In this episode we are without Bladge, so we answer listener questions on our own and begin by explaining what we have been working on. We describe our architectural work since leaving our previous firm, including consulting for more than a dozen clubs, work on links and heathland courses, projects tied to Harry Colt and Tom Simpson, and new courses in the UK and abroad. We also say that we prefer to keep the details quiet and let the finished work speak for itself.
We then discuss whether Alister MacKenzie’s idea of naturalism is disappearing in modern links architecture. We argue that it is not, but that it is difficult to achieve. We talk about making golf courses look as though they belong to the land, while actually using careful design, shaping, and working areas to create that effect. We explain that good golf design involves subtle trade-offs, strategic hazards, and the aim of making features appear natural rather than forced.
We also reflect on what makes a golf course feel authentic. We mention the importance of variety, fairness, and the way a course can play differently from day to day. We use the idea of an “uncanny valley” to describe shapes or landforms that look almost natural but not quite right, and we say that true naturalism requires a high level of skill, judgment, and patience.
Later, we answer a question about five courses that represent England. We name Royal North Devon, Royal St George’s, Sunningdale, and Old Woodley, and we explain how each reflects different parts of English golf, from early seaside links to heathland and moorland styles. We also choose municipal golf as a category, stressing its importance in making the game accessible and helping golf avoid becoming only the preserve of the wealthy.
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