Golf Digest is talking to the next generation of architects, whose names might be new to you but are popping up more and more with great projects. This interview has been edited for concision. The full Q&A is available on the “Feed the Ball” podcast with architecture editor Derek Duncan.
Clyde JohnsonAge: 38Cunnin’ Golf Design: Founded 2015Base: Carluke, Scotland
What shaping or design work are you best known for at this point?
Probably the various roles I’ve played as an associate for Tom Doak at places like Tara Iti and Te Arai in New Zealand, St. Patrick’s Links in Ireland and most recently as lead associate at Old Petty at Cabot Highlands in Scotland. I don’t think Tom gets enough credit for how good a mentor he’s been to people over the years and how many people in the business he’s given his time and advice to. I also hope I’m known for some thoughtful renovation work in the United Kingdom at places like Alwoodley, St. Enodoc and North Berwick.
What are you working on now that excites you?
I’ve been in Colorado at Rodeo Dunes to build what I think will be the world’s largest Himalayas-style putting green for Michael Keiser Jr. It’s seven acres in beautiful, rolling sand hills in a big amphitheater below the first tees of Bill Coore’s and Jimmy Craig’s courses. I think the next largest is at Te Arai and that’s about three acres. Public golfers will have the chance to hit some really fun putts.
What is the most valuable quality you try to convey in all your designs?
Most important for me are golf courses that embrace and engage the inherent character of the landscape. “Sense of place” has become a trendy phrase in golf course architecture, but golf courses that sit comfortably in a really interesting landscape can be some of the most unique golf courses. Even a nine-holer in the middle of Scotland can be interesting and engaging if it fits into the land.
ROCKY HIMALAYAS An early look at the putting course Johnson is building at Rodeo Dunes.
Are there many designers working in the U.K. that hand build courses in the Tom Doak/Bill Coore style like you do?
I think I’m the only one in the U.K. working design-shape like this. The business is much smaller, and there are fewer clubs with the resources to engage an architect. The design jobs at the top clubs have tended to go to the dominant firm at the time—Fred Hawtree, Martin Hawtree, Donald Steel and now Martin Ebert and Tom Mackenzie. I’m hoping to change that, but it’s a slow burn, and because the jobs are usually small, there’s less opportunity to show off what you can do.
If you could change one thing about golf, what would it be?
Probably the desire for wall-to-wall perfect conditioning. As long as the greens and approaches are playing firm and rolling true, it can be a little scruffy around the edges. I actually think that adds to the character of the landscape and the variety of shots you get.
This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
