Ever wonder about the name Fort St John Links? In North America the term links is often freely used to describe any sort of golf course. Historically though, a links golf course has certain characteristics that distinguishes it from other sorts of golf courses.
Originating in Scotland, links came to be associated with golf from the term linksland - the sandy reedy grasslands that form the transition areas between the windswept coast and the agricultural land further in. Due to its sandy nature and its exposure to the wind, such land was not suitable for housing and its proximity to the sea left it too salty to support all but the hardiest of native grasses. Unable to farm or build upon it, Scots found the land suitable for recreation, and used the natural topography and landmarks as areas in which to knock around a few shots. An absence of trees, sandy pot bunkers, irregular terrain and the constant presence of the wind and sea have become the defining characteristics of a links course today.
True links golf requires a specialized set of skills. Players have to hit low accurate shots and when they don't, they are forced to deal with deep rough, rugged fairways and crazy bounces. The Open Championship, also known as the British Open, is always played on a links course. This tournament is the only major championship played outside of the United States. It attracts a diverse international field and presents North American golfers used to manicured well treed courses with a different and often frustrating sort of challenge.
When compared to a true links course Ft St John Links does have some similarities. While it is true that we are located hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean, we do endure blustery winds, challenging rough, and fairways that make the most of the natural terrain and grasses. We thankfully do have lots of trees and our bunkers are neither too deep or too numerous but the many mounds, gullies and uneven hitting surfaces provide a fair facsimile of a British Open venue. Add to this our seasonal drying trend and one can easily see how adopting the bump and run tactics needed in Britain can benefit local players too.
Russ and Len have now completed repairs to the number 9 ladies tee box. A new bridge and gravel path are the result of a long days effort. The greens are rolling quicker these days thanks to some mower maintenance involving a lowering the level of the cut and some sharpening of the reels and bedknives. The greens were recently double cut and rolled. The result is a faster smoother putting surface. The challenge now will be to keep them in this sort of shape through the height of summer. Expect to see fertilizer and water applied regularly. Your assistance and cooperation in repairing any marks you make upon the greens is appreciated!
Open season will soon be upon us with the Scottish Open playing this week, the British Open being held at Royal St Georges July 14 - 17 and the Canadian Open being held at Shaugnessy Golf Club in Vancouver, July 21 - 24. Links' Ray Asai and myself are both excited to be volunteering at this year's Canadian Open. Ray will be working as a scorer and I will be serving with the course and grounds committee. We look forward to sharing some stories about what what goes into staging a national championship when we return.
Sadly, being in Vancouver means that Ray and I will miss this years Links Open. Held July 23 and 24, this event promises to be the competitive highlight of Links' season. The grounds crew works hard to provide competitors with a well groomed and challenging venue. Be sure to ask at the proshop about when and how to enter! And for those of you who only play the occasional round Links is still your best value. Contrary to what a rival course posted in the paper our 18 hole fees are only $32.50 - still less than Taylor or Lake Point!
No comments:
Post a Comment