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Golf Course Architecture / Re: England Golf Trip...Thoughts

« Last post by Kevin Pallier on Today at 08:21:17 AM »

I put together regular trips to Scotland/Ireland for 8-12 of us. We've been doing it for 20+ years.   In 2024 we are going to do England for the first time.  Since I have never played golf in England, I thought I'd seek some advice from the group.  All golfers are single digit handicaps and experience/quality of courses are more important than cost.  That said, here is what I am thinking at this point:

John


Based on what you said I think it's a great trip. What time of year are you going as you could potentially do more Summer?


The only thing I would skip is Royal Lytham twice as your already heading to Sandwich - I would try and squeeze Deal (20mins away) or Princes (next door)

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Golf Course Architecture / Re: Topography vs. sets of tee markers

« Last post by Thomas Dai on Today at 07:59:20 AM »

The relationship between tees and forced carries is important. It's supposed to be fun and looking for lost balls ain't fun.
atb

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Golf Course Architecture / Re: Topography vs. sets of tee markers

« Last post by Mark_Fine on Today at 07:26:49 AM »

Have five active projects right now where the focus is on tees.  Most here wouldn’t like it because they aren’t believers in multiple teeing locations.  I am a strong advocate of additional tees for a wide range of reasons but as stated above I also like to let topography help dictate location.  Furthermore I rarely if ever build anything but low profile tees that have minimal if any negative visual impact.  On many you would hardy know there is a tee if it didn’t have tee markers.  Just build them enough above grade to allow drainage.  Also much easier to maintain.  [/size]

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Golf Course Architecture / Re: Alister MacKenzie - Royal Melbourne & Kingston Heath

« Last post by Kevin Pallier on Today at 06:09:56 AM »

Mike or Tom,


I’m curious how much time Mackenie spent at Kingston Heath. Is there a record of this? Do we know exactly what  Mackenzie did? Was it primarily sketches for bunkers? What was his input for greens?


Did Mackenzie leave town before he ever saw his recommendations for KH implemented?

Tim


According to a Alister Mackenzie Chronology which Neil Crafter (fellow GCA member) contributed to AM was at KH for a few days.
29th October 1926 = inspection
8th to 10th = inspection and plans


 

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Golf Course Architecture / Re: England Golf Trip...Thoughts

« Last post by Sean_A on Today at 05:24:12 AM »

I put together regular trips to Scotland/Ireland for 8-12 of us. We've been doing it for 20+ years.   In 2024 we are going to do England for the first time.  Since I have never played golf in England, I thought I'd seek some advice from the group.  All golfers are single digit handicaps and experience/quality of courses are more important than cost.  That said, here is what I am thinking at this point:


Fly US to Manchester
Day 1 Royal Liverpool
Day 2 Royal Lytham & St. Annes
Day 3 Royal Birkdale
Day 4 Royal Lytham & St. Annes then have Sprinter Van drive to Sandwich
Day 5 Royal St. George's
Day 6 Swinley Forest
Day 7 Sunningdale New & Old
Day 8 St. George's Hill
Day 9 Fly to US

So the biggest question, is that it's a 6 hr drive down to Sandwich.  We'd stay 2 nights and play RSG.  Are we missing out by not playing Deal?

Or should we punt the Sandwich part and just stay in London area and add Walton Heath Old?

Any thoughts on the golf, places to stay, places to eat, etc. is appreciated.

John

I would suggest saving Sandwich for another trip and add Walton Heath Old as you indicated. If any of your London choices don't work out consider Woking, Worplesdon, Addington or possibly Pulborough if you don't mind the drive. I would also suggest parking the second game at Lytham and play Formby.


Ciao

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Golf Course Architecture / OT - Spot for Wentworth June 13th

« Last post by Jeff Schley on Today at 04:54:35 AM »

GCAer's - I have a round at Wentworth West Course in Surrey on June 13th at 9:30 am. Two of my playing partners are now out. Who wants to play?  This will make it easy...... it's complimentary as it was a charity auction round I won. PM me.

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Golf Course Architecture / Re: Both 9th and 18th holes Par-3's

« Last post by Matthew Rose on Yesterday at 11:43:09 PM »

I dare say a front nine that starts 3-5-5 might be a unicorn.

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Golf Course Architecture / Re: Both 9th and 18th holes Par-3's

« Last post by JohnVDB on Yesterday at 08:58:30 PM »

Church Stretton (UK) has #1 and #18 par-3s.


Of course, Mountain Shadows in Arizona meets your criteria — but I fear you were not hoping for an all-par-3 layout 

Reay Golf Club also has par 3s on the 1st and 18th

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Golf Course Architecture / Re: Both 9th and 18th holes Par-3's

« Last post by Sam Morrow on Yesterday at 08:31:39 PM »

Isn’t Oak Hills an old Tillinghast? I have never played it. Pat, did you play it in Texas Open? I think later on a champions Tour tournament was played there.

Correct, also hosted atleast 1 Tour Championship

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Golf Course Architecture / Re: England Golf Trip...Thoughts

« Last post by Daryl David on Yesterday at 07:49:12 PM »

I know so many Scotland golf trip aficionados that after their first England trip convert. My all time favorite golf has been played in England. I wish I had split my first 6 trips to the UK half and half England and Scotland instead of all Scotland. Better late than never I guess.