What is the value of a well-done club history book to a consulting golf architect?
I think a well-done club history book that includes comprehensive section on the golf course is definitely invaluable to a consulting architect. After all, part of the architect’s job is to trace and chronicle the design history and evolution of the course before devising a long-range plan, whether it be restorative-based or otherwise. If that work has already been completed and neatly organized, the golf architect is relived of spending a significant amount of time on historical research; which can prove to be very challenging, particularly in a foreign locale. In fact, it usually takes a motivated and historically-inspired club member to instigate a restorative-based project. And, more importantly, to see that it’s carried through successfully. There are more than a few really good examples, throughout the United States, where consulting architects who have benefited from excellent historical research done by club members. Enough good examples in fact, I hesitate to cite only the few
