Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: Ran Morrissett on July 17, 2014, 01:27:00 PM
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...under Architecture Timeline and Courses by Country.
I have returned to courses that have become worse with time (Royal Sydney, Medalist, Cascades) and I have been to courses that have gotten better over time (Sleepy Hollow, Lancaster, The Country Club in Brookline). Never have I returned to a course and not recognized it! That is what just happened when I visited Old Town after a short 28 year hiatus. I swear, it was as if I had never been there. Sweeping views abound, beautiful deep hazards punctuate the rolling terrain and the fabric of the course speaks in a homogeneous, Golden Age manner.
Pinehurst No.2 casts a long shadow across my state so the conversation usually turns to what is the second best course? Wade Hampton and Charlotte CC (which I just saw three weeks ago and is looking spectacular) are obvious contenders. Maybe if you’re a bomber, you favor Quail Hollow and if you swing hickories it may be Mid-Pines. Old Town now thrusts itself into the conversation because this Maxwell design has it all. In my own mind, Old Town stacks up very well on a hole by hole basis with other courses I consider to be world top 100. It is highly uncommon to find a course both this strong and fun from top to bottom.
When I saw it in 1986, I was working for the USGA, living in NJ and happily bitched to friends that the south didn't have a course/club as cool as Somerset Hills. That visit didn't alter my sentiment but after last weekend’s stroll around Old Town, there is a new sheriff in town! The transformation is that complete, that dramatic.
(http://www.golfclubatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/db.jpg)
See - I am not crazy! The first photo with the two small oval greens and cart path behind is akin to what I saw years ago …
(http://www.golfclubatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/da.jpg)
… and here is a photo from Dunlop from last fall of Old Town’s Double Green returned to its full glory!
As is well known, Old Town's restoration has been a labor of love for both Dunlop White and Bill Coore. Patience, perseverance, good sense and talented workers have won out. The great thing about White and Coore is that they freely share what was done and as importantly, how it was accomplished. Some people/clubs are so hush-hush that little can be gleaned from their undertaking. Not here. Starting late next week after the Open, we will release three video clips with Bill Coore about this restoration. They are highly informative and augment the Old Town profile that is now posted.
When I moved to North Carolina from Australia in 1999, it wasn't for the golf. Pinehurst No.2, Pine Needles, Mid-Pines, CCC, & Old Town were shadows of what they are now. Dormie, Diamond Creek and second course at Forest Creek didn't exist. This state has gotten its act together. It is exciting to live somewhere that is going in the proper direction and Old Town sets the bar incredibly high.
Panelists from various magazines are flocking to Old Town. I have heard from raters that hail from Arizona, New York, & Florida, and all of their comments re: Old Town are universally glowing, a rarity in itself. Everyone agrees: When you layer Coore & Crenshaw on top of Maxwell, you have something unique - and (once again) very special.
Best,
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A very nice read as usual, and wow, what a course transformation. Where there's a will there's a way.
atb
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Just incredible! Looks like the type of golf course you would be happy playing every day.
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Ran: Old Town is a gem. It should be an example for every greens committee to see what restoration and tree removal can do. It is important to recognize that it is a par 70 when deciding which tees to play as it can be a bear if you go too far back.
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Panelists from various magazines are flocking to Old Town. I have heard from raters that hail from Arizona, New York, & Florida, and all of their comments re: Old Town are universally glowing, a rarity in itself. Everyone agrees: When you layer Coore & Crenshaw on top of Maxwell, you have something unique - and (once again) very special.
Best,
And New Mexico! Old Town is fantastic--I had not seen any previous versions but the current course is certainly one of the best in North Carolina and probably a top 50 course in the country. Really worth seeing!
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Two questions~
1. What does "whoila" mean?
2. Did Jeff Bradley do the bunker work?
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Old Town is a masterwork.
Its spectacular return to greatness would not have happened without Dunlop White. Highest commendations.
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To me, this line from the profile sums up what I perceived to be Old Town's greatness:
"Old Town’s ultimate trump card is that it’s both great fun (ask the members) and a great test (ask the Wake Forest golf team alums)."
I have played a lot of golf courses that seem to favor one or the other of those two principles. I would put Tobacco Road on the "fun" end of the spectrum and the pre-restoration Pinehurst No. 2 (have not played it post-C&C) on the "test" end. No course that I have seen brings better unity of those two than Old Town. Maxwell's greens supply a great deal of that unity, I found. It is extremely difficult to get most approach shots close to the hole, but all the little subtle shelves and side and back slopes work together in such a way that the player has to visualize every shot. And when a golf course engages the player on that level, I find that it's easier to make good swings because basic execution becomes almost a foregone conclusion and the strategy of it all becomes the thing the player is most concerned about.
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Thanks to everyone for their kind remarks. I am truly humbled by Ran's introduction here and encourage everyone to read his write-up.
We all have loved GCA.com over the past 15-years plus, but naturally noone is more invested and devoted to the study, discussion and advancement of golf course architecture than its founder, Ran Morrissett.
For the first time, I have just witnessed the time, effort and vigor he dedicates to a course profile. It's simply amazing, and I'm most appreciative. We all should be. A big shout out to Chris Buie as well for his help with the technical stuff.
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I am thrilled to see Old Town profiled here. I loved it when I visited last fall even though I spent most of my time zig-zagging from trouble spot to trouble spot while Cory and Dunlop showed me how the course should be played.
Ran - The 9th was the one hole you skipped. Was there a reason for the omission? I would be interested in your thoughts on that one. It sure looked like it would have been easier to play if I had actually followed Dunlop's admonition to keep the tee shot left. I am sure I would find it difficult with repeat play but wonder if I would like it in a tough love sort of way.
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I echo everything Ran said here, and will add it's possible it's Maxwell's best course while definitely being his most interesting. Is it possibly also the coolest restoration ever done by C&C? The attached fairways at four, seven, eight, seventeen, eighteen, and nine! The double green! The bunkering! It's downright majestic, the sweeping vistas and Golden Age feel! Here's some pics:
Tee shot on 7:
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e302/jaygolfusa/IMG_20140614_102029_526_zps63beced2.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/jaygolfusa/media/IMG_20140614_102029_526_zps63beced2.jpg.html)
Into the double green at 17:
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e302/jaygolfusa/IMG_20140614_102437_010_zpsbf89610e.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/jaygolfusa/media/IMG_20140614_102437_010_zpsbf89610e.jpg.html)
The tee marker for 9/17 and:
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e302/jaygolfusa/IMG_20140614_102801_528_zps723f7b78.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/jaygolfusa/media/IMG_20140614_102801_528_zps723f7b78.jpg.html)
The cool criss-cross! Love it! Who says crossovers are a negative! Rockaway Hunting Club is another with great crossovers, so is Bayonne!
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e302/jaygolfusa/IMG_20140614_102755_164_zps1a9975db.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/jaygolfusa/media/IMG_20140614_102755_164_zps1a9975db.jpg.html)
More pics to come!
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My last question is this: Ran, did Dunlop show you that giant, black bird that lives over by 13/14? I have a photo to prove it does exist.
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Did Jeff Bradley do the bunker work?
Ron — No, we had Dave Axland, Keith Rhebb, and Quinn Thompson.
Dave has been teaming up with Coore actually longer than Ben has. Dave was our project manager, shaper, and has been heavily involved with most of C & C's major works through the years. Keith, another shaper, came to Old Town directly from Streamsong, as their Project Manager. Quinn came to Old Town via Shanqin Bay and Maidstone. Quinn was our detail specialist and closed the deal.
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Congrats to all. Can't say I love the bunker eyebrows behind the double-green, but I'm guessing I'm supposed to. Hopefully the answer is revealed in historical photographs. Interesting that Ran cites Maxwell's "uncluttered architectural style" out of the gate. Do you agree?
I'd honestly like to be educated on this, knowing that Ran and Dunlop are a majority in just about any room where golf architecture is being discussed. Thanks in advance.
Bogey
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Bogey
I think the grass serves to hide the cart path to the rear. There are a few spots where work was done to hide paths...and to great effect.
Ran - very, very fine.
Ciao
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Congrats to all. Can't say I love the bunker eyebrows behind the double-green, but I'm guessing I'm supposed to.
Bogey
ha ha ha ... would you prefer that one eyebrow be winking?
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Bogey
I think the grass serves to hide the cart path to the rear. There are a few spots where work was done to hide paths...and to great effect.
Ran - very, very fine.
Ciao
Thanks Sean. If that's the case, it's brilliant.
Bogey
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I find these before and after photos some of the most striking that I have seen on GCA. Is the superintendent still employed at the club?
(http://www.golfclubatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/db.jpg)
See - I am not crazy! The first photo with the two small oval greens and cart path behind is akin to what I saw years ago …
(http://www.golfclubatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/da.jpg)
… and here is a photo from Dunlop from last fall of Old Town’s Double Green returned to its full glory!
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Congrats to all. Can't say I love the bunker eyebrows behind the double-green, but I'm guessing I'm supposed to. Hopefully the answer is revealed in historical photographs.
In the historic 1939 photos of Old Town, Maxwell incorporated tall stalks of native broomsedge that enveloped the outside edges of his bunkers. Broomsedge protruded from the surrounds adding a character-rich third dimension, which visually demanded a golfer’s full attention. Before Maxwell arrived at Old Town in 1938, he relocated the green at Hole 10 at ANGC and added the right green side bunker(s). Yes, there were two located there originally — a big guy and a little guy — which also contained broomsedge plantings. During our archival research, Maxwell historian Chris Clouser provided some images of the original bunkers at Twin Hills. Broomsedge again was used to accent his naturalistic bunkers. The native plant material at Prairie Dunes was different, but nevertheless still used.
Quinn Thompson, Coore's talented detail man, recovered this artistic look at Old Town. Sometime the plant material was meticulously transplanted plug-by-plug (by shovel and hand) from our on-course nursery. Other times a dozer or a mini-ex would scoop a mass of earth containing dozens of broomsedge stalks, and it would simply be relocated and plopped down behind a newly restored bunker as if they had always been together. (Simple but awesome!)
In the double green pic you refer to above, the "eyebrows" of broomsedge also in fact help hide the cart trail. But an important point must be made. Though Coore uses bunker eyebrows of natives in places, my guess is that he probably prefers bunkers to back into and eat up into a larger native stand. Depends on context, I presume. In this case, however, we will be converting the bermuda turf behind the eyebrows to a larger sweeping stand of broomsedge in the months and years to come.
As Ran mentioned, Coore's punch list for "in-house" items is a mile long, so further improvements will be on-going.
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Here's the direct link to Ran's profile.
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/courses-by-country/usa/old-town-club/ (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/courses-by-country/usa/old-town-club/)
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Congrats to all. Can't say I love the bunker eyebrows behind the double-green, but I'm guessing I'm supposed to. Hopefully the answer is revealed in historical photographs.
Though Coore uses bunker brows in places, my guess is that he probably prefers bunkers to back into and eat up into a larger native stand. In this case, we will be converting the bermuda turf behind the eyebrows to a larger sweeping stand of broomsedge in the months and years to come.
Thank you Dunlop. You helped me realize that it is the isolated string of the native that I struggled with rather than its transition into a large stand as you noted. This is depicted elsewhere in Ran's excellent review.
Thanks for making a difference.
Kindest regards,
Mike
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Write-ups like this are why I started reading/lurking on the site 12 years ago. Loved this profile. From the write-up to pictures showing before and after. A course I didn't know much about and seeing that transformation is just wonderful. Thanks again!
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This course has always intrigued me, but this profile has cinched the deal. I'm gonna get down there this fall without fail. It is such an unbelievably remarkable transformation/restoration. Awe inspiring.
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I have never played a course in the U.S. where there are so many uneven lies, and I mean massively so: on several fairways the ball hangs on the side slope, defying gravity and adding great fun to the next shot. As hilly as Quail, maybe more so. And the greens have tons of internal contour and false fronts, at least as much as Charlotte. Combine those two aspects with a first-class routing and there not much more to say except OTC ranks first among equals.
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Here's some more pics:
A little blurry, but a good look at number 2:
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e302/jaygolfusa/IMG_20140614_115739_061_zpsf6893043.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/jaygolfusa/media/IMG_20140614_115739_061_zpsf6893043.jpg.html)
The tee shot on 5 reminds me of 5 at Crystal Downs with it's three sisters bunker complex, undulating fairway, and doctrine of deception.
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e302/jaygolfusa/IMG_20140614_124112_134_zps74db3c67.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/jaygolfusa/media/IMG_20140614_124112_134_zps74db3c67.jpg.html)
The approach into 5...best green on the course. Be below the hole, but watch out for the wicked false front!
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e302/jaygolfusa/IMG_20140614_124358_581_zps47f61d92.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/jaygolfusa/media/IMG_20140614_124358_581_zps47f61d92.jpg.html)
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thank you everyone, looks fantastic
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Looking back at the unofficial GCA rankings Ian Andrews compiled several years ago, Old Town did not make the top 100. I wonder if the reno might change that?
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No question, Jim! I think it'll break top 50, but that's my NSHO:)
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This is a old look at Hole 17 too.
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/17a_zps5ac9fb38.jpg)
1996
Look at the narrow, striped fairways, the cart path, the mass of trees growing out of the creek beds on the right, the bunker renewal, and the blind green.The restoration work here was transformative in look, feel and strategic playability.
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Fabulous thread, pictures, and overall renovation. Congratulations Dunlop.
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Fantastic profile Ran!
I've been fortunate to play the club multiple times before and after the renovation, and I agree that the transformation is amazing. I don't know that I've ever seen a course changed such that it is harder to play from the back tees, yet actually become more fun at the same time.
In terms of overall difficulty, I think the tips are now 2-3 shots harder.
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A guy who said he played baseball at Wake Forest, I think in the early 70's, claimed that students could play Old Town for 50 cents. Maybe it was just athletes?
Anyway, those days are gone, but thanks to Dunlop White, Old Town is looking great.
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A guy who said he played baseball at Wake Forest, I think in the early 70's, claimed that students could play Old Town for 50 cents. Maybe it was just athletes?
Anyway, those days are gone, but thanks to Dunlop White, Old Town is looking great.
Lynn -- (good memory!) yes, it was 50 cents for all students, including Bill Coore, as he only played on the golf team for a year. Bill used to walk 500 yards from his dorm -- bag in tow -- skirt the fence and started all his rounds on No. 12 tee. After no. 18, his seventh hole, he would check in as a student at the Pro Shop. The arrangement for the students was discontinued in 1968, but Old Town has remained the home course for WFU golf ever since.
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The first time I played OTC was during law school at WFU (1979 or 1980) and the student guest fee was $2!
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Men, you're breaking my heart. To the best of my knowledge, by 1983, there was no student access.
(Commence pity party.)
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Men, you're breaking my heart. To the best of my knowledge, by 1983, there was no student access.
(Commence pity party.)
By 1996....awwww, forget it.
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Men, you're breaking my heart. To the best of my knowledge, by 1983, there was no student access.
(Commence pity party.)
"."
World's smallest violin playing just for you, Sad Sack:):) ;D ;D
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I was at Wake '76-'80.
Start playing for me as well.
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I happened to make two trips from Austin to W-S last year, once in March and once in September. I was there for meetings and I told a colleague that lives there how much I was interested in Old Town because I had been talking to Crenshaw about the work they were doing there. In March we hopped on a buggy and toured the course while it was still under construction. Then when I came back in September we played it. WOW. I had only seen pictures of the course before the work began, but I could def appreciate the difference. The look was so cool and as Ben notes in that video clip, the palette is what makes it rock. C&C's emphasis on bunkers was evident to me because every time Ben and I discussed the work all he every said was "oh, you know, we did a little bunker work". It was all he ever wanted to talk about.
OTC is a gem: a club with a fantastic course and great membership. Can't wait to get back and play it.
Funny side note, in Feherty's interview with Wadkins, the story came up that Lanny couldn't find the library at Wake and his response was "of course I knew where it was, you aimed at it on the 8th tee at OTC!". I texted a friend who played golf at Wake and he said, that is correct!
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And my article on the course is done too. http://jayflemma.thegolfspace.com/?p=5963
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Men, you're breaking my heart. To the best of my knowledge, by 1983, there was no student access.
(Commence pity party.)
There wasn't student access in 1979 or 80 either. A classmate's father was a member. Otherwise I would have been there every day and never finished!
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Tom -- I have original letters from the club withdrawing this privilege for students and facility in 1968. I'll double check.
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And my article on the course is done too. http://jayflemma.thegolfspace.com/?p=5963
This is a well-written piece. I encourage everyone to read it.
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Thank you, Ron.
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Look our for Jay Flemma's interview of Chris Clouser, Perry Maxwell historian, on "Golf News Network" about how Old Town now stacks up with Maxwell's best -- following their C & C restoration.
Also look out for Larry Lambrecht's photo shoot of the restoration.(Coming soon)
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Wow. Amazing how much of Prairie Dunes I see in the pics. Need to get there some day.
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Simply spectacular. Congratulations Dunlop.
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My god. The place looks incredible - Old Town is moving quickly up my must play list.
Great photos. Thanks for posting.
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Brian Sheehy and Bruce Wellmon -- Thanks for the kind notes, and please come see us again as we are making improvements constantly. Though the spadework has been completed, Coore and I have agreed on a punch list of in-house items to accomplish in the short term, mainly tree limbing and removal, and the expansion of fairways, tees, and native areas. You'll love it, I think!
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I was finally able to bring my wife up to play Old Town yesterday and I came away even more impressed than before. My wife has a 28 handicap and yet she was able to play and fully enjoy Old Town. None of the holes were overwhelming for her, which was my fear because some of them can be overwhelming for me! The placement of the forward tees is done perfectly so that higher handicap players can fully enjoy the architecture without sacrificing playability.
I see Old Town only getting better with age. Truly a remarkable golf course.
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My god. The place looks incredible - Old Town is moving quickly up my must play list.
Great photos. Thanks for posting.
Jon - you've seen some special places recently. I'd love to see a match between Myopia and Old Town - both big favourites in our circles. We tend to care less about USGA event history and more about quality. Old Town is in very rarified air. I have it in my American top 5 favourites.
Brian:
Top 5 for you, huh? That's high praise - I'm really dying to see this place now. And if it's even remotely comparable to Myopia, which I adored, I can't wait to see it.
You're right in that I've been fortunate to see some really special places lately, and we do seem to share an affinity for the same types of places (which is one reason your high ranking of this course carries a lot of weight with me). I just put up a post about Somerset Hills, which I played last week and which fits nicely into the class of courses you've described - almost no significant USGA event history, but a unique and magnificent place for a round of golf.
Thanks,
Jon
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Inspired by the ongoing photo threads of Myopia and Somerset Hills, I've finally learned how to post photos (of the appropriate size!!) after 14+ years on this website. Makes a big difference. I hope you guys enjoy a look at Old Town after a full year of maturity. Here are some pics of the C & C restoration.
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_1_Z_zps1b3ac442.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_1CL_zps5c6ad037.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_1_Dew_zps231a2db6.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_3_T_zps3db86e2f.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_2_RR_zps1edc78ec.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_3_F2_zps105183f8.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_3_AM_zps24edb37a.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_3_A_zps77b36b0b.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_4_L_zpsa340450a.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_4_G_AM_zps180fc8ec.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_4_GF_zps200fb159.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_6T_zps3b80980f.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_7_CT_zps71aa7169.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_7_TLE_zpscb5f5b64.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_7_LB_zps8dd61ac8.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_12_WDS_zps0127ccf9.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_12_AX_zps94b5a341.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_8_17_G_zps143d3d45.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_8_CR_zpsc516cb95.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_10_zps3791d963.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_11_TLE_zps20aa9d4e.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_12_DA_zpscdac92c9.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_12_LC_zpsf3927164.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_14_MF-Version2_zps6dcc122e.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_15_AM_zps246ad998.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_17_TD_zps20f66c79.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_17_zps44d4d45d.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_17_LBK_zps9f0d11d0.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_17_LA_zpsbb4e4a8f.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_17_SH_zpsade81803.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_17_SR_zpse54a8aa2.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_18_SKY-Version2_zps176ad381.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_18_AM_zps16b2f30b.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_18_PK_zps808dfcd0.jpg)
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iii
Cheers. I never tire of Old Town pix.
Jon, if it means anything to you, I would put Old Town among my top 5 favourites full stop. I think it will get better as well. I hope to someday see the fairways pushed even further out with the reduction of rough and that horrible tree back right of #12 removed.
Ciao
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I was fortunate enough to play Old Town earlier this summer and agree with you all, it is an amazing course which has everything going for it. The "thing" that puts the course in rarified air, above and beyond its width, elevation change, angles of play and rolling greens, are the canted fairways and hanging lies. I've never played a US course where, in the middle of the fairway, the ball was a foot above or below my feet so frequently. So finding the middle of the fairway isn't good enough for the best players, there's lots of local knowledge available and you need to shape your shot to find the best approach. Top of the tops in my book.
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Dunlop--
What's your favorite month for golf in Winston-Salem?
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Dunlop: incredible photos. Just gorgeous.
Sean: wow. High praise indeed. I can't wait to play it.
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Stunning.
So nice to see a course where a man can breath.
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Overhead with Wake Forest and Wait Chapel in the background. The bunkers punctuate Hole 17 beautifully (on left) with the double green in the distance.
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/17FairwayHigherOverheadView_zps3b5a4e50.jpg)
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Gorgeous.
Is it photo-shopping or are some bunkers filled with a clay/sand mix and others just sand? Some bring to mind the C&C bunkers at Cuscowilla.
Bob
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Phenomenal photos Dunlop - I just can't get enough of Old Town!
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Gorgeous.
Is it photo-shopping or are some bunkers filled with a clay/sand mix and others just sand? Some bring to mind the C&C bunkers at Cuscowilla.
Bob
Bob,
There's no photoshopping of the sand color. Our sand has a natural tannish/brown color as it comes from the nearest creak-bed resource -- which was the Yadkin River for us -- located about 8 miles away. In order to recapture Maxwell/MacKenzie artistic type bunkers on this inland site, exposed dirt/clay faces were a necessary ingredient. In the winter, these exposed dirt/clay walls "heave" -- expand and contract with the change in temperatures and thereby "bleed" a orange color into the sand randomly at places. This type of color contamination looks natural with the type of sand we chose. Had we selected a bright white, manufactured sand, it wouldn't look so hot. Over the first year, these exposed dirt/clay walls have been covered with variations of grasses heights further stabilizing the edges with a "rumpled lips" look. And sure enough, just as Dave Axland suggested, they have turned dark brown and green in places with moss on them, which will further minimize the bleeding effect as they evolve and mature.
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Dunlop--
What's your favorite month for golf in Winston-Salem?
Mid-October through Thanksgiving -- is the best 6-week stretch in my opinion! Broomsedge in natives is bright and seeding out; leaves are popping with color, fairways are a faint modeled green color and everything plays firm and fast.
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Gorgeous.
Is it photo-shopping or are some bunkers filled with a clay/sand mix and others just sand? Some bring to mind the C&C bunkers at Cuscowilla.
Bob
Bob,
There's no photoshopping of the sand color. Our sand has a natural tannish/brown color as it comes from the nearest creak-bed resource -- which was the Yadkin River for us -- located about 8 miles away. In order to recapture Maxwell/MacKenzie artistic type bunkers on this inland site, exposed dirt/clay faces were a necessary ingredient. In the winter, these exposed dirt/clay walls "heave" -- expand and contract with the change in temperatures and thereby "bleed" a orange color into the sand randomly at places. This type of color contamination looks natural with the type of sand we chose. Had we selected a bright white, manufactured sand, it wouldn't look so hot. Over the first year, these exposed dirt/clay walls have been covered with variations of grasses heights further stabilizing the edges with a "rumpled lips" look. And sure enough, just as Dave Axland suggested, they have turned dark brown and green in places with moss on them, which will further minimize the bleeding effect as they evolve and mature.
Dunlop -
I wish more courses followed your lead in using native soil/sand in bunkers. At most locales clean white sand looks (and in fact is) 'unnatural'. Outside of FLA, Long Island and a few other places, to my eye it can look as artificial as cart paths.
I understand that maintaining a soil/sand mix is not easy. Cusco has struggled with it. But goodness gracious it looks good. That you are able to use turf in the bunker brows to help stabilize things is impressive. Do you think what you are doing can serve as a model for other courses in the SE? Or is it of relevance only to your local conditions?
In any event, kudos to you and your team at OTC. I gotta get to North Kackalacky soon.
Bob
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I wish more courses followed your lead in using native soil/sand in bunkers. At most locales clean white sand looks (and in fact is) 'unnatural'. Outside of FLA, Long Island and a few other places, to my eye it can look as artificial as cart paths.
I understand that maintaining a soil/sand mix is not easy. Cusco has struggled with it. But goodness gracious it looks good. That you are able to use turf in the bunker brows to help stabilize things is impressive. Do you think what you are doing can serve as a model for other courses in the SE? Or is it of relevance only to your local conditions?
In any event, kudos to you and your team at OTC. I gotta get to North Kackalacky soon.
[/quote]
Bob, to minimize red clay/soil contamination, we used synthetic bunker liners. It took some meticulous handiwork to conform the liners to the riveting, jagged edges at the base of the subfloor walls. Also, to help prevent washouts on steep flashes, we decided to use the modern "Better Billy Bunker" approach of epoxying a porous gravel blanket to the subfloor. Today, our bunkers look old, weathered and natural, but they are in fact sophisticated. Any color contamination usually bleeds from the exposed clay/dirt walls.
A tight mowing pattern at the inside edge of the clay/dirt walls -- and tall natives at the outside edge of the clay/dirt walls -- together adds some deep shadowing and a character-rich third dimension that makes them standout in the eyes of a golfer.
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Love drone photography. Looks like Old Town is a small oasis in a sea of trees. The trees have grown so, you can hardly see the steeples at Wake Forest from the golf course anymore. The drone puts its intimacy back into perspective. Then there is always Pilot Mountain in the backdrop. Unfortunately, the incredible course contours cannot be captured at this elevation. That's the downside.
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/DCIM100MEDIA_zps02278a0d.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/edited12acrosscreek2_zps2154c147.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown-178FrontViewFrom8Teebox_zps0116893d.jpg)
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Dunlop - just amazing photos, screensaver worthy. Debating whether it looks better in person or in your photos on GCA. Played some great courses this year, but OTC wins for delivering the most beyond what I expected. And I had high expectations going in. I have not played all the great tracks in NC, but not sure how OTC doesn't fault to the top. Well deserved if it does. The real beauty is I get the sense that the fabric of the club and its membership is equal of the routing.
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Just noticed that Pilot Mountain stands tall like a sentinel in the backdrop of the drone shots at Old Town and the regular Larry Lambrecht shots at Roaring Gap.
Dan Kettler --Thanks for the compliments. Come see us again soon!
That double fairway feels vast in real life. Looking over your shoulder to the left at 5 is a special moment for GCA enthusiasts
Brian Sheehy
This is the view Sheehy may be referring to……
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Golf%20Photos%202/OldTown_4_GF_zps200fb159.jpg)
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Beautiful photography of what looks like a wonderful project,
I have to admit to this being a new course to me repuation wise but now very high on the to play list..marvelous work.
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I just played Old Town last week. Firstly, I'd like to thank my host, very gracious and informative. The photos Dunlop posted definitely loose some of the rolling terrain, but at horizon level you can see the true beauty. It has to be played to really feel the fantastic property. Not much property of this caliber left to be honest. A few that come to mind are Cal Club and Old Warson. Old Town immediately became one of my favorite courses. As mentioned previously, the hanging lies were plentiful and kept you on your feet. The course seems to flow right out of the land, from tee to fairway and especially the green complexes. The 2 par 5's were some of the best in the land as well. One risk/reward and the other very strategic.
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Dunlop,
Thank you for the mesmerizing photos. What a transformative restoration. Those C&C guys might have a future in this business. ;D
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OK. So, let's set the record straight.
Dunlop White and Co. pulled off one of the best restorations of the "restoration era" at Old Town.
Dunlop White is a terrific host.
Dunlop White can carry Ran Morrissett all around a golf course, so he must be a very strong man.
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OK. So, let's set the record straight.
Dunlop White and Co. pulled off one of the best restorations of the "restoration era" at Old Town.
Dunlop White is a terrific host.
Dunlop White can carry Ran Morrissett all around a golf course, so he must be a very strong man.
Completely seconded!!!
Old Town is terrific and then some.
Jeff Lewis is also a strong man, for he carried my sorry butt around quite a few holes as well, but make no mistake about it: Ran Morrissett was firmly attached to Dunlop White's back for all 18 holes!
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OK. So, let's set the record straight.
Dunlop White and Co. pulled off one of the best restorations of the "restoration era" at Old Town.
Dunlop White is a terrific host.
Dunlop White can carry Ran Morrissett all around a golf course, so he must be a very strong man.
Thanks for the kind remarks. So glad you guys enjoyed seeing Old Town and C & C's restoration work. Playing in that 20 MPH wind with little sleep (because of the election) made for a memorable day.
I'll never forget some of the shots … good and bad. No, Ran was never too heavy. I always knew he had my back as we witnessed him hole his 'Texas wedge' on No. 11 from off the green. Perfect timing as I was out of the hole. Jeff's 200-yard approach to No. 13 was also sporty as he used the elephant mound to bound his ball toward the hole. Steve found his tee game on No. 17 with the best "drive of the day", almost 300-yards, which was in stark contrast to his opener on No. 1. In fairness, he successfully laid up well short of the creek. ;)
In the end, Ran and I prevailed. It was a fun day with great company, and we weren't even compelled to talk about too much about the architecture. We just enjoyed it!
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/IMG_3613_zpsnmy7yyt3.jpg)
As you can tell Morrissett was on fire all day looking just like The King.
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Thank you, Dunlop, for characterizing my performance as 'clutch.'
Four facts emerged from last Wednesday:
1) Great courses produce great champions.
2) Dunlop and I shook hands in victory on the 14th tee with the defeated Yankees and sent them packing back to NJ/NY.
3) While in a role of captaincy, I was not - and should not have been - expected to contribute on every single hole.
4) I was the only one in the group to par all four of the one shot holes, which Dunlop will tell you, is a Herculean effort. Yes, taking three putts on those four holes didn't hurt but that is NOT to diminish my pristine ball-striking. Indeed, Jeff, the more gracious loser of the two, praised my game by stating 'You aren't nearly as bad as the last time we played.'
Thank you, Dunlop, for proving to be a most suitable and agreeable partner at one of the few parkland courses worthy of World Top 100 status.
Best,
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Is that what I said? LOL. I certainly meant to be more gracious!
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Jeff,
As the "less gracious" of our duo that day, let's all not forget that Mr. Randolph Morrissett is far, far from a model of golfing comity when he's on the losing end of the equation!
Muttering, despondent and bitter are more like it!! :-* :-*
That said, we do love him nonetheless!!
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(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/DSC_0023_zpsgmszrzba.jpg)
adding to Ran's post …. here's an outstanding parkland shot taken today ….capturing our newest vista.
Hole 4 green in the foreground with the fall-away 6th in the backdrop.
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Dunlop: :o
Looks amazing. Thank you for posting.
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Thanks George. To get an idea of the architectural evolution and transformation here in this isolated segment of the golf course, one must look at the following set of photos taken from the approach of hole 4 over a period of 20-years. We all still marvel at the achievement.
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/1996_hole4_zpsf9cwekco.jpg)
Twenty Years Ago: Circa 1996
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/2008-06-28_6686_zpsf0psgfnp.jpg)
Eight Years Ago: Circa 2009
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/DSC_0023_zpsgmszrzba.jpg)
Two Days Ago: 2017
Check out the wall of trees or the lack thereof, the new vista, the natives in all their summer glory, and the C&C bunkers, the green sizes and their relationship to the bunkers, the fairway expansion, the grass-types, the mowing lines, and even the accessories. An all encompassing make-over that exposes the land and punctuates it with some great, natural looking golf features.
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Dunlop,
Spectacular. If there is a "Poster Child" for this website, your restoration of OTC is #1 from my view.
I sent you an email, let me know if you did not get it. That photo sequence above should really be added to the OTC profile so it does not get lost in the archives.
http://golfclubatlas.com/courses-by-country/usa/old-town-club/
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Thanks George. To get an idea of the architectural evolution and transformation here in this isolated segment of the golf course, one must look at the following set of photos taken from the approach of hole 4 over a period of 20-years. We all still marvel at the achievement.
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/1996_hole4_zpsf9cwekco.jpg)
Twenty Years Ago: Circa 1996
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/2008-06-28_6686_zpsf0psgfnp.jpg)
Eight Years Ago: Circa 2009
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/DSC_0023_zpsgmszrzba.jpg)
Two Days Ago: 2017
Check out the wall of trees or the lack thereof, the new vista, the natives in all their summer glory, and the C&C bunkers, the green sizes and their relationship to the bunkers, the fairway expansion, the grass-types, the mowing lines, and even the accessories. An all encompassing make-over that exposes the land and punctuates it with some great, natural looking golf features.
Dunlop
Thanks. It beggars belief that there are still folks out there who expouse the green wall look. Believe it or not, just this past Sunday a good friend was defending this as something positive.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4227/34883836371_a8c45dee70_b.jpg) (https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4227/34883836371_a8c45dee70_b.jpg)
Thanks again for all your hard work!
Ciao
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Dunlop OTC amazes me more everyday.
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Dunlop,
Spectacular. If there is a "Poster Child" for this website, your restoration of OTC is #1 from my view.
That photo sequence above should really be added to the OTC profile so it does not get lost in the archives.
Thanks Tom Fagerli and Mike Sweeney. I can do photo sequencing for almost each hole. Any ideas from you or Ran as to where this should be posted as an archive or resource?
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Dunlop,
My vote would be to post a detailed "before and after" in the Best of Golf section.
The 3 photo montage you posted above is really stunning.
Has there been a more dramatic restoration in the US? Possibly not. A restoration deep dive would be a useful resource and a fun read.
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If anyone has some more "Before & After" pictures, please post them or send them to me. We have removed a substantial amount of trees at my home course and are considering an updated of the bunkering as well.
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Amazing Dunlop. Congrats on the great work.
Bob
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Dunlop, My vote would be to post a detailed "before and after" in the Best of Golf section. The 3 photo montage you posted above is really stunning. Has there been a more dramatic restoration in the US? Possibly not. A restoration deep dive would be a useful resource and a fun read.
Thanks Morgan, Sean Arble, Bob Crosby and everyone. Much appreciated. Let Ran weigh-in to see what he prefers? I would be glad to put together something for the "Best In Golf" section about Old Town's ongoing restoration. We have documented everything over the last 20 years.
I will also share these compliments with all who have been involved. As you know, there's no way I have been acting alone. Much of the credit goes to our current and past Presidents, Joe Young and Jimmy Einstein, our former golf chair, Loge Jackson, and our supers, O'Neil and Mac Crouch. And the architects, C & C, Dave Axland, Keith Rhebb and Quinn Thompson, and of course the Board and membership. We have had a big team with lots of support. And all those who mentored us through the pre and post-restoration politics. Thank you.
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As requested, here's another photo sequence at hole 14.
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/FH000012_zps9onumubz.jpg)
1996
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/11-24-2008-14-09-36-233_zpsvztimyfg.jpg)
2006
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/DSC_0297_zpsacuciag5.jpg)
Two days ago in 2017
Again, to understand the magnitude and scope of our transformation, look at the following photo sequence taken from Hole 14 over a period of 20-years. Scroll back and forth to examine the many areas of enhancements.
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Amazing how small those '96 greens were.
The new vistas are spectacular!
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Amazing how small those '96 greens were.
The new vistas are spectacular!
Yes, the 1996 greens were tiny. Hard to believe the amount of shrinkage that occurred since their inception in 1939. Here's another photo sequence where you can visualize the 1996 evolved footprint of the putting surface on hole 2.
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/FH000013_zpsoyyzydlo.jpg)
1996
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/Hole2_zpszm6vgcc2.jpg)
2004
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/DSCN5077_zps9nkmtikz.jpeg)
2014
To appreciate the magnitude and scope of this evolution, look at the following photo sequence taken from Hole 2 over a period of 20-years. Scroll back and forth to compare and contrast the following areas.
-- the green expansion and its intimate connection to the bunkers;
-- Coore & Crenshaw’s artistic Perry Maxwell bunkering.
-- the native grasses.
-- the natural sand color and texture;
-- the new turf types;
-- the new mowing lines and heights.
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Dunlop,
These photos are the best visualization I've ever seen of what a great union of architecture and maintenance can do for a course. These are truly phenomenal and I hope to experience Old Town in person one day soon.
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Dunlop - just curious... what's the story on the changes from 1996 and 2004? In your photos of #2 I really prefer the 1996 version over the 2004 version. Who? What? Why?
The current course is amazing. What a case study for course improvement! This would really make a great presentation for a GCA dinner. ;)
Mike
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Dunlop - just curious... what's the story on the changes from 1996 and 2004? In your photos of #2 I really prefer the 1996 version over the 2004 version. Who? What? Why?
I had the same reaction to the other holes as well.
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Dunlop - just curious... what's the story on the changes from 1996 and 2004? In your photos of #2 I really prefer the 1996 version over the 2004 version. Who? What? Why?
The current course is amazing. What a case study for course improvement! This would really make a great presentation for a GCA dinner. ;)
Mike
Mike,
Glad you visited us two weeks ago. I was just talking to Dave Axland down at Seminole today who reiterated just how difficult it is to maintain a golf course in the transition zone of NC in the summer. Come see us again between September and December. I know most courses hit their stride in the fall but the difference seems to be greater in the transition zone of NC -- or at least at Old Town.
Josh, Carl and Mike….Here's the architectural history over the last 21 years, as requested.
1996: Bob Cupp: green restoration and bunker renovation.
2000 - Present: In House Tree Management Program
2002: Bobby Weed: new irrigation and back tees.
2013 - 2016: Coore and Crenshaw: all encompassing; touching everything!
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So... the 2004 photos represent Bob Cupp's work?
I will definitely take you up on that invitation. I'd love to play he course when you can breathe air that doesn't cook your lungs. ;) The heat and humidity were brutal!!!
Old Town is the most dramatic improvement of a course that I have ever seen. It's absolutely stunning!
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Dunlop,
These photos are the best visualization I've ever seen of what a great union of architecture and maintenance can do for a course. These are truly phenomenal and I hope to experience Old Town in person one day soon.
Get there now. Old Town was awesome before the restoration and is nothing short of sensational after. Add to that a great club, fantastic men's grill and Dunlop (the ultimate gentleman [size=0pt]) and it is one of the best places in golf.[/size]
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Thanks everyone. Here's another … Hole 17 from the tee.
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/17a_zps5ac9fb38.jpg)
1996
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/DSCN5455_zpsg91spacw.jpeg)
2015
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Thanks everyone. Here's another … Hole 17 from the tee.
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/17a_zps5ac9fb38.jpg)
1996
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/DSCN5455_zpsg91spacw.jpeg)
2015
I remember this hole very well. It is amazing that anyone would hide the creek. It is a wonderful hole on a great course.
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Dunlop,
I have never been to Old Town, but it has been a real treat to follow it's progress. Congratulations on the results of all your hard work.
I know putting together these photo tours are time consuming, but if you ever find the time, it would be wonderful if you could put together an essay on the process(es) you took to restore Old Town, almost on a "step by step" basis, so others across the country could use it as guidance for their own clubs.
Either way, everything is looking good down there! I hope you're enjoying your summer.
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Thanks everyone. Here's another … Hole 17 from the tee.
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/17a_zps5ac9fb38.jpg)
1996
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/dwhiteiii/DSCN5455_zpsg91spacw.jpeg)
2015
Dunlop
What the devil were people thinking?
Ciao
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Cheers. I never tire of Old Town pix.
Jon, if it means anything to you, I would put Old Town among my top 5 favourites full stop. I think it will get better as well. I hope to someday see the fairways pushed even further out with the reduction of rough and that horrible tree back right of #12 removed.
Ciao
FYI: your "favorite" cedar tree behind hole 12 has been removed. Yes, finally!
It's not often that you take a tree down by popular demand… first Sean Arble, then Ron Whitten, then Steve Lapper, then members.
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Cheers. I never tire of Old Town pix.
Jon, if it means anything to you, I would put Old Town among my top 5 favourites full stop. I think it will get better as well. I hope to someday see the fairways pushed even further out with the reduction of rough and that horrible tree back right of #12 removed.
Ciao
FYI: your "favorite" cedar tree behind hole 12 has been removed. Yes, finally!
It's not often that you take a tree down by popular demand… first Sean Arble, then Ron Whitten, then Steve Lapper, then members.
Cha ching!
Ciao
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I had the distinct pleasure of playing Old Town Club for the first time last Friday and was fortunate to play with Will Spivey, Bill Faley, and Jason Jones (not so fortunate on the last one, I guess). I also had the pleasure of meeting Mr. White, who witnessed my snaking downhill par saving putt on the diabolical seventh green. All I can say is wow! I loved every minute of it. It's a course that gets you into high gear early and never really lets up. It's rare to find greens that are so receptive, yet so fast (though well within the realm of playability).
It's hard to pick favorite holes out of such an excellent group, but I really loved the stretch of five through seven (helps that I went through even par with minor blow ups on four and eight). I tried to save Ran's write up for after the round, but five immediately reminded me of the fifth at Crystal Downs. With the lack of an immediate backdrop on six, and the fall away green, I could feel my heart pounding on the tee, and wide expanse of the seventh fairway, maintained all the way from the right side of four (to the golfer's left) to the right side of 17 finishing at such a small green was a real gem. The seventh green reminded me of a lot of greens at Kingsley (especially the seventh, coincidentally), that give you a friendly backstop, but miss long it's almost certainly a one if not two shot penalty. I thought 14 was a great short par, and while I got a little lucky on 17, I'm still not sure I figured out how to play it in one go 'round.
I found the course to be very walkable on warm, upper 70s November afternoon. The club vibe was great as well. Definitely worth a visit to anyone who has yet to see it, and I can't wait to get back.
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Few places check all of the boxes for what I enjoy in a golf course like Old Town.
- It has a brilliant routing that maximizes the potential of the land while maintaining a wonderful walk.
- Wonderful greens and green surrounds
- Width.... the restoration has brought width and angles back into the golf course. This brings even more attention to the wonderful greens as you can now approach them from the ideal spots.
- Aesthetically pleasing..... the contrast in textures, renovated bunker work and overall vistas on the property
- It strikes that delicate balance of challenging the best players yet still being an absolute blast to play.
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Rode the course Thursday(too cold for these old bones).
I dislike redundancy but I must echo the praise. The 17th has to be one of the better three shotters I've seen and the is capped by a hoot of a double green with No 18 paces away. So much one could talk about all over the place.
After my tour i see Ran states Maxwell was able to choose his playing field from 1200 acres and that provides part of the explanation of how he was able to deliver such a superior golf course. I am not sure Old Town members all really know how fortunate they are
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This was such a great thread before Photobucket eliminated the majority of the photos. Anyhow, thanks for your praise and your contributions. OTC hits on all cylinders this time of year, so thanks for visiting. Today, a few frosts and cold evenings have stunted the fairways to a firmer, pale color green. Plus, the native grasses have turned-off and browned out nicely. Together, the colors and textures resemble an early-American landscape. Our biggest challenge has been keeping the green speeds in check. With the winds and cool temps, we had to change some pins mid-round last week. Just a lot of fun to play, especially if you don't mind being on the wrong side of the hole. Cheers!
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This was such a great thread before Photobucket eliminated the majority of the photos. Anyhow, thanks for your praise and your contributions. OTC hits on all cylinders this time of year...
This phototour lives on, and contains photos taken at the current time of year (November 7, 2014 to be exact - hard to believe it’s been three years) when, as Dunlop notes, Old Town truly blossoms. Enjoy: http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,60356.0.html (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,60356.0.html)