The Must-Sees of Public Golf Architecture in America

The Fried Egg has been compiling a list over the past few months of architecturally compelling public golf courses in the U.S.

This idea came from an excellent question we got on Twitter: “If you were to craft a ‘playing curriculum’ for golfers who want to learn more about architecture, which 10 U.S. courses would teach people the most?”

As we talked about it, two things became clear: 1) We preferred to focus on courses accessible to the public (because if we were going to craft a curriculum, we wanted everyone to be able to buy the books), and 2) We couldn’t limit ourselves to 10 courses (because we lack self-restraint). So we decided to compile a running list of U.S. courses that provide compelling grounds for golf, embody thoughtful design principles, and offer tee times that you can book with a simple phone call. These are what we’re calling “the must-sees of public golf architecture in America”—a playing curriculum, if you like.

How long will the list be? Dunno! And we hope it will grow as our travels take us to new places.

For each course, we’ll give you a brief write-up on why you should see it, an “insider tip,” and a rating of the green fee from $ to $$$$.

We will release our picks one at a time, in no particular order, in The Fried Egg newsletter. If you’d like to keep up to date, SUBSCRIBE! We’ll also update this post occasionally.

They’ve included Greywalls, the Mines, and Diamond Springs! Thanks, Fried Egg!

See the full list here

Cape Wickham Ranked #2 in Australia!

Golf Australia released it’s ranking for 2020, placing Cape Wickham at #2 behind Royal Melbourne!

See the full list of rankings here.

2. CAPE WICKHAM LINKS

King Island, Tasmania

Designers: Mike DeVries & Darius Oliver (2015).

Average points: 98.89

2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 2, 2, 2, 3.

Judge's comments: “Now fully grown in, Cape Wickham is putting a great case forward to be included in the argument as the best course in Australia. The firm fully fescue surfaces make it the best conditioned course in the country, especially around the green sites where every club in your bag is an option to play short game shots with. It has Australia’s best opening and closing holes now, and everything else in between is subtle, fun and rewarding to play – all in a spectacular setting.” – Rich Macafee.

“A very well-designed course that unfortunately doesn’t get as much recognition for its architecture as it deserves due to its spectacular setting, which is all you can talk about after a round at Cape Wickham.” – DJ Loypur.

“Cape Wickham is a bit of an enigma. On a good day it is close to the best course in the country with some of the most spectacular holes and scenery you will find anywhere in the world. The routing maximises what is a stunning backdrop. On other days when the wind really blows it is unplayable. Everyone should play Wickham at least once, hopefully when the weather contributes to the experience.” – Brian Walshe.

“Absolutely sensational course. Routing ensures scenic views and conditions come into play for most of the round. Wide fairways with a great deal of strategy throughout most of the course. Best finishing hole in Australia, although not a big fan of 9 & 10.” – Carl Murphy.

“Cape Wickham is wide, elastic, and understated in most parts. The sensible and sophisticated design accommodates the diverse and sometimes strong winds. Shot after shot is thrilling and the course is visually spectacular. The fescue surfaces are a joy to play off and have improved with age.” – Matt Mollica.

DeVries completes next phase of long-term project at Pelham

“I am very pleased with the outcome of this year’s work at Pelham Country Club,” said Mike DeVries, who has been advising the club since 2008 and authored a long-term course plan in 2015. “I believe that we have really transformed these five holes, making them more interesting. I am also delighted that we have been able to help the club collect water in such a judicious manner.”

Read the rest of the article

Cape Wickham a stand out at Golf Advisor

Cape Wickham has been mentioned a lot recently at Golf Advisor, and here’s more!

Tim Gavrich and Bradley S. Klein created a list with 24 golf courses that shaped the 2010s. Cape Wickham is mentioned in the 2014 section along with Gamble Sands in Brewster, WA.

Matt Ginella recently posted a podcast about his trip to New Zealand and Australia this summer. (Sound familiar? Alan Shipnuck was also on that trip and said Cape Wickham was his favorite among the courses! See our post about it). He talks with Tim Gavrich about standouts from the trip including Cape Wickham! Listen here, Cape Wickham discussion starts at 25:45.

Thanks for all the recent mentions Golf Advisor!

GRADE “A” ARCHITECTURE: MINES GOLF CLUB

Matt Ward recently wrote a post about the Mines on Golf Content Network.

The 13th, a par-4 of 468 yards, plays uphill and turns right in the drive zone. It is essential to avoid that bunker but come near enough without venturing into it. Even for the strongest of players carrying one’s tee shot over that bunker requires a Herculean effort of nearly 300 yards. Complicating matters is that the prevailing wind pattern is often against you.

Read the rest of the article.

Why Cape Wickham is the Most Visually Stunning Course

Alan Shipnuck of GOLF wrote an article about his recent trip to Australia and New Zealand where he played 11 of the highest rated courses the area has to offer. After all said and done, Cape Wickham was his favorite.

On paper, the final hole at Cape Wickham is just an ordinary doglegged par-4. But having to carry a drive over crashing waves of the Bass Strait is what makes your heart pound.

Thanks for making Cape Wickham your #1 pick of the trip, Alan!

Read the rest of the article.

Mike Joins Global Partnership: Clayton, DeVries & Pont

Exciting news! Mike is teaming up with Mike Clayton, Frank Pont, and Edward Cartwright for a truly global partnership. With more than 80 years of experience between them, CDP will be working throughout the world on a variety of projects, including new builds, historical restorations, and relevant renovations.

 

Listen to Clayton, DeVries & Pont talk about their new partnership on State of the Game and check out their website and twitter for more information.

Golf's Truly Hidden Gems

Mike shared his favorite “hidden gem” with Links Magazine, Belvedere Golf Club.

Belvedere Golf Club is a William Watson design in Northern Michigan from the mid-1920s. It occupies old rolling farmland and touches on forest in a few spots. The layout features excellent putting contours and wide variety throughout the course, including some wildly undulating surfaces (Nos. 6, 9, 11, 13, 18) as well as subtler greens that are perched on a plateau or hillside (Nos. 4 and 16). There are many outstanding holes and the interest is in the shots required and the recovery shot options when you miscalculate a shot. The charm of the course is evident in the quaintness of a small pro shop and simple clubhouse (members only). The hospitality of the club is genuine and warrants a visit by any golfer who seeks what is good in the game.

Check out the article for more hidden gems.

Southwest Michigan golf: Grand Rapids, Calder and the golf course as interactive sculpture

Tim Gavrich of Golf Advisor wrote a lovely article about Mike’s Grand Rapids area courses.

Golf courses are sculptures we are allowed to interact with. Like plain, mostly decorative sculptures, mediocre golf courses don't hold our attention for very long. But when they are assembled by someone with deeper intent - someone like Calder, like DeVries - they tend to linger a bit in our memories, and make us want to return to experience them again. All three of these golf courses function on that more sophisticated level, such that any golfer with an interest in how an imaginative course can elevate the experience of playing the game would do well to visit Grand Rapids.

Thanks, Tim! Check out the rest of the article for a more in-depth look at Pilgrim’s Run, the Mines, and Diamond Springs.

The Fried Egg: Greywalls Review

Our friend, Andy Johnson of The Fried Egg, recently posted a review of Greywalls.

“Greywalls possesses a supreme diversity of landscapes. There are stunning views of Lake Superior, gargantuan granite outcroppings, the Oriana Creek, ravines, and a sandy dunescape. The setting is unique in the world of golf. But Greywalls is not just about views; it also has a stellar design by Mike DeVries.”

Thanks, Andy!

Read the rest here