Set in 350 acres, this rugged course was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and opened for play in 2003 with the philosophy that golf at Friar’s Head should be about options and creativity.
Set in 350 acres, this rugged course was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and opened for play in 2003 with the philosophy that golf at Friar’s Head should be about options and creativity.
Friar’s Head is located at Riverhead, New York a short distance from Shinnecock Hills. Set in 350 acres, this rugged course was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and opened for play in 2003 with the philosophy that golf at Friar’s Head should be about options and creativity.
It is a private club where caddies must be used at all times. There are no yardage markers on the course and both members and guests are encouraged to walk the course as opposed to using buggies.
Friar’s Head is routed through rugged, wooded dunes and former farmland. The course starts in the dunes, holes 2 -7 and 11-13 are sited on an old potato farm then the remaining holes are back in the sand hills.
Some of the greens are enormous – they vary in size from 3,000 to 18,000 square feet. Many bunkers are both bearded and huge; others are long strips that are merely huge! To the north of the property, there are 200-foot cliffs overlooking Long Island Sound.
The signature, par four 15th hole is 460 yards long. From an elevated tee position, the tee shot must avoid a cavernous bunker which gathers in shots as the fairway slopes from right to left. The approach shot is then played to a green framed to the rear by trees which partially shield it from winds coming off the Sound.
The following article was written by the Golfclubatlas.com website co-founder John Morrissett and is an edited extract from Volume Three of Golf Architecture: A Worldwide Perspective . Reproduced with kind permission. To obtain a copy of the book, email Paul Daley at fswing@bigpond.net.au
“What a great place for a golf course!” That innocent remark, made by a golfer on completion of his round at Friar’s Head, captures the tremendous thought and work that went into the course, as the finished course looks like an effortless creation preordained for that piece of land. In truth, however, the course presented a real challenge to its architects, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, and the course’s evolution lends insight into their genius.
The property for the Friar’s Head course offered 350 acres on the north shore of Long Island in Baiting Hollow, a hamlet of Riverhead. It included bluffs of three quarters of a mile that rose steeply 150 to 200 feet above the Long Island Sound. There were 165 acres of tree-covered dunes – actually, hills formed by glacial deposits – sandwiched between the crest of the bluffs to the north and farmland to the south.
Although the wooded dunes – housing significant and wild topography with 50 to 75-foot steep elevation changes – stretched unevenly to the south, they uniformly ended abruptly when giving way to the farmland. The unbroken tree line dividing these two starkly contrasting environments served as an immediate warning that this would not be an easy site on which to build a golf course.
Yes, memorable holes could be built among the dunes. However, the dense woods and underbrush made it impossible to discern quickly just how many holes could be properly routed in that section of the property without markedly altering the landscape, which Coore and Crenshaw were philosophically opposed to doing.
The architects strongly believed that this diverse site deserved more than just another Jekyll and Hyde course, so much so that they delayed committing to Friar’s Head for well over a year until they were confident after numerous site visits that they had solved the puzzle and found a routing that would result in something better.
Coore was determined for the holes to flow together as a single course, with seamless transitions between the dunesland and farmland parts of the property. The result of this daunting task is a testament to his painstakingly thoughtful routing of the holes and his firm’s strengths with respect to the details and finishing work.
Eight of the holes are located entirely in the dunes, while four additional holes either start or finish in that section of the property. Each nine starts in the dunes, spills down into the farmland, and then returns to the dunes. The 2nd, 7th, 11th and 14th holes (all three-shotters) ease the transition between the dramatically different parts of the property during play of a hole.
Soon after completing Friar’s Head, Bill Coore was asked what was the best property, other than Sand Hills, on which he and his partner had worked. His studied reply was that, in hindsight, Friar’s Head had proven to be so. Having the natural qualities of a property shine through after tireless work to build the best course possible reflects the highest compliment that can be paid to a design.
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
Auckland, New Zealand
England, United Kingdom
New York, United States
Illinois, United States
Tasmania, Australia
Long Island’s Ultimate Course All-star grouping selected By M. James Ward The spotlight shines brightly upon Bethpage State Park this week and its illustrious Black Course in hosting the PGA Championship. But golf's 3rd oldest major marks just another glowing chapter in the overall depth of superior courses dotting the landscape called Long Island. The area stretches west to the border with Queens County and New York City and to the far reaches of the twin forks with Orient Point and Montauk Point respectively. The quality of the golf on Long Island can easily surpass nearly all the States in America and if measured globally would be a prime contender for the overall top position. I have been quite fortunate in sampling the rich and varied golf menu for well over 40 years. Although I am by birth a resident of nearby Northern New Jersey the allure of the golf on Long Island is nothing less than a tour de force experience and I, and many others, eagerly return each golf season to sample the golf treasures provided. To better appreciate the depth of courses on Long Island I opted to create an all-star collection of eighteen holes. Given the qualities of the key courses I created a few self-imposed local rules. Only one hole per course can be used. To do otherwise would mean iconic layouts such as Shinnecock Hills and National Golf Links, as well as the more recent additions with Friar's Head and Sebonack, would easily have over half of the holes selected from their respective layouts. Holes selected must occupy the numeric position they occupy on their respective layouts. The position of where a hole is located in the actual routing is a major ingredient in why such a hole has importance. To do otherwise would mean an incoherent hodgepodge of holes without clear identity tied to a specific placement during a round. And, finally, I wanted to make sure the selected holes configure to an actual course par of 72. Like a crossword puzzle that meant making tough choices on which holes were ultimately picked. The nines are uneven with an outward par of 37 and inward total of 35. The total length for the course comes to 7,082 yards. The holes work in unison – providing a rich brew of architectural heft in full display. Long Island is blessed with exquisite terrain – complemented by a superior sand base at a number of key locations where golf took hold. It also helped that classical architects came to America during the early part of the 20th century and were able to seize upon these attributes by creating a depth of courses that arguably has no peer on the planet. So grab your clubs and get ready for the round of a lifetime on Long Island. 1st hole - Garden City Golf Club, Garden City, NY / 302 yards, par-4 Opening holes are often arranged in allowing golfers to stretch the muscles. Some courses feature strenuous tests but my starting hole is more about precision than just sheer brawn. The men's club at Garden City is a great example of heathland architecture hidden away from view in Nassau County. The opening hole is rather tempting given the lack of overall length. Those seeking a bold opening stroke can get to the green but not without risking a good deal in doing so. The area nearest to the green turns slightly left, bunkers awaiting those failing in shaping a tee shot accordingly. A birdie – even eagle – is doable. But, keep this in mind, shortness in yardage does not automatically mean a default option in being easy. 2nd hole - Sebonack Golf Club, Southampton, NY / 474 yards, par-4 After a mild opening hole be prepared for a demanding no-nonsense par-4 at Sebonack. The collaboration of designers Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak makes for one of the most unusual and talented twosomes in golf architecture. Credit owner Michael Pascucci in getting these two giants hooked up. Their joint effort produced a layout that can compete in a number of ways with its storied neighbors Shinnecock Hills and National Golf Links. That's one tall order indeed and far from hyperbole. Sebonack 2nd hole - photo courtesy of Sebonack Golf Club The 2nd often plays into the prevailing wind and a quality tee shot is an absolute must. You start your journey by avoiding two stately elms situated near to the tee. Bunkers are well positioned in the drive zone and the key for one's approach is being on the short grass. The green is slightly elevated and features a diabolical false front that awaits the indifferent play. Bunkers guard the rear for those too bold in their efforts. The 2nd at Sebonack provides an intoxicating mixture of beauty and robust challenge. Not only is the hole among the finest long par-4's in all of Long Island, but the 2nd has plenty of ammunition to be rightly considered one of the best long par-4's in the world. 3rd hole - National Golf Links of America, Southampton, NY / 426 yards, par-4 The father of American golf – Charles Blair Macdonald – created a masterpiece with his effort at National Golf Links. While it’s true a number of other holes could have been selected, I find the par-4 3rd to be an absolute gem. Patterned after the "Alps hole" at Prestwick, the 3rd is actually better than the original. The land is rich in character and the range of options is impressive. Choosing the correct course of action begins at the tee. One has to be prudent in not going too far down the left side as the fairway terminates. Players who don't hit the fairway can play up the right side and leave themselves a short pitch. The green is tucked uphill and behind a large round hill. Those going this route had best know that a half-hearted play can reach a hidden deep cross-bunker where escape is highly problematic. No matter how many times you have played the hole, the rush of excitement in finding out exactly where your approach has landed when clearing the hill is exhilarating. 4th hole - Bethpage State Park (Black), Farmingdale, NY / 517 yards, par-5 This week's PGA Championship will once again shine plenty of justified attention on the magnificence of the par-5 4th at Bethpage Black. The hole is blessed with superior terrain and the architecture is nothing less than riveting. Bethpage Black 4th hole - photo courtesy of the PGA of America Starting from an elevated tee the three-level hole is spectacular. The tee shot can be either daring or diplomatic. Those taking on the massive left side fairway bunker had best execute without hesitation. The second biggest decision is then carrying one's second shot over a Sahara bunker that runs perpendicular to the line of play. Should you hit the rough with your tee shot the carry over this bunker is far from certain. For the PGA Championship, the world's best players will likely attempt to reach the green in two shots. The green is no easy target as it falls away from the line of play and is quite narrow. There's also a large frontal bunker which must be carried sufficiently as its high face is quick to grab any miss-hit. There are few par-5's in the world that offer such a wide-ranging array of options and scoring outcomes and do so without the involvement of water. The 4th at Bethpage Black is indeed unforgettable. 5th hole - Fishers Island Club, Fishers Island, NY / 229 yards, par-3 It’s hard to concentrate on golf when you reach the 5th tee at Fishers Island. With arresting views of the Atlantic Ocean to your right, the challenge is focusing on the task at-hand. The Seth Raynor design is among his finest – likely his greatest effort. The hole sports a Biarritz presentation albeit in a modified form. The scale of all the elements is mega-big. Fishers Island 5th hole - photo courtesy of John Sabino The green is super-sized – as are the flanking bunkers. It’s breathtaking beauty and supreme challenge all in one hole – grand stuff indeed. The motto for the 5th should be right to the point – stand and deliver. For those wondering how can Fishers Island be included with others from Long island? The State of New York deems Fishers Island part of Suffolk County and therefore I decided to add it into the grouping. 6th hole - Piping Rock Club, Locust Valley, NY / 527 yards, par-5 The 6th at Piping Rock shows the keen mindset of its creator, Charles Blair Macdonald. This was his first inland course following his highly acclaimed effort at The National Golf Links of America and it was his talented associate Seth Raynor who carried through with the actual construction. Piping Rock view from 6th hole looking back across the old polo field (now the driving range) to the clubhouse - photo courtesy of John Sabino The fairway at the 6th includes a number of bunkers and those failing to pay heed will likely be paying a visit costing strokes. The fairway elbows slightly to the right and those looking to get maximum distance had best place the ball carefully as the landing area narrows on the right with rough and with a series of bunkers on the left. Strong players can reach the 6th in two shots but simply getting to the hole will not mean a fast and easy birdie. Quite the contrary, the 6th features a top-tier location that resists anything but the finest of plays. The rear bunker placement is ably positioned to catch aggressive approaches. A 2015/16 restoration effort brought back playing angles to their original intent. The 6th, like so many other holes at Piping Rock, has benefited immensely from this effort. 7th hole - Southampton Golf Club, Southampton, NY / 196 yards, par-3 Little known to many outsiders, Southampton is a fine club, set immediately next door to Shinnecock Hills. Seth Raynor did the design here and the 7th showcases a modified Redan-like green. Golfers had best pay close attention to a pesky frontal bunker which is ideally located to catch players looking to flight a ball in that direction and away from the two bunkers on the left. The green is tiled on a diagonal from upper left to lower right. The two aforementioned bunkers on the left are well positioned to catch the miss-hit or under-clubbed effort. The green is suitably contoured and those missing to either far side will have a most difficult time escaping with less than bogey. A large bunker on the right side of the green is also one to be avoided. 8th hole - Meadow Brook Club, Jericho, NY / 624 yards, par-5 The recent course updating of Meadow Brook has paid off well. The scale of the property is truly impressive. There's no clutter at Meadow Brook now as was the case years ago. The par-5 8th is a first rate three-shot hole. The drive is tested from the outset as one needs to work the ball to the left but not so much as a series of bunkers hug that side. The hole snakes back to the right and there is another ideally located fairway bunker protecting the inside portion of the fairway. The green is slightly elevated and is quite large like many of the Dick Wilson greens at the club. A grouping of bunker is well placed near the green. The 8th is a solid golf hole – working the ball and providing sufficient distance control is central to one's success. Many par-5 holes are viewed as "breathers" for players – the 8th is anything but routine. 9th hole - Maidstone Club, East Hampton, NY / 402 yards, par-4 The most memorable aspect of Maidstone is the middle portion of holes nearest to the Atlantic Ocean and showcasing an authentic links-like dimension. The standout effort comes at the par-4 9th. Running parallel to the coast the intersection of dramatic beauty and high-octane shot-making requirements makes for a classic connection. Being so near to the Atlantic means wind patterns plays a constant factor and ever-changing dimension. Maidstone 9th hole - photo courtesy of John Sabino The putting surface is elevated and like an honest judge accepts no bribes or shortcuts. You need to make your case with flawless execution because falls-off await the half-hearted effort. The 9th at Maidstone demonstrates conclusively that quality par-4 holes need not be the domain of the long slog-oriented type holes. OUTWARD - 3,697 Yards / Par-37 10th hole - Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Southampton, NY / 415 yards / par-4 The most noted of all Long Island courses is Shinnecock Hills. Picking just one hole was really hard because the layout has a slew of world-class holes. The 10th – named Eastward Ho – starts the inward half of holes which collectively are simply brilliant. The 10th presents a range of choices and when you stand on the tee you see a saddle of a fairway squeezed between fescue-covered mounds. Shinnecock Hills 10th hole At 260 yards the fairway plummets dramatically. Players can opt to hit lay-up shots between 240-260 yards and from that point play approaches to the green. Those opting to be more aggressive can go with driver and if successful will have their tee shot propel all the way to the bottom of the hill leaving as little 90-100 yards to an elevated green. Should the more aggressive route be chosen, the key is avoiding two hidden fairway bunkers to the left and punishing rough to the right side. Jack Nicklaus is well aware of this – having lost his first ball in major championship play during the 1st round of the 1986 US Open when hitting into the far right rough. The green is devilishly circular and featuring a rise all the way around its perimeter. There's also a diabolical false front grabbing any approach hit even a millimeter short and sending your ball back down the hill 60-70 yards away. When the wind is howling the green will dry out and requires a crisply struck approach. Going over is even worse than being short. Being long can mean one's ball being propelled 20-25 yards away from the hole and leaving the most dangerous of shots pitching back to a green that can easily send one's ball off the false front. A quintessential hole blessed with a first-rate terrain and architectural heft of the highest order. 11th hole - Deepdale Golf Club, Manhasset, NY / 450 yards, par-4 Few people outside of members and their select guests ever play Deepdale. The existing course is the handiwork of Dick Wilson and is among his finest creations. The 11th is a long par-4 adroitly showcases what Wilson emphasized. The straightaway hole features a drive zone ably protected by a series of fairway bunkers on the right side. The longer the tee shot is played the more precise the placement must be as the landing area tapers in from both sides. In short, if you want to hit driver, you're free to do so. But only those that combine power and placement will earn the reward. Wilson also provided a green ably shaped and raised slightly above the fairway – narrower towards the front and well protected by a series of bunkers on both sides. Deepdale is renowned for the speed of its green and the 11th holds true to form. Those missing the green will have to work especially hard to escape. Deepdale will not generate much visibility, clearly a club's prerogative, but make no mistake the final product Wilson provided remains a solid test. 12th hole - Montauk Downs, Montauk, NY / 228 yards, par-3 There are only two holes from public courses on my listing and the 12th hole was my last slot to fill and I needed to include a quality par-3. Like Bethpage, Montauk Downs is part of the New York State Parks system. The course found here today comes from the efforts of architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. Generally, this hole is played into the prevailing southwest wind and there are times when full driver may be required for nearly all players. Sad to say, the long par-3 has drifted into the shadows. That's a shame. The testing of players to hit a long iron or hybrid or even fairway metal is a skill that is brought to the forefront. The 12th green is elevated above the fairway with two well-placed bunkers located on the left and right sides. When the pin is cut tight to either side the approach requirements raise significantly. There's a bailout element for those less inclined if you hit it straight between the bunkers. The key begins with the shot trajectory because if there's one certain aspect you can generally count on, it’s the wind blowing. Count on this – the 12th at Montauk Downs does not suffer foolish play gladly. 13th hole - The Bridge, Bridgehampton, NY / 474 yards, par-4 Credit owner Robert Rubin for the vision of The Bridge. Built on the former Bridgehampton auto racetrack, the property is truly stunning for the vistas provided. One of the most scenic comes with the long par-4 13th. Starting from an elevated tee the backdrop simply captures your eye with Noyack Bay in the distance. The tee shot begins from an elevated perch. You descend into the fairway below and credit architect Rees Jones for splendid fairway bunker placements. Shaping the tee shot is crucial to avoid finding yourself in one of them. Protecting the putting surface is a solitary bunker and should the pin be placed anywhere near the left side it will take a top-tier approach execution to succeed. Jones added run-offs for those missing the approach and securing a par when doing so would be far from automatic. The 13th demonstrates how powerful the connection between beauty and challenge can be when carried out at a high level. 14th hole - The Creek, Locust Valley, NY / 424 yards, par-4 The 14th is a testament to the grand design provided by Charles Blair Macdonald. The 14th features a creek that protects the right side of the drive zone on this dogleg right uphill hole. Golfers can hit driver but the reward is a small one as the available landing area narrows considerably with the creek jutting into play. The approach plays uphill and the best advice is to take an extra club to get onto the putting surface. The green is quick and sloping and accepts the surest of strokes. The 14th fits the land superbly – decision is always an issue as the wind pattern off nearby Long Island Sound changes daily – sometimes even hourly! 15th hole - Friar's Head, Riverhead, NY / 460 yards, par-4 Choosing one hole from Friar's Head is no easy task but the 15th was selected for a range of reasons. The view from the tee captures it all. When arriving at the 15th you’re rendered speechless by what you see. The hole moves downhill turning gently to the left on the drive. In the background is Long Island Sound and the combination of land and water is truly magnificent. Friar's Head 15th hole - picture courtesy of John Sabino The 15th tempts the player to make the big tee shot – trying to position your shot as far down the hill as possible. A single bunker occupies the left side and must be avoided. Those looking for maximum gain had best be aware the fairway does narrow considerably as more distance is sought. The approach is also tested with a false front that repels all but the surest of efforts. The genius of co-designers Coore and Crenshaw is allowing the land to be the main attraction – adding the golf into the picture without overplaying one's hand. The 15th illustrates that supreme talent in grand fashion. 16th hole - North Shore Country Club, Glen Head, NY / 512 yards, par-5 Working the ball off the tee is a lost art given today's clubs and balls. However, when you arrive at the 16th hole at North Shore you had best have this skill. The hole provides the possibility for an eagle and birdie but to do so the execution needs to be carried out with precision. Those seeking to gain the most off the tee need to work-the-ball from right-to-left. If you don't turn the ball sufficiently you can easily run out of fairway. North Shore 16th hole - picture courtesy of North Shore Country Club The hole is named "Ravine" and one must be ever vigilant in avoiding it. The natural movement of the land is simply first rate. Hitting the green in two shots takes a well-crafted approach. In recent years the club hired Tom Doak's firm to bring back to life the many elements the club originally provided. The green site is also splendid. Plenty of movement abounds. For those missing the green with the approach you'll be forced to raise your efforts to escape unscathed. 17th hole - St. George's Golf & Country Club, East Setauket, NY / 127 yards, par-3 Few people have heard about St. George's but the Devereux Emmet design is well worth playing if an invite is offered. The penultimate hole on its face appears to be rather pedestrian. But such assessments are often founded on ignorance. A stellar short par-3 is the ultimate democratic hole. The full range of handicap types are tested for their nerve with the shortest of clubs. Calculating the wind when standing on the tee is a central element for success as the elevated green is rigorously protected on all sides by deep bunkers. Be mindful of the under club or miss-hit because it's not uncommon for balls to come back off the green and receive a most serious fate. Matching ball trajectory and pinpoint distance is essential. Done correctly a birdie awaits. Done incorrectly – bogey or worse. Short par-3s promise such easy pickings – this hole is very capable of picking your pocket instead. 18th hole - East Hampton Golf Club, East Hampton, NY / 295 yards, par-4 Far too often final holes impose a slog (usually a lengthy par-4) serving as the conclusion. I opted to go in another direction – one employed at a number of clubs in the United Kingdom. The ending hole in this case is a clear opportunity to finish with a birdie – even eagle – if circumstances work. East Hampton 18th hole - picture courtesy of East Hampton Golf Club The tandem of Coore and Crenshaw has created a seductive teaser here. The tee shot can be played conservatively or one can opt to turn the ball to the left and seek the green. To do so, the brave play must be executed flawlessly. Danger lurks for hapless play. The most memorable dimension is that so many different numbers are in play based on the strategy chosen and the execution provided. The green has an array of movements and it pays to be especially cognizant of just how a bold you want to be. A closing hole should provide a way to leave with a smile, but not guarantee that it will happen. The 18th at East Hampton concludes the round perfectly. INWARD - 3,385 Yards / Par-35 TOTAL - 7,082 Yards / Par-72
118th US Open - Shinnecock Hills Golf Club Behind the architectural curtain Interviews with M. James Ward After a fourteen-year absence, the championship of American golf -- the US Open -- returns to iconic Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, NY. In 2004, the event was hampered by poor decision making in not ensuring sufficient water was applied to the putting greens -- most notably the par-3 7th. The United States Golf Association (USGA) has expressed confidence such a situation will not happen this time around. Shinnecock Hills is rightly lauded as one of the top five courses in the world. The eastern area of Long Island is also a hotbed for golf and served as the foundation for golf in America in its earliest days. Among the more noted layouts near to Shinnecock Hills include such stalwarts as The National Golf Links of America, Maidstone and Southampton. With more recently opened and noted layouts such as Friar's Head, Sebonack, The Bridge, Atlantic and East Hampton joining the golf scene. Getting expertise from several different architects sheds additional insights into what happens behind the scenes. The unknown factors remain to be answered. What lessons did the USGA learn from Erin Hills in 2017? How will Shinnecock Hills play? What will the weather and wind conditions be like? How firm and fast will the William Flynn design play? Will Shinnecock provide high golf drama featuring the game's elite players? A founding member of the USGA, Shinnecock Hills will host its 5th US Open -- making the club the only one to have hosted the championship in three different centuries. The stage is set -- the curtain is about to rise. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being "perfect" -- what number grade would you give the USGA in prepping the courses that have recently hosted the US Open? Dana Fry: 7 or 8. Obviously at Chambers Bay they had issues concerning the greens and the tough time spectators had walking the course. At Erin Hills, which I designed with Mike Hurdzan & Ron Whitten, the players had favorable comments for the most part but some writers and fans were concerned with the low scoring. What all this proves to me is just how difficult it is to set up a course for a US Open. If the wind had been blowing everyday 20+ mph everyday at Erin Hills I can assure you the results and comments would be far different. Nathan Crace : A 9 -- nobody's perfect. Hosting a tournament on that scale is a tremendous undertaking and you really have to hand it to the superintendents and their staff members at those courses. They have to walk a fine line working with the USGA to balance playability with challenging the best players in the world. When it comes to the US Open, I like to see the world's best be tested by par. Marc Westenborg: I cannot provide a specific number because having only watched the US Open on TV, it is not possible to form an accurate opinion on the prepping of the golf courses. Tripp Davis: Prepping and setting up a golf course for a US Open is a very tough thing to do. They've done an excellent job of providing test that doesn't favor anyone type of player, so I would give them a 9. Jeffrey Blume: I think that the USGA has done a remarkable job of customizing each year's open to the design and conditions of the host site. As an example, the wider fairways at last year's open at Erin Hills were appropriate due to the length and difficulty of the course. Tightening the widths at a place like Merion was also spot on. I am curious to see how the wider fairways at Shinnecock Hills will change the strategy for the players. Overall I would give the course set up at recent US Opens a solid 8. The only negatives have occurred when the courses have gotten overly firm and fast. If you could name one specific course, irrespective of logistics that has not already hosted the US Open, which one would you choose and why? Jeffrey Blume: I would love to see an Open hosted with 100% warm season grasses. With the talent of players that come out of the states of Texas and Florida, I think it is time for the US Open to be hosted by a facility in one of these states. Perhaps Seminole or Colonial would be appropriate. I know the heat in the south is a negative, but we Texans and Floridians play in hot weather all the time. Nathan Crace : Since the USGA is headed to Long Island for this year's US Open, how about National Golf Links at some point in the future? It's literally adjacent to Shinnecock, hosted the inaugural Walker Cup in 1922, and is perennially one of the top-rated courses in America. Dana Fry: Chicago Golf Club. There are many reasons why. It is a founding member of the USGA in 1894, it's an architectural masterpiece and a throwback to the old school of golf architecture, for historical reasons and mainly because I believe it could. The course sits on close to 200 acres so they have the room to add length to the course and the greens are perhaps the most challenging greens in the U.S. If Merion which sits on 126 acres can host the US Open then I am confident Chicago GC can. Tripp Davis: Pine Valley. I have played competitive golf there and there is no other course in the world that does as good a job of testing every part of your game, and it does not favor any one type of player. Marc Westenborg: Pine Valley. Its history and reputation as a tough highly strategic golf course along with what I would describe as “proper hazards”; unmaintained areas of sand. Allowing members of the public to experiences the golf course as spectators or TV viewers would be great for the game of golf. There has been internal debate within the USGA regarding the appropriateness of wider fairways for the championship. At Erin Hills, much wider fairways were used. At Shinnecock, the fairways will be wider than what was done at the three previous modern championships. Average width will be 42 yards. Can wider fairways really test the world's best players and is accuracy really being undermined by such a practice? Marc Westenborg: It very much depends on what hazards border the fairway. If strongly penal just off the edge then wide fairways are more justified. It could be argued that the wider the fairway, the greater number of possible angles of approaches to the green which only adds to the strategy and challenge of the golf hole. Narrow fairways very much result in similar angles of approach but a stiff challenge if dense trees or long rough borders them and this may encourage the use of more accurate irons and henceforth the requirement for longer approach shots. Jeffrey Blume: It depends on the individual course and its design. If wider fairways allow for optimum angles for approach shots, or bring certain hazards into play, then wider fairways can have a tremendous impact on strategy. Width for no reason would have a negative impact on the quality of the tactical examination, but done correctly and thoughtfully wider fairways on individual holes can create greater variety in shot making and test accuracy without the use of unnecessary rough. Tripp Davis: Wider fairways, with the right set up in firm/fast greens and tough hole locations, make it not just important to hit the fairway, but the proper part of the fairway to get the best angle and distance for the following shot. How that width is used is subjectively important in that you can add more width on the side of the fairway that does not leave a very good angle to the green, or you can cut that width off at certain distances from tees so length is not a dominant factor on too many holes, better testing every part of the game and not favoring anyone type of player in identifying the best player in the entire field. Nathan Crace: I think there's an important distinction between "playing width" and "fairway width." Widening playing corridors for the average golfer is a good thing because it increases enjoyment of the game, provides different angles from which to play a hole, and increases interest. But for a major being contested by the best golfers in the world, I like to see a blend of accuracy and shot making -- not one extreme or the other. Dana Fry: Everyone knows now that after Erin Hills the USGA had just over 7 acres of fairways removed at Shinnecock because of this very concern. The fairways this year will still be far wider than they were in 2004 the last time they had a US Open at Shinnecock when they were around 26 yards wide. It will be very interesting this year and I for one can't wait to see the outcome. I think ultimately the weather conditions will be the deciding factor. If the course plays soft and their is little wind I think the scores will be low but if the wind blows everyday and it plays fast and firm watch out for high scoring. What role should an architect play if called upon to assist with a US Open site? Nathan Crace: It depends on the course. I like the trend toward adding more public venues in recent years. But as with any project, the primary goal is to assess and meet the needs of the course and the client. We have a duty to them first and foremost. The US Open may only come to that course once every 10 or 20 years -- or perhaps only once at all. We have to think about who the golfers are that will be playing the course on those days in between and what best suits them. Dana Fry: In the case of Erin Hills the USGA was involved before it was awarded a USGA event. All issues were discussed ahead of time with focus being on tee locations, green contours, bunker locations, fairway widths, chipping areas, hospitality and access issues, turf grass varieties to be used, etc. The USGA did not tell the architect what to do they just made suggestions. It is imperative the USGA have an architect involved on issues concerning design integrity and they are great to work with. Marc Westenborg: I worked together with the R&A preparing Royal Liverpool for the 2014 Open. We concentrated on the finer details, new back tees, length of carries and fairness of bunkers; ensuring that balls would not end up in unplayable lies close at the foot of their revetted faces. We also re-profiled some of the green surrounds and areas between fairways, ensuring a variety of differing stances and angles and type of shot. However, it must be said that all these adjustments, were also for the membership; not specific to the Open. Hoylake hosting the Open was in many ways the catalyst to carry out improvements to the golf course. Jeffrey Blume: If the original architect of a course is involved in course set up, then I think his/her perspective on the course design is of prime importance. No one else would have a better understanding of the intricacies and intent of the design. If the host venue is a classic course where the original architect has passed on, then the study of the course by a modern architect can provide the same insight.. Tripp Davis: First would be to work with the USGA and the Club to possibly add tees, move tees, add or move bunkers, or modify greens to provide hole locations that better test the players. A good golf course architect is not only an expert in design, but in how to get desired results via a variety of construction and maintenance methods. Second, an architect that understands the game can be a part of the team that sets the course up day to day for the tournament, mostly to provide insight as to how far set up can push design.. When watching a golf telecast -- especially the US Open -- what do you pay particular attention to? Jeffrey Blume: I love to look at the bunkering of a course. How it describes the strategy of shot making, how the players adapt to bunker placement depending on the playing conditions of a given day, and how the bunkers can be used to challenge players strengths and weaknesses. The bunkering of every course is its most visible fingerprint, and how an architect uses the bunkers says a lot about their individual style, strategic philosophy, and aesthetic preferences. Marc Westenborg: One can never get a true understanding of a golf course by watching TV; undulations and changes in gradient are particularly hard to decipher. However, much of my current work is bunker renovations so I do enjoy seeing their different styles and ways they are landscaped; the bunkering at Erin Hills was of particular interest. Also of interest are the ball trackers and choice of golf club the golfers are using and the huge difference between amateurs and the professionals. Dana Fry: For me I pay most attention to weather conditions. If you have dry, windy and firm conditions the odds are you will have higher scoring. If you have soft conditions with little wind and good putting surfaces you will have much better scoring. The other issue that comes into play is the width of the fairways and height of the maintained rough. If you have the "old style" US Open fairway widths of 25 to 30 yards wide, cut at 4+ inches and fast, firm, windy conditions watch out because the scoring will be high. . Nathan Crace: I tend to get caught up on the details of green complexes, bunker placement, where the water hazards are, positioning of tees, and how they all fit together (or don't) in one big life size jigsaw puzzle of nature. I gravitate toward angles and strategy, but TV doesn't do justice to many courses because you're viewing a 3D landscape on a 2D screen. That said, the aerial footage and new tracer technology both add a dimension for viewers that helps see the big picture. Tripp Davis: The course set up and how players are choosing to play the course, strategically. I also like to watch the type of shots they are playing when being aggressive. The USGA and R&A have publicly indicated they are watching closely the impact of greater gains made from enhanced technology tied to golf balls. Is there an issue of concern and how realistic do you see a future action be jointly taken that actually rolls back the distances modern professional golf is achieving? Nathan Crace: I think that genie has long been out of that bottle. As much as I hate to see some of the classic courses being impacted by the length the Tour players can hit the ball, the fans like the longer ball and you still have to get the ball in the hole to score. The USGA and R&A might try to dial back advances in the ball going forward, but I think we are where we are right now. I'm not a fan of bifurcating the rules, but that might become a reality down the road.. Jeffrey Blume: I think the issue of how perceived length is affecting the modern game is one that certainly needs to be studied. I commend the USGA and R&A for their approach to looking into this issue without any pre-conceived notions. The issue is much more complex than simply looking into how far professionals can hit the golf ball. Of far more importance to me is how length affects the amateur game and the footprint on which the game is played. Changes in technology and golf ball distance is nothing new to the game, and golf has adapted to these changes in the past. I am sure that those of us in the golf industry will adapt again, whatever the USGA and R&A study reveals. Tripp Davis: Players are longer than a few years ago. How realistic a roll back may be is a better question for the USGA and the R&A. I do think design can be somewhat effective in “rolling the ball back” by making it less of advantage to hit it really long. In that we do have to value the precise players as much as we do the longer players. Dana Fry: I agree with what Jack Nicklaus has been saying -- we need a tournament ball. I spent a lot of time with the players the week before the US Open last year and quite a few told me they can easily fly the ball 300 yards in the air and if needed can fly it up to 320 yards in the air. I watched as several of them carried the bunkers that were 320 yard carries in the air then hitting downslopes and getting additional roll. Do we just keep adding distance? I hope not but is it the right thing to do to make every US Open course have 25 to 30 yard fairways and force the majority of the field to use long irons or utility clubs to hit the fairways? I don't think that is right either. I think the Master's is the only place that could implement a tournament ball and hope in the future it will happen. Marc Westenborg: The distance professionals are achieving does not concern me. Only a tiny portion of golfers worldwide can be described as professionals yet the advance in technology has benefited them significantly more than amateurs. If professionals continue to gain distance that is fine with me; just so long as it’s a “level playing field” for all. Spectators love the huge distances professionals are capable of and it must be remembered that the further the golf ball travels, the greater the need for accuracy. We must design new and adapt existing courses such that they challenge professional golfers without penalizing the amateur. There will come a point where technological advances reach a natural conclusion so I am of the opinion that the USGA and R&A’s time and money is better spent working together in growing the game of golf. Above photo identifications: *The first photo shows the demanding par-4 9th hole at Shinnecock Hills. *The second photo listed by the second question is the 10th hole at Pine Valley. *The third photo listed by the 3rd question is the 10th hole at Shinnecock Hills. *The final course photo is the iconic Stanford White clubhouse at Shinnecock Hills. The participating architects Dana Fry – Started in the business in 1983 working for Tom Fazio. Among his most noted design efforts include Erin Hills Golf Course-site of the 2017 US Open, Devil’s Pulpit, Devil’s Paintbrush, Calusa Pines Golf Club, Naples National Golf Club, Hamilton Farm Golf Club, Philadelphia Cricket Club, Farmlinks Golf Club & Shelter Harbor Golf Club. Jeffrey D. Blume – Blume is President of the American Society of Golf Course architects and managing general partner of Jeffrey D. Blume, Limited, a golf course architecture firm based in Houston, Texas. He is also a former General Chairman of the Shell Houston Open. Over twenty eight years in the golf course design profession, he has completed commissions both domestically and internationally. Some of his more notable designs include Grand Pines Golf Club at Bentwater, Sterling Country Club, and the renovation of The Golf Club at Texas A&M. Tripp Davis – Since starting his own design firm in 1994, has created 19 original designs around the world, including China and Mexico, and is one of the leading golf course renovation and restoration specialist in the US. Most notable original design include the Old American Golf Club near Dallas, Texas, recent and future host of the LPGA Tour, and his most notable renovation/restoration has been Oak Tree National in Oklahoma, which hosted the 2014 US Senior Open following his work. Marc Westenborg – Started his design career with Hawtree for whom he worked for 14 years before founding Westenborg Golf Design. Worked on over 50 projects worldwide; his most high profile being Dun Laoghaire, Dooks, Cobh and Cork in Ireland, Rockliffe Hall in the UK and La Zagaleta in Spain. A Senior Member of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects the company is based in the United Kingdom. Nathan Crace – After attending Mississippi State University and graduating from their Professional Golf Management program, he went on to work for an upstart design firm before founding his own firm eight years later. Designing courses for nearly 25 years--including Copper Mill Golf Club near Baton Rouge, Louisiana named Golf Digest's "Best New Public Course in America" in 2004. Crace is a native of Louisville, KY and raised in Charlestown, IN.
Q & A with Bill Coore Interview with M. James Ward SOUTHAMPTON, NY. The tandem of Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore are among the world's finest golf course creators. The duo have reshaped -- no pun intended -- by re-emphasizing classical golf architecture with some of the finest modern designs including the likes of Sand Hills in Nebraska, Friar's Head on Long Island, NY, Bandon Trails in Oregon, Sand Valley in Wisconsin and among others Streamsong (Red) in Florida, as well as major restoration work with the likes of Pinehurst #2 leading the way, and as course consultants to this year's US Open site – Shinnecock Hills. Among their upcoming newest layouts is Ozarks National in Branson, Missouri opening later this year. In sum, the twosome continues to bring to life golf architecture that embodies designs working in total concert with their native sites. Backgrounder Like his partner Ben Crenshaw, Bill Coore was exposed to traditional golf architecture during his formative years. A native North Carolinian, Coore played much of his early golf at the Donald Ross courses of Pinehurst and the Perry Maxwell designed Old Town Club in Winston-Salem. A 1968 graduate of Wake Forest University, Coore began his professional design and construction career in 1972 with the firm of Pete Dye and Associates. Under Dye’s guidance, Coore was introduced to the elements of creative design and physical construction. It was also Dye that first introduced Coore to the written classics of golf architecture – the same books that Crenshaw was then collecting and studying. The information within these books was to later form the foundation for the Coore and Crenshaw partnership. During the succeeding ten years, Coore was involved in the design, construction and maintenance of golf courses in Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Canada, and Texas. Coore formed his own design company in 1982. Thereafter, he completed courses at Rockport Country Club in Rockport, Texas (featured in the 1986 issue of the USGA Golf Journal) and Golf du Medoc in Bordeaux, France – named one of the ten best courses in France and one of the top fifty courses in Europe. Bill Coore and his wife, Sue, reside in Scottsdale, Arizona. Ben and yourself have been consultants at Shinnecock Hills, what’s your take on the course’s best hole? COORE: In my opinion, there is no best hole at Shinnecock Hills and fortunately there is no worst hole or even less good holes. There is a collection of 18 distinctive, extremely high quality holes that fit seamlessly together. What’s the most underrated hole? COORE: The first hole may be the most underrated because of its position in the round, and it's not one of the course’s most difficult holes, yet it is a marvelous introduction to what is about to be experienced. The view from the first tee located so near the iconic clubhouse, the angle of the fairway to the tee shot, the bunkering, the contouring of the green, its surrounds and the precision demanded of the shots played to the green combine to make it one of the most attractive and interesting holes on the course. Shinnecock is considered to be one of the most impressive courses in the world. Why is that? COORE: The most impressive overall feature of the course is the amazingly interesting way in which the holes lay on the natural landforms and are oriented in such a way that holes play toward all major points on the compass, therefore assuring that during a round the almost always present winds will be encountered at every possible angle. I'm not sure I can think of another course about which that can be said. Golfers have their own respective bucket list of courses to see/play. What’s yours? COORE: Amazingly enough, during my travels, I have yet to see Muirfield in Scotland, so that would certainly be on my bucket list. What’s the hardest thing about being a golf architect? COORE: If you’re successful in the business, saying "no" to a given project. In so many ways you do wish to say "yes" but if you don't feel as if you can really attain the goals set by the ownership it's best not to go forward. What’s the tipping point in making that decision? COORE: Ben and I have been good naturedly kidded about taking forever to make a decision. When we first started we knew we had to run the operation as a business but we also wanted it to be fun too. Truthfully, when we first started we wondered if anyone would hire us. When making a decision we're going to study the site. We're going to listen to what the ownership wants. We're also going to be candid to ourselves -- can we accomplish the goals being set? Sometimes a given site requires extreme alterations and we may not be the appropriate fit to do what is being sought. What’s the most satisfying aspect for Ben and yourself? COORE: The early stages are the most rewarding, discovering the natural attributes and spending time with the ownership on the property. The whole discovery process shows whether the site plays to our design strengths. Can we accomplish the goals set by ownership in tandem with our skills? It's tough when you like an owner personally and professionally and really want to see things move forward to make that dream a reality, but there are times when you don't see how we can make that happen. What have you learned from when you first started creating courses to what you do today? COORE: When you're a young designer there's a temptation to show what you can do. You often try to do too much. It's understandable to happen -- particularly early in a career. It's tempting not to have much restraint. We've believed that if we could mange our impulses we'd be better off. We try to establish the concept and the goals collectively with the guys we work with to allow that process to evolve and come to life. If something happens in the field – even by mistake – that seems to be a better end result then our team is free to move in a better manner. If you allow the process to happen and don't get hung up on some preconceived concept so many wonderful things can in fact happen. What’s harder to do, a completely new course or one being restored? COORE: A restored course by far. You have to first decide what are you going to restore it to. This happened during our time at Pinehurst #2. The course had gone through various looks over the years and when we got involved that question needed answering. Are you going to go back to its earliest days by using aerial photography? Or is there some interim period of time? So one needs to ask restore it to when and what. When Ben and yourself walk onto a property for the first time, what generally do you both discuss? COORE: The very first day can prompt some general impressions of the potential a given site has to offer. We will assess if the site plays to our strengths. Does it have interesting natural features? Is it adaptable to golf if it doesn't need major alterations? What are the most interesting features and whether we can work with that site? Can we do it justice? Clearly, when talking with the ownership, you get some guidance on what the goals are to be. From what you have mentioned, you spend plenty of time listening to others. How important is that in getting the final assessment on whether you will be involved? COORE: It's an absolute priority.
