Ben Wright: Slithery Slope
Of all my memories from broadcasting the Masters at the 15th hole of Augusta National, some of the fondest originated, oddly enough, during bathroom breaks. Invariably, whenever I shimmied down the ladder of the TV tower, I would run into old friends and take a few moments to chat, catching up on their lives and […]
My 10 Favorite Golf Course Logos
A good logo—whether it’s for a fashion brand, a trendy restaurant, or a golf course—should try to adhere to some of the principles of effective design, including being simple, memorable, timeless, versatile, and relevant—according to popular design blog Tailor Brands. With golf there’s seemingly endless inspiration to draw from. Is it in a city that’s […]
Dream Nine: Par Fives
The par five. The one hole in golf where almost anything is possible. The longest holes on a course give golfers a chance to imagine the possibilities. A legitimate chance at birdie…or even that rare shot at an elusive eagle. But as many of us know, par fives can often show their teeth, generating double […]
Classic Course: Meadow Club
Most course-design devotees can name the last course Dr. Alister MacKenzie designed in the U.S.—Augusta National. But how many can name the first? It’s Meadow Club, in northern California. It’s not clear why the private club just north of San Francisco, which opened in 1927, flies so far under the radar. Perhaps it has something […]
LINKS Golf Podcast Episode 46: George Peper’s Top Moments, Favorite Holes, and more from Augusta National
In this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast, LINKS Editor George Peper details the moments that stick out in his mind among the 35 Masters tournaments he’s attended. Digital Editor Al Lunsford talks to George about the creative process behind his interview with the Sarazen Bridge in the Spring 2020 issue, and George reveals his […]
A Chat with the Sarazen Bridge
On the occasion of a notable birthday, one of Augusta National’s most enduring monuments opens up. But talk about feeling trod upon… This year marks the 65th anniversary of the dedication of the Sarazen Bridge, which spans the pond at Augusta National’s 15th hole, and the 85th anniversary of the moment the bridge commemorates, Gene […]
Questions: Ben Crenshaw
On the silver anniversary of his second of two Masters titles, the pride of Austin talks about golf courses, golf books, and his life today. This year marks the 25th anniversary of your second Masters victory. What is your fondest memory from 1995? I was proud of the way I held myself together that week […]
The Ultimate Masters Playlist
As Martin Mull is often quoted as saying: “Writing about music is like dancing about architecture.” Point taken—leave the ineffable to its own mysterious devices. A piano sonata, sitar raga, even a lowly pop song are to be absorbed osmotically, felt, not dissected like a poor laboratory frog. As with golf, analysis equals paralysis! Nevertheless, […]
Top 10 Courses: Japan
The 2020 Tokyo Olympic course, Kasumigaseki East, ranks third on our Top 10 list of courses in Japan behind a pair of Hugh Alison designs that are likened to Augusta National and Pebble Beach, respectively. 1. Hirono, Hirono The Augusta National of Japan, this 1932 design by Hugh Alison weaves strategically among woodlands, ravines, lakes, […]
Dream Nine: Par Fours
The par four. Routinely benign, sometimes repetitive, yet often unforgettable. More than any length on the golf course, it’s the par fours which will likely make or break your round. Let’s face it: A birdie on a par four is just a bit more rewarding, isn’t it? With that in mind, the premise is simple: […]