Designer Showcase Greg Norman Course Designer

theCLV24 - Designer Showcase

Anthony Kyne
On August 13, 2015
http://thegolfclubgame.com

How long have you been playing The Golf Club?
A: I was a jealous observer during the closed beta, and a day one buyer during Early Access. I was also a day one buyer on PS4, and go back and forth between the two. The effect on my game is kind of like going back and forth between a traditional putter and a long putter… not recommended.
How would you describe your style of designing?
A: I try to pay attention to every detail when designing a real course. No shortcuts. This can be extremely frustrating when it results in me spending one whole day on a bunker, but it’s my style so I have to stick with it.
When I create a fictional course, my main focus is in creating interesting holes to play over and over again. My designs lag far behind in the visual department compared to some of the GNCD masters, for sure, but again that’s my style and I’m sticking with it.
What do you use for inspiration when designing your courses?
A: Philosophically I draw a lot from Tom Doak. I don’t have any particular signature or design style, but I always ask when I create a hole, “Is it interesting? Is it exciting to play?”. I feel like I can’t release a course until I can say yes for all 18 holes.
If we are talking looks, I particularly like Dr. MacKenize’s bunkers.
For real courses, my inspiration is definitely the real course, without a doubt. I would say that’s the only inspiration.
Which two of your own courses are your favorites?
A: My favorite real course is Pinehurst #2. It was my first real course, and despite knowing it well and playing it often, my scores still fluctuate greatly. There aren’t a lot of frills to the course, just a great Donald Ross design.
My favorite semi-fictional course is Doak Valley (Tournament). Much like Pinehurst, it’s amazing how differently the course can play based on my approach for the day. The angles of approach are so important and really highlight the subtle strategic details of some of the most well-known holes in the world. It was a learning experience to build and I love playing the course to relive that experience.
Do you play golf in real life?
A: After playing on the golf team in high school and working at a golf course, my play has dwindled each year ever since. It also hurts that I moved from a place (Michigan) where I could drive 5 minutes in any direction and hit a golf course, to a place (Chicago) where the closest course is an hour drive with no traffic. I still play when I can, though, and take a minimalist approach. I spend minimal time working on my swing and try to play by feel. Results are mixed.
Besides playing/designing in TGC , what are your other hobbies?
A: Hmm, does hitting up every brewery and distillery in Chicago count? Having just recently gotten out of coaching basketball, my second passion, I still try to stay in at least one basketball league at a time throughout the year.
What is your favorite ice cream?
A: Mackinaw Island Fudge, obviously.