Methods of Early Golf Architecture

Book excerpt: Methods of Early Golf Architecture features selected writings from premier architects C.B. Macdonald, George C. Thomas, and Robert Hunter. With precision and detail, these visionaries discuss each element of golf course design, and no detail is left untouched. Methods of Early Golf Architecture Includes: • Characteristics of a Golf Architect • Psychology of Design • Deciding Where to Build • The Design Process • Utilizing Natural Features • Teeing Grounds • Through the Green • Hazards • Greens and Greenkeeping • Ideal Holes • The Construction Process • Overseeing Construction Characteristics of a Golf Architect “A golf architect must be a student of agriculture, understand nature, have a knowledge of soils, knowledge of implements, drainage, and above all the particular character of the layout which tantalizes a lover of the game and holds him spellbound.” – C.B. Macdonald Psychology of Design “How deadly dull are two or three holes of the same character when they follow each other! A drive and pitch followed by a drive and pitch is a good deal like serving a watery pudding after a watery soup.” – Robert Hunter The Design Process “The ability to create is to consider all the problems of a golf course. The architect must visualize the effect his work will produce from all angles of the game.” – George C. Thomas Utilizing Natural Features "Now and then one finds a hole of real distinction which nature herself has modeled, and to add anything artificial would be a crime.” – Robert Hunter