About This Event: The niche of golf course architecture is seeing a phenomenal rise in popularity. An informed and ardent following of serious golf geeks are ever on the look out for architecturally sound golf courses in whatever form they may take. Golf course architects are becoming household names no longer known only by the illuminati. The work of the Golden Age golf course architects has proven itself to be resilient against the explosion of modern golf course design around the world. In this is both an opportunity and a need for caution as many golf clubs contemplate some form of restoration.

To undertake proper golf course restoration, you first need information. Information can be gleaned in many ways, but the primary way is through proper historical research. Photographs, maps, and construction drawings are prized among the spoils of properly done research. If direct links to the original as-built golf course are not available, research can also lend a hand in making informed decisions. For example, one may consider the influence of golf equipment at the time of construction or material alternations to the course. Secondly, one may try to ascertain the intent of the original architect’s design ethos, tendencies, and strategic hallmarks. Design from similar courses of the same era may provide clues. In this lecture, Jasper will look at the range and depth of research done to establish the foundation of sound golf course restoration.

Using past and present examples from Jasper’s own research, he will discuss the process of both doing golf course architecture archaeology and establishing a sound foundation for making decisions regarding golf course restoration, renovation, and design.

About Jasper Miners: Introduced to the game by his grandfather, his love for the game began from a tender age. From rudimentary golf courses in Saskatchewan to resort golf in British Columbia, Jasper played extensively in Western Canada growing up. His fascination for the game waned but after emigrating to the UK in 2009, a weekend trip to the wild links of Pennard, St Enodoc and Perranporth rekindled his passion. What made this golf so different and so much better? The answer lay in the study of golf course architecture. Since then, Jasper has travelled widely throughout the UK to see the design portfolios of Alister MacKenzie, Tom Simpson, Herbert Fowler, James Braid and particularly Harry Colt. Golf course architecture research and archaeology has lead to opportunities to work alongside multiple golf course architects with multiple restoration projects undertaken in the UK and Continental Europe.

Currently, Jasper, working in association with Renaissance Golf Design’s Brian Schneider, on Harry Colt’s St George’s Hill in Weybridge, England. https://evalu18.com/st-georges-hill/ The project has provided an opportunity to rediscover much of the club’s history and has been able to piece together the intriguing history of perhaps Harry Colt’s finest design.

This lecture will take place in the Museum galleries, with doors opening from 6.30pm with refreshments available.