There are some courses you play that simply stick with you, weaving themselves into the fabric of your golfing soul. For me, these are often the ones where the architecture speaks a language only a true aficionado can appreciate – the subtle undulations, the strategic bunkering, the way the land was not merely coerced, but artfully embraced. My pursuit of such places has led me to over 200 courses across the globe, an endless quest for that perfect synthesis of challenge and beauty. But sometimes, a course isn’t just about the fairways and greens; it’s about the entire experience, the vivid memories it carves into your consciousness, much like a beloved set of clubs that has seen you through thick and thin.
I was recently reminded of this profound connection to golf, to the memories it evokes, and the tools we use to navigate its landscapes, by an essay detailing a writer’s “first love” with golf clubs. He described his journey through a progression of irons, from Wilson Staff Dynapowers to sleek PRGR blades, before finding his enduring affection for Ping. His words resonated deeply with my own journey, both on and off the course, and the role that certain objects, certain designs, play in shaping our experiences.
“It wasn’t love at first sight. The courtship unfolded over time, during an extended honeymoon of a kind. (It had no ending date.) Christine and I were married in the fall of 1990, and in February 1991 we flew to France, where I had a one-week caddie tryout with an American journeyman on the European Tour, Peter Teravainen, a Yale grad with an economics degree and a mind that ran to numbers and logic.”
That particular passage transported me, not to the European Tour, but to my own early days chasing the dream, carrying bags, and soaking in every nuance of the game. It reminded me how intertwined our equipment often is with our most significant golfing pilgrimage, those moments when the game becomes more than a game. For that writer, it was Ping Eye2s, a club renowned for its radical, functional design, conceived by the visionary Karsten Solheim. These aren’t just clubs; they are vessels of memory, testaments to the belief in function over everything else.
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Courtesy Ping
The Solheim family’s unwavering dedication to innovation and performance, even as the company transitioned through generations, is a philosophy that resonates deeply with my appreciation for well-designed golf courses. Just as Karsten Solheim prioritized function in his pioneering clubs, a great architect like Alister MacKenzie or Pete Dye prioritizes strategic play, natural integration, and an enduring sense of place. They don’t just build courses; they craft experiences that, like a reliable Ping Eye2, consistently deliver.
“I mentioned to Karsten my affection for the Eye2 and he said, “We never made a better iron.” The others were less than thrilled but that’s what he said.”
This statement, coming directly from the founder, speaks volumes about the steadfast commitment to a design that simply works. It’s the architectural equivalent of a course that isn’t chasing trends but stands firm in its principles, offering a timeless challenge. It makes me think of courses like Pinehurst No. 2, where Ross’s intent is so clear, so pure, that it needs no embellishment. The difficulty stems not from artificial obstacles, but from the demands placed on strategic thinking and precise execution, just as the Eye2 demanded a certain feel and commitment from its player.
The evolution of Ping, from Karsten’s initial vision to John A. and now John K., mirrors the ongoing dialogue in golf architecture. John K.’s “stunning realization” that “Visual and tactile elements of club design — the feel of it, its finish — does in fact influence performance,” speaks to a broader understanding that the aesthetic and sensory experience are not merely superficial but integral to a player’s confidence and performance. This is a truth golf architects have long understood. A stunning vista, a perfectly contoured green complex, the rumble of a well-placed bunker – these elements don’t just look good; they inspire, they intimidate, and they inform the shot.
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Getty Images (2); Mark Peterman; Courtesy Ping
The Spirit of Enduring Design
When I reflect on the sentiment of “I’m drawn to Eye2s because they work, because I know what I can do with them — and because I like their look and feel,” I can’t help but draw parallels to those architectural gems that consistently deliver. Take for instance, the Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, Northern Ireland. It’s a course that isn’t adorned with overt flashiness but instead relies on the raw, majestic beauty of its setting and the shrewdness of its design. Harry Colt’s routing, winding through towering duneland, presents a series of blind shots and strategic choices that challenge both mind and muscle. The course ‘works’ because its design forces thought and rewards precision, not power. The visual splendor, the brooding mountains of Mourne in the distance, the yellow gorse blooming vibrantly against the emerald fairways – these elements create a visceral connection that enhances the play, much like the confidence a golfer feels when looking down at a cherished club.
Royal County Down is playable for the public, though securing a tee time requires planning well in advance, and the cost reflects its standing as one of the world’s truly great courses. Before you go, understand that this is pure links golf, demanding a ground game and a respect for nature’s elements. The blind tee shots, particularly on the 9th and 10th holes, require trust in your caddie and your instincts. It’s a place where the strategic philosophy of an architect, working in harmony with the natural landscape, creates an experience that endures, much like the legacy of a company built on a foundation of quality and innovation.
“Golf is such a wonderful game,” he said. “It teaches you so much about life. There’s no game like it. To be able to play with friends, in beautiful conditions — this game has to grow.”
John A. Solheim’s words are a mantra for every golf architecture enthusiast. The enduring appeal of the game, whether through a meticulously crafted iron or a masterfully designed course, lies in its ability to connect us, challenge us, and immerse us in moments of profound beauty and strategic thought. It’s this spirit that drives me, and countless others, to seek out those special places and the special equipment that make the game truly unforgettable. And like a trusted set of Eye2s, these experiences become more than just rounds played; they become cherished parts of our story.
