The Course Beautiful: A Collection of Original Articles and Photographs on Golf Course Design

Tillinghast has no collection of writings he set aside for people to read. Rather, he was a constant contributor to magazines such as Golf Illustraited, and aside from this seemed to be content to allow his work to speak for itself. This collection of essays which appeared in various publications cover mostly Tillinghast's aesthetic views of course design, rather than course strategy exclusively. He discusses setting, bringing character to individual holes based on peculiar, often natural features found near or on them, an the incorporation of historical spots into the mystique of a site (the most famous example associated with Tillinghast being the naming of Baltusrol). While the focus is mostly on what makes a course both beautiful and functional, several articles are dedicated to construction of interesting golfing holes. Probably of greatest interest is his thinking on three shot holes, which can so often become dull in their design due to their length. Aside from the articles themselves, numerous photos, drawings, and course maps are provided, which by themselves illuminate much of this classic course designer's thinking. Tillinghast courses seem to make a near yearly appearance in major golf tournaments, ranging from the US Amature to the Open. Coming to know more about the architect can only bring greater appreciation for his courses and the game itself.

If you love golf and appreciate what a makes a great golf course, then this is the book that will add to your enjoyment of every hole you play. It will also aid you in your criticism of your greens committee when they want to lengthen a hole or add a bunker or two, or just change for changes sake. Despite the fact that the articles were written in the early part of this century, they are totally relevant to today's golfing problems - overplay, balls that go too far, courses that need to be acceptable to both the tiger and the rabbit, etc, etc. If you've played on the world's best, love golf, have an eye for a great golf hole and course - and you love books, then read and appreciate the majesty of a great design mind. Here is a master at work. Without Tillie, the likes of Trent Jones (all of them), Bob Cupp, Nicklaus (all of them), etc, etc would be without inspiration. Jay Morrish is the nearest in modern times to him for sheer poetry of layout. But that's not forgetting Ross, Mackenzie, Colt, et al whose courses are also wonderful. Read and enjoy - it really does make the course beautiful.

A collection of Tillinghast's writings, how he approached the land, trying to retain the 'naturalness' of the terrain. His thoughts about the overall layout, etc. Certainly explains why his courses have stood the test of time. As a printer, I would commend the publishers and their printer for making a black and white book look so good !