Vintage Course Photos

#1 Tee and Fairway

In 2003-2004, Roger Rulewich and the Golf Group restored all 55 bunkers at Point O' Woods to the characteristic cape and bay design made famous by Robert Trent Jones Sr in the 50's and early 60's. As one of the lead architects in the firm, Roger worked along side Mr. Jones for 35 years.  To aid in the restoration process, Roger reviewed photos and slides taken by Point O Woods superintendents or grounds staff during the original construction in 1958 and post construction in the 1960's and early 70's.  

#6 Fwy Looking at #7 Green

Although the photos proved very beneficial in Roger's attempt to recreate the original bunker design, the photos also revealed some interesting facts about trees or the lack of trees on many holes.  Roger explained Mr. Jones' tree philosophy as hole definers or screens but not necessarily a design feature. Consequently, Mr. Jones would not recommend tree planting as part of his architectural services. According to Roger, Mr. Jones believed his trade mark design elements such as length, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens did not require any added elements.

#12 Green

Moreover, in the peak of his career, Jones traveled extensively designing courses on six continents.  To recommend tree planting at each course, would have required extensive knowledge of every indigenous tree throughout the world.  

Regardless of architectural design or intent, a proliferation of tree planting occurred in the the 60's, 70's and 80's.  Well intended Boards and Committees began planting trees to fill every void on the course essentially changing the course design.

Oakmont Country Club

A prime example of design transformation is this year's site of the US Open, Oakmont Country Club.  Based on photos taken in the 1900's, the original H.C. Fownes design resembled more of a links style course with very few trees.  After a contentious battle within the membership, Oakmont removed approximately 14,000 trees restoring the course to the original Fownes design. Reportedly, 7000 trees were removed recently in preparation for this year's U.S. Open. Oakmont became the poster child for tree removal in the early 80's and the trend continues today at the most prestigious courses throughout the country.        

Mr. Jones designed Point O' Woods as a parkland golf  course with nearly 6000 trees.  However, are all 6000 trees necessary to preserve the Jones design and remain a parkland course? More importantly, could we have better turf conditions, healthier specimen trees, use less pesticides, less fertilizer, less water, less man hours, better drainage, firmer playing surfaces, and improve our turf species with less trees? Extensive research conduced over the past 20 years by Turf Universities, the USGA, the Golf Course Superintendents of America, and the Society of Golf Course Architects all point to the benefits of less trees in reducing maintenance costs, improving play surfaces, and ensuring the sustainability of the course and the game of golf.

Early 1960's aerial photo