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St Andrews: The Evolution of the Old Course by Scott Macpherson
In this detailed and comprehensive study Scott Macpherson takes the reader on a journey of discovery from golf's past to its future. We see not only the way in which early remodelling of the Old Course changed the game itself, but also how the course has adapted to almost two centuries of considerable technological change to both the ball and club as well as huge leaps in the skill and strength of players. This important study illuminates the significant issues facing golf at St Andrews, which not only affect the Royal and Ancient Club and its members, but also course designers, club and ball manufacturers, greenkeepers, rules officials, golf clubs and players everywhere. "...Until recently, [the evolution of the Old Course] hadn't been thoroughly documented. Enter 33-year-old Scott Macpherson, a New Zealand-born golf architect now based in Edinburgh, Scotland... His three-plus years of study has resulted in a comprehensive book, St Andrews: The Evolution of the Old Course..." – Ron Whitten, Golf Digest. Born in New Zealand, Scott Macpherson benefited from a Turf and Soils education at New Zealand's Massey University before studying Landscape Architecture at the University of California, Davis. His golf course design experience in Australia with Thomson, Wolveridge, and Perrett preceded a relocation to St Andrews in Scotland. After studying the great links, Scott worked as the on-site architect for the two courses at the 'Fairmont at St Andrews' (formally known as St Andrews Bay) for the American architect, and former President of the ASGCA, Denis Griffiths. Scott has written a monthly column, 'Design Matters', for New Zealand golf magazine The Cut since January 2001. He now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland. He operates his own course design company, Inspired Golf Design (www.inspiredgolfdesign.com), and is a principal in Turner Macpherson Golf Design (www.tmgolfdesign.com) with former professional golfer Greg Turner. "In his book, Scott Macpherson charts the evolution of the Old Course, dispelling many widely accepted 'truisms' along the way. For any student of golf it is a must-read." – John Huggan, Contributor to Golf Digest and Scotland on Sunday
ISBN: 978-1-877393-22-3 Published May 2007 |
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Today the Old Course rightly remains a cornerstone for the golfing world. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club has made, and continues to make, rules and decisions that affect the way golf is played and the set-up of many thousands of courses throughout the world. This book highlights in detail for the first time the physical changes to the Old Course at St Andrews, correlates them with social and equipment changes, and provides insights into the effect these changes have had, not only on the rules of golf but on the very manner in which the game is played.