEDIAAZ.COM Arizona Golf Insider (ISSN 2765-9054) is published four times per year by the Arizona Golf Association. It is supported by members’ dues, utilizing $5 per member per year. We welcome all editorial submissions, including letters, but assume no responsibility for the loss or damage of unsolicited material. They will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Views expressed within these pages do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or official policies of the Arizona Golf Association. No part of this magazine is intended as an endorsement of any equipment, publication, videotape, golf course, or other entity. No part of this magazine may be reproduced for use as an advertising, publicity or endorsement item without written approval of the AGA. Arizona Golf Insider is offered on a subscription basis for $12.95 annually. Individual copies may be obtained by forwarding $5 to the address above. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Arizona Golf Association, 7600 E. Redfield Road, Suite 130, Scottsdale, AZ 85260-1101
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SIGNATURE HOLE
TPC Danzante Bay at the Islands of Loreto Called one of the most iconic Par 3’s in the world, the 17th hole at TPC Danzante Bay sits 250 feet above the Sea of Cortez, with an unrivaled panoramic view to distract from the challenge presented. From the back tees it requires a do-or-die 179 yard shot — over a canyon and into a crosswind — to land softly on a peninsula green, which is protected by a wraparound bunker. The Islands of Loreto have become world-renowned for its abundance of marine life, and it’s not uncommon to see a pod of dolphins swim by when on the putting surface. Bring your camera to document the moment, and a pencil to cross off TPC Danzante Bay from your Bucket List.
SIGNATURE HOLE HOLE #17
Intimidating holes are normally to be avoided. But at TPC Danzante Bay’s 17th, whether from 99 yards or 179 yards, you will embrace the challenge. There is no shame in aiming for the middle of the green and executing the best two putt of your round for par. Bring an extra few balls to try all the tee options!
PAR 3
179 YDS 8 | A ZGOLF
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MEMBERS ONLY
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COVER STORY
We-Ko-Pa
Raising the Bar of a Thriving Arizona Gaming Industry BY JERICA REDD
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any of the millions of people who flock to the Grand Canyon State to leave behind the cold and dreary Midwestern winters - and bask in the Arizona sunshine - are avid golfers aching to take advantage of the 340-plus golf courses that dot the local landscape. With so many opportunities for outstanding golf, it can be difficult to find a home base of operations close enough to accomplish one’s ambitious golf bucket list. In the case of proximity, pleasure and exceptional playability, few have invested more in their all-around stay-and-play experience than We-Ko-Pa.
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COVER STORY Over the last 20 years, avid golfers with high standards thought of We-Ko-Pa and thought one thing: great golf. The shoe certainly fits. The two golf courses at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club – Cholla and Saguaro – tend to stand out to discerning players as among the best tracks in the state. But with the completion of the all-new We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort a little under one year ago, there’s now more to the We-Ko-Pa story than great golf set against the natural beauty of the untouched Sonoran Desert. Much more. The new We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort is evidence of cyclical history, much like fads and fashion that find their way back from tedious to trendy. We-Ko-Pa – located on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation – was the first Tribal Nation casino in Arizona to open and operate in the late 80s, paving the way for the thriving Arizona gaming industry we see today. And now, We-Ko-Pa becomes, in a sense, the newest casino to open at the dawn of a new decade. Investment in Tribal Nation gaming can be seen throughout the entire state through big-time upgrades to existing properties and the new Arizona gaming compact which brings additional table games and sports betting to the Copper State. It represents a commitment to a strong tourism industry that props up, among other things, the extraordinary golf and hospitality experience snowbirds and locals welcome and cherish. We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort’s humble beginnings are rooted in a small bingo parlor with a few slot machines just off the Beeline Highway. Three decades later, the property and adjacent enterprises of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation includes two award-winning golf courses, specialty high-end dining, a sports bar with entertainment stage and other best-in-class amenities including Fort McDowell Adventures and AAA-Four Diamond accommodations. And, of course, Vegas-style gaming opportunities. The new Arizona gaming compact, which went into effect in September, allows players to do much more than belly up to the Blackjack table or pull the lever of their favorite slot machines. New to the casino floor are a few Vegas staples, namely Craps and Roulette, which inches Arizona Tribal 18 | ARIZONA GOLF INSIDER |
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Hassayampa Inn
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©Lonna Tucker
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COVER STORY gaming operations closer and closer to the glitz and glamor of Glitter Gulch. Roulette at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort features a traditional table with the standard wheel, a single croupier and a familiar feel for anyone who has played before. The craps table, however, is something out of the future, blending the traditional table and physical dice with electronic betting kiosks at set places around the table and one dealer functioning as a boxman, stickman and base dealer all at once. Arguably the most exciting change to the gaming landscape at We-Ko-Pa, however, is the legalization of sports betting which allows players to make wagers on anything from NCAA and NFL football to darts and even obscure sports like professional cornhole. We-Ko-Pa partnered with Betfred Sports to handle their sports betting operations and will complete a state-ofthe-art, Las Vegas-quality retail sports book to the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort floor set to open later in the coming months. The casino floor wasn’t the only amenity to get an upgrade with the completion of the brand new We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort. There are now six dining options within the resort ranging from grab-and-go to elegant fine dining and everything in between. For a quick recharge during or after playing, The Market provides easy options served as quickly as you can order. We-Ko-Pa’s sports bar, WKP Sports and Entertainment, is a great option to take a load off, grab a beer and a burger and check on your sports bets. Anhala is a casual and contemporary American diner serving up classic fare. And Daubs – located in the new Bingo parlor – keeps munchies at bay with snacks and sandwiches. But the flagship of We-Ko-Pa’s new eateries is Ember – a true destination dining experience. Starting with a scratch kitchen in full view from elegant, chic dining tables, Ember serves up a spectacular selection of some of the finest steak cuts and chops available. Diners can choose from USDA Prime or American Wagyu beef in seven different sized cuts, braised buffalo short ribs, Colorado lamb chops and veal and venison dishes all perfectly prepared over a wood burning grill. While steaks and chops are the main attraction, Ember
also serves up a robust seafood menu complete with perfectly prepared fresh fish, Maine lobster, King Crab and a daily oyster selection sure to tantalize taste buds with every bite. And every single ingredient used at Ember is painstakingly sourced from only the finest corners of the food world. No fine dining experience is complete without a perfect wine pairing, and Ember’s selection is on par or better than any wine cellar in the great state of Arizona. Ember’s in-house sommelier scoured the globe to source hundreds of wine labels, including 34 different 100-point wines from nine different countries and 26 unicorn wines found nowhere else in in the state. And last month, Ember was awarded the coveted Wine Spectator® “Best of Award of Excellence” making Ember one of only 1,000 restaurants in the entire world and one of 19 restaurants out of 9,000 in the State of Arizona to receive the honor. Excellent accommodations, fine dining and casino action
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No fine dining experience is complete without a perfect wine pairing, and Ember’s selection is on par or better than any wine cellar in the great state of Arizona.
”
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COVER STORY
©Lonna Tucker
are great, but for avid golfers, the on-course experience is usually first and foremost when it comes to making a stay-and-play decision. And in that respect, We-Ko-Pa most certainly holds its own. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club will celebrate its 20th anniversary later in December, marking two decades as one of the Valley’s best and most celebrated golf properties. The Cholla course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club burst on to the Scottsdale scene in December 2001 as an early Christmas gift wrapped in some of the most scenic Sonoran Desert on the planet. The Saguaro course followed in 2006. Since then, both have racked up an impressive list of accolades, positive player anecdotes and relentless attention from local and national golf publications. Cholla is the handiwork of architect Scott Miller and features jaw-dropping views which almost overshadow the sound, strategic playing value of the course itself. The variety in the routing and pacing of the holes will keep all levels of golfers entertained from opening tee shot to final tap-in. Cholla has held a top-10 spot on Golfweek’s coveted “Best you Can Play State by State” rankings for the last decade, and currently holds the No. 7 spot in all of Arizona. Saguaro – designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw – 22 | ARIZONA GOLF INSIDER |
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COVER STORY
©Lonna Tucker
incorporates desert golf with traditional golf course design. It’s built for walking, with greens situated near the next tee. It follows the natural movement of the land, and the playing corridors are wider – some much wider – compared to Cholla. When the particular patch of ground is flat and open, the hole is, too. Likewise, when the landscape pitches and rolls, so does the layout. Saguaro has been considered by Golfweek as the No. 1 “Best Course you Can Play” for 14 of the last 15 years and broke into Golf Digest’s Top-100 Public Courses (No. 98) in 2018. Cholla and Saguaro have much in common. Both are meticulously maintained, receive high praise from golf media and guests alike, and offer quality experiences punctuated by the sights and sounds of the desert and nothing else. Rounding out the We-Ko-Pa experience is Fort McDowell Adventures where guests can cowboy up and take in the tranquil, untouched desert in a number of ways. Blaze through desert trails with AZ Elite’s Can-Am Maverick Sport vehicles – a fast, nearly indestructible sandrail-type offroad vehicle. If seeing the incredible Sonoran Desert at a leisurely pace is more your speed, Fort McDowell Adventures offers guided river tours by kayak – single or tandem – stand-up paddle boards and rafts, guided biking tours and hiking trails perfect for photo opportunities. But eventually the ride comes to an end, and it’s time to chow down at a cowboy cookout and watch the fiery sunset fade to a starlit night. A little shy of 20 years ago, We-Ko-Pa made a commitment to create and maintain one of the very best golf experiences in the Southwest, and in that respect, has achieved very real success. Now, We-Ko-Pa seems to have made a similar pledge to the other amenities within the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and plans to usher in this decade as one of the leaders in gaming and lodging as well. And if your view of We-Ko-Pa was limited to great golf, as many players would attest, it might be time to change your tune to include a host of other fun opportunities now offered at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, a consummate resort experience like no other in Arizona. AZGOLF.ORG
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TOUR STOP
The
People’s Open is Back
The WM Phoenix Open gets back to giving back
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The view from the first-come-firstserved general admission seats at the iconic par-3 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale.
he 2022 Waste Management Phoenix Open returns February 7-13 when the PGA TOUR’s best take on TPC Scottsdale. And this year, for all intents and purposes, the 87th playing of “The People’s Open” will be a hopeful return to normal operations with all the structures and events in place. The 2021 event was drastically different compared to the traditional tournament experience to which golf fans and groups have grown accustomed. Attendance was capped at just 5,000 fans per day due to health precautions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and most all of the
The “Stadium Stretch” at TPC Scottsdale during the WM Phoenix Open consisting of 15, 16, 17 and 18.
©USGA
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Former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley takes a selfie with Larry Fitzgerald and Matthew Wolff at the 2020 R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day on Tuesday of WM Phoenix Open week.
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TOUR STOP
“
I think most people understand our event is special because we have the best fans in golf.
”
profit organizations from 2021 event proceeds. That’s on top of the more than $1 million in emergency funds The Thunderbirds donated at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. The monies raised from the 2021 event helped the tournament eclipse $165 million in charitable giving since its inception in 1932 – and nearly $100 million ($99,558,224) since 2010 when Waste Management became title sponsor. “Our Arizona communities prove time and time again they are willing to rally behind this event and the hundreds of charities and non-profit organizations it supports – especially in times of crisis when charitable organizations©USGA have been hit extremely hard,” said Scott Jenkins, Tournament Chairman for the 2021 WM Phoenix Open and current Big Chief of The Thunderbirds. “We are exceptionally proud of this $3.8 million raised for Arizona charities during this challenging year, which is proof positive of the commitment and togetherness of our incredible fans, sponsors and volunteers.” Courtesy of The Thunderbirds Construction has already begun to build the “city” at TPC Scottsdale beginning with the famed 16th hole, which will feature a similar look and feel iconic hospitality venues that line the fairways of the back as the 2020 event. The drivable par-4 17th will again feature nine were not built to keep in line with social-distancing dual hospitality structures (Bay Club and Cove) on either guidelines. side of the fairway. The finishing hole will have its 2020 flair That didn’t stop the fans who were in attendance from back as well, featuring double-decker, arcum-style structures witnessing an incredible finish. Four-time Major champion on both golfer’s left (Scorekeepers) and right (E18hteen). – and 2015 WM Phoenix Open champion – Brooks Koepka There are a few new or updated hospitality venues which came from behind to hoist the Crystal Thunderbird at the end of play on Sunday for his second victory at “The People’s will be on display for the 2022 event, including upscale general admission areas which will be open to the public – more Open.” information will be released on those venues at a later date. It also didn’t stop The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM “There’s nothing ‘general’ about the general admission at Phoenix Open – from raising millions for local charities. the WM Phoenix Open,” said 2022 Tournament Chairman Despite overwhelming challenges, The Thunderbirds were Michael Golding. “I think most people understand our event able to raise $3.8 million for Arizona charitable and nonAZGOLF.ORG
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TOUR STOP
2021 WM Phoenix Open Champion Brooks Koepka
is special because we have the best fans in golf. Every year we make a commitment to take the general admission experience to the next level. We’re excited to unveil our plans to do just that.” The 2022 WM Phoenix Open will be played a week later this year (February 10-13) to coincide with the Super Bowl after the extended 17-game NFL season, but there will still be plenty of things to see and do at TPC Scottsdale all week long. Monday is the Coors Light Pro-Am where TOUR pros get in their first practice round with local business leaders and fans looking to live out their PGA TOUR fantasies. Tuesday, Feb. 8 will feature the R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day activities across the street at TPC Scottsdale’s Champions Course practice range. The festivities include a junior clinic sponsored by PING, motivational 28 | ARIZONA GOLF INSIDER |
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speeches from PGA TOUR professionals and a trick-shot golf show. Additionally, the San Tan Ford Special Olympics Open will take place on Tuesday at TPC Scottsdale’s putting green, showcasing Special Olympian athletes, celebrities, sports stars and business leaders from the community. Wednesday brings the ever-popular Annexus Pro-Am to TPC Scottsdale where fans can catch a glimpse of celebrities, rock stars, professional athletes, coaches and community leaders playing with the TOUR pros. Fans are encouraged to stick around at the 16th hole for the Phoenix Suns Charities Shot at Glory. Past contestants of this unique closest-to-thepin contest include Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, country music star Dierks Bentley, Ken Griffey Jr., Michael Phelps, John Elway, Tim Tebow and Emmitt Smith. The Coors Light Birds Nest – the extremely popular fournight concert series located inside an enormous tent across the street from TPC Scottsdale – is back and better than ever. The Birds Nest, with its great music, beautiful patrons and enthusiastic partying, has earned near legendary status on the PGA TOUR, offering a show totally unlike anything associated with professional golf. The lineup for the 2022 Coors Light Birds Nest is taking shape as three major music stars – Sam Hunt, Macklemore and KYGO – have committed to perform. The Wednesday headline act and remaining Birds Nest lineup will be announced as more artists are confirmed. Thursday kicks off the first round of the 2022 WM Phoenix Open, which is sure to feature an incredible field full of the best players on the planet. Last year’s field included half of the top-10 and 21 of the top-50 ranked players in the Official World Golf Rankings, along with 15 Major Champions, four FedExCup Champions and nine former WM Phoenix Open champions. Any way you slice it, the 2022 WM Phoenix Open is one of, if not the biggest event of the year in the Valley of the Sun. And it’s time to get excited about the “People” being back at “The People’s Open.”
Country music superstar Jake Owen plays for a sold-out crowd at the extremely popular Coors Light Birds Nest. AZGOLF.ORG
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TRAVEL Editor’s Note
The following is an essay that appears
in Joshua C. Evenson’s anthology, Links to St Andrews, published in 2015.
Scott MacPherson is a noted St Andrews historian whose personal experiences
provide a unique perspective on the Home of Golf. This piece has only strengthened my determination to cross off St Andrews from my Bucket List. Enjoy! – David Bataller
The Soul of
St Andrews A game was made open WORDS BY SCOTT MACPHERSON
T
hose who have never visited the Scottish town in the East Neuk of Fife may read about the Home of Golf, see it on television, or be faced with a rule of golf that came down from the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. These are important brushes; however those who make the trek to the ancient own, gaze out across the West Sands, or walk the fairways of the Old Course are enriched by deeper and more indelible experiences. “Dreich” or dry, just one day in St Andrews can create a memory that etches itself in a golfer’s soul forevermore—certainly that has been my experience. Golf found its way into my life when I was fourteen. The child of a family who loved sports but did not play golf, I was exposed to the game at my small local club in New Zealand through friends. Encouraged to play with the local juniors by the club professional, I was soon playing regularly and within months caught the golf bug.
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TRAVEL
St Andrews by Robert Kelsey
Dave Baysden
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TRAVEL
“
Who was to know that the ball marker and soft tartan shoe bag with its little drawstring were to call me back silently to a place where I longed to return.
”
I might pinpoint the moment “the rot set in,” as my father cheerfully described my obsession with the game, two years later during a family trip to Scotland—the birth country of my grandparents. My suggestion for a sojourn to St Andrews was incorporated into our busy travel schedule but time pressures ruled out the possibility of playing golf. I was limited to circling the Old Course starters hut a few times, requesting a scorecard, wistfully looking down the first hole, and purchasing some small mementos. Who was to know that the ball marker and soft tartan shoe bag with its little drawstring were to call me back silently to a place where I longed to return. The reunion came in August 1998. My path toward becoming a golf course architect had led me to study horticulture and landscape architecture in New Zealand and the US, and my feet first hit the streets of St Andrews again after a period of working for the remarkable and impressive Peter Thomson in Melbourne, Australia. Peter had won The Open Championship five times, including a victory at St Andrews in 1955, had designed the Dukes Course in the town, and even owned a house close to the Old Course. His warmth for the town and its contribution to the game was contagious, and the way he spoke about it gave me one more reason to return. Accommodation in St Andrews can be difficult, but I was lucky to know a doctoral student studying there who hailed from my hometown. Four other chaps—a ragtag mix of students—encouraged me to join them in the caddie ranks to support summer life in St Andrews. I had caddied in events on the Australian PGA Tour for various professionals in an attempt to see more courses, so I was familiar with the concept of lugging someone else’s bag around a course, but those experiences did not prepare me for the life of a resident caddie —
or bag carrier — which is what I was when I first started out. The caddie master at the time was a tall and intimidating chap by the name of Rick Mackenzie. I was introduced to him by my housemates, but warned that if I wanted to caddie I should appeal to his softer side—his ego. Armed with a copy of Mackenzie’s book A Wee Nip at the 19th Hole, I went to the caddie hut to request his autograph, and then ask for a job. His smile disappeared once my employment request emerged from my mouth. “You don’t look like you’d be very good,” he breathed all over me. I wasn’t to know it, but apparently, his rebuff was a quirky type of test. A few more questions and then a discussion of my previous golfing experiences seemed to get me a pass grade in the on-the-spot oral caddie entrance exam. Before being permitted a caddie licence to shepherd golfers around the links however, I needed to create my own yardage book for the three most popular courses on the links, the Old Course, the New Course, and the Jubilee. Given the modern laser and GPS technology, and the many professionally produced yardage books available now, it’s hard to believe that they were not available then. But, I respected the fact we all needed to create our own book—and thus complete the written component of the exam. Given my work as a course architect, drawing holes was relatively straightforward, and Mr. Mackenzie showed his overwhelming approval by uttering, “It’s not the worst I have seen.” Later I learnt that few caddies referred to their handmade guidebooks when on the courses, instead relying on a moistened finger raised to the wind or a turf toss for evaluating wind direction and velocity, squinted eyes, and a furrowed brow to visually guesstimate a distance to said hazard, ridge, green or flag, and lastly, their experience. AZGOLF.ORG
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I also quickly discovered that caddies had a strong preference for suggesting a suitable club the golfer might use, rather than providing yardage — especially when the golfer may be from a metric nation such as Sweden and wanted the measurement in metres. A club placed directly in the hands of the golfer and a quick ten strides got the caddie far enough away for play to proceed without elongated discussions on distance. I graduated from the ranks of bag carrier to become a fully-fledged caddie despite an apparent disregard for the laws of the links. On one occasion, Mr. Mackenzie reprimanded me after a fellow caddie fell ill on the New Course and retired his services mid-round. As the only other caddie in the two-ball, I picked up the bag of my golfer’s wife and thus broke the solemn rule of “no double bagging”— inviting instant dismissal. I was booked with the same golfer the following day but after he was told I had been fired, he returned to the caddie master to explain the previous day’s incident. Following some stern warnings from Mackenzie my position was reinstated, but it was abundantly clear that caddieing, though it paid the rent, offered precious little job security. In a little over one season I racked up around 250 loops and many more fond recollections. Most caddies were good comrades, but it was the golfers whose company I enjoyed most. I won’t forget the Japanese man with a happy disposition who, after hitting a fine drive down the first hole of the Old Course, told me that this was his first round of golf on a real golf course ever! It seemed hard to believe considering the quality of his ball striking, but once out on the links it became Robert Kelsey apparent that all his golf had been played at a driving range. The starters tried to ensure those playing the Old Course 34 | ARIZONA GOLF INSIDER |
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had a handicap, and that it was no higher than 24, but they were obviously fooled on occasion. Some unfathomably poor shots took me to corners of the courses only rabbits knew existed, but these detours often added to my growing knowledge and sharpened my ability to find the most unlikely shots. Mostly I enjoyed taking golfers around who had longed to play the historic links. Their enthusiasm was incredibly contagious, and to my delight many valued the history of the town and the Old Course as much as their score. Information about where Old Tom Morris lived and died, at which bunker Bobby Jones picked up his ball in frustration during the 1921 Open Championship (Hill Bunker on the eleventh hole), and how the course may have changed was relayed between high fives and shouts of “Hey Ronnie, can you believe we are actually playing the Old Course!” My curiosity about the evolution of the links sparked after listening to other caddies preach to their players about how the Old Course had never changed, that sheep made all the bunkers, or that the railway line was installed a hundred years before it actually was. I knew much of this was pure fiction, but I also knew I didn’t have all the facts myself, so my research began with the first known plan of the links in 1821 and off I went. Uncovering exactly how the Old Course had changed would become a four-year research topic for me and result in my first book, entitled St Andrews, The Evolution of the Old Course. WHEN THE OLD COURSE is examined through the eyes of a golf course architect, I am drawn to the interest created by playing width, central hazards, and greens with multiple pin positions. The ideal angles to attack the traditional championship hole locations often require a golfer to get as close as
“
Most caddies were good comrades, but it was the golfers whose company I enjoyed most.
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Dave Baysden
TRAVEL
Robert Kelsey
SUGGESTED READING: 1. Behrend, John and Lewis, Peter N., CHALLENGES & CHAMPIONS, The Royal & Ancient Golf Club, 1754-1883, (The Royal & Ancient Golf Club, 1998) 2. Cook, Kevin, TOMMY’S HONOR, The Story of Old Tom Morris and Young Tom Morris, Golf’s Founding Father and Son, (Avery, 2008) 3. Joy, David, THE SCRAPBOOK OF OLD TOM MORRIS, (John Wiley & Sons, 2001) 4. Lewis, Peter N., WHY ARE THERE EIGHTEEN HOLES, St Andrews and the Evolution of Golf Courses, 1764-1890, (The Royal & Ancient Golf Club, 2016) 5. McStravick, Roger, ST ANDREWS: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OLD TOM MORRIS, (St Andrews Golf Press, 2015) AZGOLF.ORG
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Golf at St Andrews, 1881
TRAVEL
he dares to a central bunker. For example, on the second hole when the flag is up on the plateau to the left, the best location on the fairway is close to Cheape’s Bunker. The Coffins, Beardies, Hell Bunker, and Principal’s Nose offer similar interest on holes thirteen, fourteen, and sixteen, respectively. Today the Old Course requires a stiff breeze and firm fairways to truly focus the concentration of the best golfers, but in all weather, accuracy is important. The punishments for inaccuracy are dealt out in various doses. A ball hit out of bounds will attract an immediate penalty, as will a ball that comes to rest in the water of Swilcan Burn, or on the sandy bed of a pot bunker, but more often than not, punishment is handed out in smaller increments. Golfers will often find that an offline shot is met with a lie or an angle that makes the subsequent shot that little smidgeon more difficult. With my home now in Edinburgh, playing the Old Course is a less frequent event, but no less special. I like to put my name on the waiting list and join up with a group of visitors who put their names in the traditional ballot and can’t believe their luck to have won a tee time. Sometimes they might have caddies, and while errant shots still provide both player and caddie with expeditions off the fairways and into the whins (gorse) or bunkers, the quality of advice given by caddies about the Old Course seems a notch above that of last century — perhaps a reflection of the more professionally run caddie facilities. As I reflect on the impact St Andrews and the Old Course have had on golf, and my brief experiences with the great town and links, it is vividly apparent that the ripples of influence continue to move out from the town to touch the most distant corners of the globe where the game is played. From Brazil to 36 | ARIZONA GOLF INSIDER |
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Borneo, New Zealand to Norway, with the R&A as a governing body of the game and the Old Course celebrated and eulogised by the media and its millions of devotees, St Andrews remains an epicentre for golf. The attraction of the Old Course is that, like life, it is a place of constant risk and opportunity, one where luck — a crucial element of golf — is an ever-present factor. Like the changing seasons and variable winds, it is everchanging. It can be the most exasperating course in the world, but it is always the least dull. Bobby Jones, after the disappointment of picking his ball up in The Open Championship at St Andrews in 1921, found a deep love for the Old Course and studied it in depth. He returned to triumph in the 1926 Open. Through the years he won the hearts and minds of the townsfolk. This culminated in Jones being awarded the Freedom of St Andrews in 1958, an honor last bestowed on an American when Benjamin Franklin received it. At the ceremony in the Town Hall, Jones rose to the microphone to give his farewell speech. He said, “If I could take out of my life everything except my experiences at St Andrews then I’d still have had a rich, full life.” Many people who form a bond with St Andrews come to feel the same — I know I do.
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Golfers will often find that an offline shot is met with a lie or an angle that makes the subsequent shot that little smidgeon more difficult.
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TOURNAMENT
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TOURNAMENT
PATRIOT ALL-AMERICA THRIVING IN YEAR 11 Event Introduces First-Ever Women’s Field, Extended Am-Am Participation and Patriot 100 Challenge WORDS BY DAVID BATALLER
F
or the first time in its 11-year history, the Patriot All-America Invitational, in partnership with the Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA), will feature a Women’s Division in 2021. In addition to 84 of the best men’s collegiate players, 42 of college golf’s best women players will also be competing at The Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park, Arizona for the 54-hole amateur event, making the Invitational among the select few tournaments to combine the talents of 126 nationally recognized men and women golfers at one tournament. “This 11th year of the Championship is the perfect occasion to expand the Championship to include the best of women’s collegiate golf,” said Patriot All-America Co-Founders Gregg Grost of the Golf Coaches Association of America, and Ed Gowan of the Arizona Golf Foundation, in a statement. “This unique opportunity to bring together all
the best collegians from all divisions and the WAGR (World Amateur Golf Ranking) in one event will showcase what elite amateur golf is all about.” “To add a women’s field to the Patriot All-America this year shows not only our commitment to showcase the top female collegiate athletes,” said Arizona Golf Foundation Managing Director Ryan Hyland, “but also provide the same incredible experiences and interactions at Luke Air Force Base we have provided our participants in prior years. All to honor fallen soldiers and benefit many supportive charities in the West Valley.” This year, the Invitational will take place from December 27-31, with registration, optional practice round, and festivities on the 27th. The Patriot All America Am-Am is scheduled for the 28th, and then three days of tournament play follow starting the 29th.
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“
It’s a really good time for all involved and, perhaps most importantly, it benefits Folds of Honor, the ‘charity of choice’ for the men’s and women’s golf coaches association and the Patriot All America as well.
The Am-Am offers the golf community the opportunity to play at The Wigwam Resort with some of the best up and coming amateur talent in America. All proceeds support the Folds of Honor and Fighter Country Partnership. It is a scramble format consisting of two-person teams: One Patriot All America collegiate invite and one amateur participant. “We are so excited to offer one of the best collegiate AmAm experiences for our guests again this year,” said Gowan. “And with the addition of the women’s field, we can now offer even more opportunities for participants to play with some of the best collegiate golfers and support such great causes. “These athletes are the future of the game of golf, and we are providing them with a tournament experience unlike any other event, and the Am-Am is an important part of the equation,” said Hyland. “With only 84 spots in previous years, the event filled up quickly, but we can now celebrate these organizations and these young amateur talents even more while offering one of the best experiences for our guests.” FOLDS OF HONOR & PATRIOT JOINT FUNDRAISER
In addition to the Patriot Am-Am, the Arizona Golf Foundation is once again hosting the Patriot 100 Challenge on December 4th at Topgolf Glendale, after a hiatus in 2020. The Challenge is one of the Foundation’s primary fundraising efforts in support of the tournament, showcasing the AGF’s partnership with the West Valley Mavericks Foundation, Folds of Honor and Fighter Country Partnership.
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TOURNAMENT
“It’s great to have the event back in 2021 – we definitely missed not having it on the schedule last year,” said Gowan. “It’s a really good time for all involved and, perhaps most importantly, it benefits Folds of Honor, the ‘charity of choice’ for the men’s and women’s golf coaches association and the Patriot All America as well.” As a part of the Challenge, a designated Patriot Captain will hit 100 targets to reach their pledge goal of $25 per ball, achieved by asking family and friends to support their effort. For example, 25 people can pledge $1 per ball. Each Patriot Captain will also be asked to recruit at least one more Patriot Partner to pledge the same amount through donations to support the AGF. This fun, interactive fundraising event will provide leaderboard updates for all Captains and Partners, and incredible prizes donated by AGF partners will be awarded to the highest contributors.
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“As we reignite the Foundation and its work, starting this year with giving opportunities during AGA membership renewals, Giving Tuesday, and the Patriot All America, the Patriot 100 Challenge is the most important fundraising effort to get the Foundation off on the right foot for 2022 and beyond,” said Hyland, currently in his first year as Managing Director of the AGF. “We look forward to sharing with people the success of this fundraiser and the organizations which we will continue to support.” In 2019, the Challenge raised over $50,000, and the goal for 2021 is to double that amount – an ambitious but achievable goal with the help of the Arizona golf community. For more information on how you can support the AGF by registering for the Patriot All-America Am-Am, or participating in the Patriot 100, please visit azgolf.org/foundation or call (602) 944-3035.
“
We look forward to sharing with people the success of this fundraiser and the organizations which we will continue to support.
”
SUPPORT THE
The Foundation’s purpose is to fund, support and promote all aspects of the Game of Golf in Arizona with particular attention to public accessibility, youth development and turf research. Visit www.azgolf.org/foundation to learn more about how to support the efforts of the Foundation.
MAKE A
DONATION Visit www.azgolf.org/foundation to learn more on how to support the efforts of the Foundation
MEMBERSHIP
Join or Renew Today! 2022 Membership Dues and Benefits Now Available WORDS BY ANJ BROWN
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MEMBERSHIP
2022 AGA Membership Dues Since 2009, coinciding with our last dues increase, the AGA has worked diligently to expand our services and staff to not just meet, but exceed individual member and club expectations. Digital services have been expanded to include a new, modern website; a state-of-the-art billing system; and a mobile app. New events for the competitive golfer, as well as the recreational golfer, have been added to the AGA schedule as well as an expanded travel program visiting domestic and international locations each year - and this is just the beginning.
As the only licensed provider of USGA Services in Arizona, there are now more than 620 clubs and 85,000 active memberships. We continue to increase benefits for you, our members, and expand our Outreach efforts into the community, and we have experienced a greater level of engagement than ever before. In order to continue to provide the highest level of service and cutting-edge technology to support your clubs, we have balanced a dues increase with even more benefits and increased charitable impact for Arizona non-profit organizations. See the chart below for the 2022 AGA Membership Dues.
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AGA Member Appreciation Who doesn’t like to win prizes? As a way of saying “thank you” to our members, AGA staff will conduct drawings October 1 through December 31, 2021, for 10 prizes each week. Members joining prior to that drawing will be entered to win that week’s prizes. Weekly prizes range in value from $25 to $300 each. There are gift cards to retailers like Van’s Golf Shops, PGA TOUR Superstore, Second Swing, and Amazon. Hungry? We will be giving away gift cards to restaurants like STK Steakhouse, Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse and Yard House. For the traveler, we have Caddy Daddy golf club travel bags and Subtle Patriot executive backpacks. For those that want a little upgrade to their equipment, we will be giving away PXG wedges, PING putters, Bushnell GPS
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devices, golf bags, and Titleist Pro V1 golf balls. For those members who just want to play a little golf, we will be giving away Troon Nine & Dine Experiences. The earlier you renew, the more chances you have to win. But wait, there’s more! A Grand Prize drawing will occur the first week of January for everyone who renewed during the early renewal period. The Grand Prize will include a set of PING irons, a Troon Foursome Card, Stay & Play packages and more. Arizona Golf Foundation Donation Contribute $25 or more to the Arizona Golf Foundation, benefiting the community, from October 1, 2021 through January 31, 2022 and you will receive a commemorative challenge coin ball marker and be entered into a special prize drawings.
AGA MEMBER BENEFITS j Official USGA Handicap Index j Tournaments & Championships j Social Golf Events j Travel Experiences j Apparel, Equipment, Travel and Entertainment Discounts j Seminars & Workshops j Outreach & Player Development Programs j Monthly Communications & Special Offers j State of the Art Technology j And Much More!
Special AGA Rates in October
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JUNIOR GOLF
JGAA Members Swarm AZ Amateur
T
he 97th Arizona Amateur Championship teed off back in August at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, with 10 Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA) members and alumni filling the top 13 spots after the 36-hole Stroke Play Qualifier. Joseph Lloyd shot -11 (68-65) to take the No. 1 seed. Two strokes behind, Jake Chanen and Reece Nilsen tied for second. Anawin Pikulthong and Ben Lorenz tied for fifth place, Cade Anderson came in T7 while Jonathan Walters, Charlie Palmer, Jonathan Curran and Cameron Barzekoff all tied for ninth place. “A very strong showing for JGAA members,” said Scott McNevin, Executive Director of the JGAA. “Every year it seems like there’s more and more at the top of the leaderboard. It’s very rewarding to watch these guys make the transition to the next level.” In match play, Lloyd, now a freshman at the University of Utah, moved through the Hogan bracket with 3&2 and 19-hole wins, before exiting in the Round of 16 versus Austin Quick, a former Arizona State University Sun Devil and JGAA alum (2005-2011). Quick would be eliminated in the semifinals by the eventual runner-up, Evan White. Tucson’s Nilsen, a JGAA alum currently playing for Northern Illinois University, posted four wins until eventual champion Kristoffer Marshall ended his run in the semifinals. In Marshall’s prior match, it took him 19 holes to edge out Carl Miltun, a JGAA alum and current member of the
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Anawin Pikulthong
JUNIOR GOLF
Joseph Lloyd
Missouri University of Science and Technology men’s golf team. Pikulthong, a current JGAA member and the youngest player in the field at 16-years-old, won 6&5 and 2&1, before exiting in the quarterfinals versus White, who also topped JGAA alum Barzekoff in his prior Roundof-16 match. Youth on Course provides $5 green fees How did these junior golfers “get to Carnegie Hall?” Practice of course, but let’s not forget the “power of playing golf.” Youth on Course (YOC) certainly believes in it. This non-profit organization teams up with the JGAA to provide $5 green fees at nearly 30 Arizona golf facilities, as well as at more than 1,400 courses across the country.
Reece Nilsen
A JGAA Membership, which is $90 annually, automatically enrolls juniors into YOC, and gives players eligibility to register for JGAA tournaments. Alternatively, those who do not wish to compete may choose a YOC-only Membership for $20 annually. Although the junior golfers who thrived at the Arizona Amateur may be exceptions, let’s face it: Very few fall in love with beating balls on the driving range – a.k.a. practice. “Playing golf,” however, elicits the same response as a schnauzer hearing “walk?” It’s all part of the JGAA’s and YOC’s shared commitment “to making the game more appealing, inclusive and accessible to nurture the next generation of lifelong players and lovers of the game.” Visit jgaa.org to become a member today.
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AWGA Donates $43,500 in Grants to Arizona High School Golf Programs 50 | ARIZONA GOLF INSIDER |
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or the second year in a row, the Arizona Women’s Golf Association has awarded High School Golf BuildA-Team Grants to 25 schools, ranging in allocation of $1,000 - $2,100, for a total of $43,500. The Build A Team program was designed to impact participation in golf as a team sport by girls in Arizona High Schools powerfully and positively. With the addition of the 2020 grants, the AWGA has awarded $160,000 to 42 Arizona high schools over the last 10 years. “We are so proud to be a part of the High School Build A Team Program and to work with each of the participating golf teams,” said Anj Brown, Director of Outreach for the Arizona Golf Association and staff liaison to the AWGA. “The resources that we are able to provide through the AWGA grants contribute to the player’s enjoyment, their overall experience with the game, and hopefully create lifetime participants in the process.” Of the 25 schools awarded Grant funds for the 2021-2022 season, five are new to the program. Additionally, 10 of the teams are located south of Marana. High schools awarded grants include Agua Fria, Apache Junction, Cactus, Catalina, Chandler, Coconino, Gilbert, Ironwood Ridge, Marana, Maryvale, Mesa, Metro
AZ NEWS
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The resources that we are able to provide through the AWGA grants contribute to the player’s enjoyment, their overall experience with the game, and hopefully create lifetime participants in the process.
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Tech, Mountain Ridge, Nogales, Palo Verde Magnet, Paradise Valley, Sahuarita, Sahuaro, San Tan Foothills, Shadow Mountain, Tucson, Walden Grove, Westview and Williams Field. The grant funds are provided directly to the schools and are used to pay for instruction by PGA and LPGA professionals, as well as purchase equipment, uniforms, and travel for high school golf teams that would not otherwise exist without the grant program. As the AWGA nears the time to begin its annual giving campaign, your donations will enable the continued expansion of the program to build and support more golf
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teams, especially girls golf teams, at high schools where they have traditionally not been included in the sports program. In addition, donations provide financial support to several other boys and girls golf programs around Arizona. LPGAUSGA Girls Golf programs, the Junior Golf Association of Arizona, First Tee Programs, the PGA Junior League and the Arizona Silver Belle Championship each benefit from the community’s donations. When you receive the AWGA’s request for your donation in a few weeks, please continue your support of our community by making a generous tax-deductible donation to the AWGA. 100% of your donation will be used to make a difference in the life of a young person. You can even begin today by making a donation at awga.org/donate.
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CHANGE OF COURSE Golf in Tucson means a break from the average links. Challenge your game on daring desert layouts or hit it long on fairways that host the champions. Whatever your style, Tucson has it in the bag. FIND YOUR COURSE AT
VisitTucson.org/Golf
Ventana Canyon
RULES OF GOLF
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE UNPLAYABLE LIE
WORDS BY ED GOWAN
Stuart Franklin
T
he Rules changes from 2019 have simplified many situations that used to confound players at all levels. Most of those are no longer a problem, but one seems to remain that still causes confusion: relief for an unplayable lie. The first step to a full understanding begins with the definition in the Rules: a ball can be declared “unplayable” only by the player, but not in a Penalty Area. We have had several additional penalties in Cham-
pionships this year when players wrongly proceeded under the unplayable ball Rule in penalty areas. Penalty areas have their own separate set of relief options. Once the decision is made, then the next step is identifying where the ball lies: General Area, Bunker, Putting Green (Yes, we have seen situations on a putting green where the unplayable option makes sense! Send us one, and if we agree, you’ll win a gift certificate!). Now let’s look at the options for each. In the General Area and on the Putting Green the options are the same, all with a onestroke penalty: 1. play under stroke-anddistance; 2. drop within two club-lengths of the spot of the original ball, but not nearer the hole; or, 3. determine a reference point back on a line through the spot of the original ball as far as you wish from the flagstick. With options 1 & 3, the ball can be dropped in a one club-length area not nearer the hole than the reference point, and with option 2 it is a two club-length area. When the original lie is in a Bunker, option 1 remains the same, while option 2 requires the ball be dropped in the bunker; additionally, for a two-stroke penalty, the player may take the ball out of the bunker, dropping as in 3 above back on a line, but would incur a twostroke penalty instead of one stroke. In all situations, the ball is always dropped even under relief from the putting green. The relief area is always a half circle on the course and may allow a player the option of dropping into a penalty area; but, in all cases, the dropped ball must remain in
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RULES OF GOLF the area of the course where it is dropped, even if that is on a putting green. Assume the player’s ball is in the situation pictured to the right. As the Rules allow another ball to replace the original ball, the player does not have to chance a hospital visit to retrieve it. It also appears that there is no viable relief within one club-length. That leaves only two other options. First, the player could drop a ball back-on-a-line from the flagstick through the position of the ball behind the area, going back any distance on the course. Note I said, “on the course.” That means the ball could be dropped on a fairway, rough, penalty area, bunker or a wrong putting green. In the last case, that would allow the player free relief from the wrong green that may open up the next shot. The last option is returning to the place where the previous stroke was made. Both options carry a one-stroke penalty. A few other quirks in the Rules go along with the dropping. When the player decides where to drop, the area for the drop is based on a reference point that is on the line if “back-on-the-line” is chosen. If the player chooses the point, then it is a half circle not nearer the hole from that point. If the player just drops near the line, then the point on the line nearest the place the ball is dropped becomes the reference point in case a re-drop becomes necessary. If the player chooses to replay from the previous stroke’s position, where the ball lay becomes the reference point. If that was on the teeing ground, the entire teeing ground is available, and there is no half-circle
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involved. On the teeing ground, all of the permissions such as teeing, tamping turf, and so on are available. The last important point is that if that reference area includes two different “areas of the course” (general area, teeing area, penalty area, putting green), when the ball is dropped in an area it must remain in that area or be re-dropped. Unplayable lie relief, as mentioned above, is not available in Penalty Areas. The
separate set of relief options use the point where the ball last crossed the margin of the Area as the reference point, as opposed to the position of the ball. Because many courses in Arizona define desert areas as ‘Penalty Areas’, the player should be careful to know what the markings and definitions are to avoid using the wrong Rule for relief, which almost always will result in at least one additional penalty.
A ball can be declared “unplayable” only by the player, but not in a Penalty Area.
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OUT OF BOUNDS
Out of
Bounds
Problems in Remodeling Courses
WORDS BY DR. ALISTER MACKENZIE
Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from the writings of Dr. Alister MacKenzie, one of the – if not THE – greatest golf architects. His comments ring true today, though this was written almost one hundred years ago. It should be remembered that when he references “experts,” he speaks of students of architectural history, and purposely excluded professional players. In today’s world, those lines are not so strictly drawn.
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Alister Mackenzie and Max Behr at the Old Course, St. Andrews, early 1930’s. ©USGA
OUT OF BOUNDS
I The course was designed years before anyone had formulated any definite ideas about golf architecture, so it was hardly to be expected that the layout would be ideal.
t is a rather extraordinary thing that members of golf committees, themselves men of intelligence, experience and frequently specialists in different lines, when it comes to consideration of the task involved in remodeling the club course, will turn to seek the advice of persons whose only qualification in matters pertaining to golf is the ability to play a good game. Granted that the play of such persons is probably a fitting measure by which to judge the merit of a course, the fact still remains that worthwhile course designing is a matter for specialists in that line. And the stature of the specialist is determined by the character of work which he has turned out. The mere fact that a course is considered to require alteration should be a warning that unless the committee is very careful, the club may make the same mistakes again, and every precaution should be taken to ensure that any changes to be made shall be of a permanent and lasting character. After all, the cost of expert advice is infinitesimal compared with the cost of manual labour and particularly unproductive manual labour. The so-called improvements of golf courses usually consist in making holes longer and in riddling the place with sand bunkers. If a hole is uninteresting to start with, it can only be made more so by lengthening it, and most golf courses have too many sand traps already. As a rule, it is surprisingly difficult to obtain the cooperation of club members in agreeing to the advice of an expert, except on the foolish pretense that changes in the ball or the addition of new traps make it desirable to bring the course up to date. I have a vivid recollection of an occasion over thirty years ago, when the president of a club to which I belonged addressed the members and stated that the introduction of the rubber-cored ball made it necessary to lengthen the course. He added that he proposed to make it the world’s best golf course by lengthening it to 7,000 yards. He succeeded in making it the worst, and it was not until, under expert advice, they shortened it that it regained its popularity. The majority of the greens committees consist of men averaging from four to twelve handicap and they are usually subconsciously influenced against any handicap or hazard which will penalize themselves, but are
unanimous in agreeing to the introduction of new hazards which will make the life of the long-handicap player a living purgatory. They rarely have the grasp and conception of Bobby Jones, who agreed most emphatically in the case of the Augusta National, that due consideration was to be given the high-handicap player in all cases, but that the course must be made so difficult for himself that he would be continually striving for shots he has hitherto been unable to do. The result of our consultations at the Augusta National was to reduce the number of sand traps on the plan from thirty-six to twenty-two. Few committees appear to realize that after all golf is played for fun, and that the most important thing in reconstructing a golf course is to make it more pleasurable. The most successful committees are those who are ruled by a benevolent autocrat, who has made a life-long study of the requirements of golf. I have done most of my reconstruction work for men of this kind; men who know golf but realize that they had not sufficient knowledge to know about everything, and who consequently were only too anxious to consult anyone who might throw fresh light on their problems. I have recently had two striking examples of this. In both instances the ruling autocrat had already made considerable improvements in the course and had gained the confidence of the members. One example was the Palmetto Golf Course at Aiken in South Carolina. The chairman, owing to the strength and endearing quality of his personality, managed to push things through notwithstanding the opposition of perhaps four-fifths of the members, and called me in to reconstruct the course. The alterations have been such a success that the chairman of Bobby Jones’ executive committee at the Augusta National writes to me saying “We have only one serious complaint to make against you regarding the Augusta National. That layout you designed at Aiken is liked so well that the Aiken colony do not seem to be the least bit interested in coming over to the Augusta National.” The other instance concerned a club among the oldest in America. The course was designed years before anyone had formulated any definite ideas
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OUT OF BOUNDS
The 16th hole from the tee at Augusta National Golf Club in 1947. ©USGA
about golf architecture, so it was hardly to be expected that the layout would be ideal. As a matter of fact, the general design was no better than that of other courses which were constructed about the same period. My problem was to use as many of the existing greens as possible and to evolve a good golf course at a minimum of expense. I had never had a more difficult problem with which to deal, and, after several weeks of careful study and planning, I evolved a scheme which, without taking in any additional land, would give an exceptionally pleasurable and interesting course at an extremely low cost. One hole had already been made from one
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of the plans, when unfortunately something happened in the inner workings of the club, and the work was not carried through to a finish. There is another most important point about the reconstruction of golf courses. If the work is done on what we consider the right lines, namely eliminating all purely penal hazards, and grading all the slopes so that they are of such a natural appearance that little or no hand labour is required in taking care of them, the cost of reconstruction is practically nothing in the long run. I have been informed by the chairmen of both the Lake Merced and the California clubs in San Francisco, whose courses I reconstructed, that we have saved the clubs the whole of the cost of reconstruction in reduced maintenance every year since the remodeling was carried out. I have also been informed that these clubs have continued to increase their membership and have consequently increased in prosperity in spite of the prevailing conditions. Remodeling and reconstruction, which results in added pleasure in the play of the club members and their friends, is very much worthwhile. The result is added interest on the part of old members and the attracting of new ones. A job which fails in doing this is nothing more than money thrown away and is as well left undone.
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19TH HOLE
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The avant-garde STK Steakhouse, downtown Scottsdale’s lively modern lounge, is our choice for this issue’s 19th Hole. Its upscale motif and music sets a standard for the new and beautiful approach to dining, but its soon-to-be-opened upstairs party deck will be the perfect destination for snacks and drinks following that next great round of golf or a pairings party, as the AGA did for the Arizona Amateur Championship this past summer. When the upstairs opens, there will be plenty of room for all your friends and winter guests, whether for business entertainment or just a chance to relax and dance the night away. 7134 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85251 // stksteakhouse.com
