Tiger Woods Design

If you follow golf news, then you know that Tiger Woods has just announced he is forming a golf course design company. Some people, like Dave Marrandette at WorldGolf have already passed judgment that he'll do a lousy job. Why? because his courses will be too expensive and too hard for the average golfer.

I beg to differ Mr. Marrandette. You give us no real facts that support your judgment. I guess you just have a 'thing' about Tiger. First, the man has earned the right to try his hand at course design. He's got the money and he has played as many courses around the world as anyone. He knows the game of golf. So far, nothing in the facts to indicate he won't do a great job designing.

What's more important is that Tiger has a respect for the game. It's rare for reporters to ask him about the game in general, but when they do he displays his love for it and an appreciation of what it means for hacks like us. He's also a guy who thinks for himself. I can't believe any other pro out there would have made his first swing change, let alone the second, if they'd had his success. Tiger is a learner!

If you caught the announcement that Tiger is going to work with Brad Faxon on the redesign of the TPC of Boston you got, perhaps, an inkling of where he might go as a designer. They are going to SHORTEN the course. Yes, that's not a misprint, they are shortening the TPC of Boston.

A student of the game like Tiger has probably read Alister Mackenzie's classic 'Golf Architecture'. This is the man who designed Augusta with Bobby Jones, Cyprus Point and numerous classics. He believed that a great course could be enjoyed by the amateur and pro alike and was in fact a requirement. The Old Course at St. Andrews is a perfect example.

Golf course design in the U.S. is in serious need of new thinking and new blood. Tiger hasn't shown his hand yet in how his new company will proceed, but let's give the guy a chance. He may be the breath of fresh air we've been looking for.