Augusta is the most exclusive and revered golf courses in the world and therefore does not need the design skills of Greg Norman to promote it. Membership is by invitation only and the only pro golfers in the list of 300 members are Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and John Harris. This fact is mentioned in the history of the club, along with other illustrious members such as Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Dwight D Eisenhower, though there are plenty you need never have heard of. With joining fees and annual fees set realatively low, it is the TV rights to the clubs own tournament which allows such exclusivity; there are no plans to invite female members, though they do allow female caddies. Thats OK then.
The course was designed by one of the owners (Bobby Jones) and the Scottish architect Alistair Mackenzie, along the lines of St Andrews; there were few nasty obstacles and wide fairways originally, but over time, rough, bunkers and trees have been added.It was opened in 1931 and is the home to the Masters,
every year.
The Masters course is known as the most beautiful golf course in the world, and its beauty is best seen in April, just as the Masters kicks off. They think of everything;the color of the drink napkins for patrons perfectly matches the grass - so if you drop your napkin it will not show on TV. The green theme continues with the Green Jacket worn by members and masters winners, a nice touch, as conceived by the other original owner, Clifford Roberts. Who needs celebrity pro designers?
Shanghai has already hosted Formula 1 this year and now it is the venue for the first tournament of the European Order of Merit, which is now renamed as The Race to Dubai. "The Race to Dubai will bring a new dimension to the European Tour" says George O'Grady, chief executive of the European Tour...." and the partnership with Leisurecorp is central to our plans for the future." I see.
Golf is increasingly popular in China and there are more and more courses being built each year.Of the 31 I found in Shanghai, it looks like building and quantity rather than a pro golfer design name tag are the key. That does not mean that design is not important though. The course at the Sheshan Golf Club in Shanghai was designed by Nelson & Haworth, who are responsible for the design of 10% of all the golf courses in China. They say " A Nelson & Haworth golf course is an evolution of ideas, communication, skill, and experience." Well, I have had a look at the images of their most famous courses, not really expecting to learn much more about them.. I just like looking at the pictures. But I found myself guessing where in the world the courses were, and I was getting it right! Golf St Raphael actually looked like it was in Canada.Bayhood looked like China. Macquarie Links GC looked like Australia. Go and have a look and let me know.
