Thursday, August 28, 2008
By:
One spot of golfing ground has always been preferred to another as far back as the annals of golf and golfing history reach. Of course where and when these preferences originated is always a matter of heated debate among avid golfers.
Stories and legends of lore abound, was it Kronenberg Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, France of Scotland? No one knows. What is true is that each and every golfer has their preferences in terms of golf courses and even specific golf holes.
The earliest golf course that is known to have in continuous operation is the “Old Golf Course” at St. Andrews in the Scottish Isles. Accepted historical references indicate that this course was in playas early as 1552. St. Andrews golf course is the archetypical layout being a splendid piece of well-aged linksland that is both beguiling and terrifying. Shaped from a deposit of Ice Age sand dunes, nature’s hand itself were the very architect in play. St. Andrews it may be said was created by god and nature itself. Through the modifying effects of wind, water and the grazing habits and preferences of livestock an influence was born that lives on today in the designs of our very golf courses that we play and prefer. It can be said that the Old Course at St. Andrews presents the avid golfer with the primal “Man against the forces of nature” contest. After all is this not what we really seek in each and every game of golf that we play on the links?
It is a truism that whatever the year and the decade, and whatever the selecting committee, the Old Course at St. Andrews will never , that is as long as it exists and is operation, be absent from the top 10 of any truly comprehensive listings of the worlds great golf courses.
Great golf courses, that are the preferences of golfers, generally have a good variety of outstanding qualities. It can be stated that greatness in a golf course is a combination of quality of play, aesthetic appeal and general ambience. Of course some courses have more of these considerations than others. Its all in the combination and balance. Indeed some courses can be said to combine all three of these factors in an outstanding lay and presentation. Some golf courses are noted for their quality of play. Others are best in their state, shire, prefecture or general geographic areas. Others may have been crowned with legendary status solely by small coteries of golfers who have recognized a unique challenge – or a classic quality – inherent in the lay of the bunkers and fairways of a particular course. Or it may be a case of truly intimidating golf holes and stretches on the fairways. It is not so much the intimidating nature, or the difficulty of the hole or holes that are of merit – it’s the interesting and challenging game of golf that is created.
In the end it can be said, that golf and golfing is a game of interest, where a golfer forever tries to improve his skills, reduce his score and share an enjoyment pastime with his circle golfing friends. Every golfer has his or her personal preference in all things golf – whether it their brand, model and choice of golfing clubs and golf balls or the golf courses and particular golfing holes that they pick, privilege and favor. At the end of the day, or the golf round, that is all that really matters.
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