“The most highly researched, richly documented history of golf course architecture written in the last quarter century.”
“The Evolution of Golf Course Design is a remarkable effort, deserving of a spot on every golfer’s bookshelf.”
The Evolution of Golf Course Design encompasses material that has only scantily been covered in golfing literature. In fact, much of it is unique, as these new findings provide exciting revelations pertaining to golf’s rich history. Supplemented by more than 300 images and architectural plans, this publication is the first golf architecture book to investigate one seemingly simply question: Why?
Unlike much of what has previously been written about the discipline of golf course architecture, Evolution examines the subject-matter through a broader lens. Specifically, the effects of world history, economics, prevailing artistic trends, social movements, and the inter-personal relationships of key designers, are illuminated and contrasted to reveal a more complete history.
For the first time, this publication reveals an in-depth expose into the powerhouse elements that have driven the industry since it first emerged, somewhat tentatively, in the 1840s. In the process, a debt of gratitude is delivered to those at the forefront of key developments; namely, the featured developers, golf course architects, and authors.
“The Evolution of Golf Course Design is the most important work on golf architecture to appear in many years. Both the depth and breadth of Cutten’s research is remarkable. This book is an essential addition to the shelf of anyone who is interested in why golf courses look like they do.”
“The Evolution of Golf Course Design is certainly the most in-depth look into the world of golf course architecture that I’ve come across. Cutten reveals the other side of golf course design not often (if ever) discussed, detailing why certain things occurred and led to the way courses look and play today.”
About the Author
Keith Cutten is an expert in golf course architecture and construction, having participated in several of Canada’s high-profile, contemporary golf course projects. These include Cabot Links, Cabot Cliffs, and Sagebrush Golf Club. Compiling a comprehensive in-field and off-field skillset, enables Keith to undertake any project from start to finish. He is also a passionate student of golf history.
It was from the seat of a bulldozer and an excavator, where Keith learned the craft of golf course design and feature-shaping. This took place, under the watchful eye of Rod Whitman: his mentor and fellow Canadian golf course architect.
In the company of Rod, Keith completed the renovation of the historic Canadian Algonquin Golf Course in St Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick. Keith also serves on the Board of Directors for the Stanley Thompson Society.
Further to his experience in the design and construction of golf courses, which extends beyond a decade, Keith has also achieved academic success. He gained an undergraduate degree in Planning and Environmental Design from the University of Waterloo, which led to a stamp as a Professional Planner. Additionally, Keith holds a masters degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Guelph, situated in Ontario, Canada. More specifically, Keith’s masters thesis research explored the voluminous history of golf course architecture; which greatly assisted when laying the foundations for this book.
Keith lives in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada with his wife and children.
PODCASTS ABOUT THE BOOK
About the Editor
Paul Daley is a talented author and editor. He is also the managing director of Full Swing Golf Publishing.
After dividing his time over eighteen years between his career in the pharmaceutical industry, which included national responsibilities, and ambitions to play golf at a competitive level, Paul decided to focus on his favourite, non-playing aspect of golf: writing.
In 2000, Daley self-published Links Golf: The Inside Story, after it was passed-up by several publishers, who deemed its narrow subject-matter a risky proposition. Paul formed Full Swing Golf Publishing, took a deep breath and generated an initial release of 5,000 copies. The copies sold well, resulting in a contract with Pelican Publishing, North America’s largest independent publisher at the time. The firm instigated an additional North American release.
The following year, in 2001, Paul released The Sandbelt: Melbourne's Golfing Heaven. His work, complemented by David Scaletti’s striking photography, provides insight into the unique history and design characteristics of a geographic hotspot for quality golf architecture.
However, it was in 2002, following the release of Golf Architecture: A Worldwide Perspective (Vol One), when Daley introduced his ground-breaking concept of an essay series. He invited contributions from many renowned golf course architects and edited their essays into a single literary volume. This design concept has since led to a six-volume series, supported by imagery that includes photography, plans, drawings and renderings. Paul expects to push forward with the seventh volume in the near future.