Alister MacKenzie may have passed away 100 years ago, but his architectural ideas and philosophies continue to inspire designers and architects around the world. Every year, the “Ray Haddock” Lido Prize Contest celebrates MacKenzie’s legacy by challenging participants to design a unique two-shot par 4 hole that reflects his design principles. This year, 88 participants from six countries showcased their skills by creating intricate and innovative designs that pay homage to MacKenzie’s original concepts.
The contest draws inspiration from a winning drawing MacKenzie created in 1914 for a design contest in British Country Life magazine. This design featured a complex par 4 hole with sand channels and moguls meant to challenge players of different skill levels. The 18th hole at The Lido in Long Island was inspired by MacKenzie’s drawing, showcasing his innovative approach to golf course design.
The competition has evolved over the years with a focus on creating alternate routes to the hole, similar to MacKenzie’s original design. Participants often present multiple strategic options for players, including heroic carries, island fairways, cascading greens, and rugged bunkers. Golf course builder Jim Urbina, who judged this year’s competition, was impressed by the level of creativity and detail in the entries.
The winning design, created by Steve Turner of Millbrae, Calif., features a par 4 hole with multiple options for players. The hole runs along a chasm of sand, providing players with different approaches to the green based on their strategy. Urbina praised Turner’s design for its creativity and innovative use of space, noting that it challenges players to think outside the box when planning their shots.
The Lido Prize entries have become so advanced that they could serve as blueprints for talented architects or shapers. Urbina believes that these designs are more detailed and practical than MacKenzie’s original drawings, showcasing the evolution of golf course design over the years. The winning entry exemplifies the creativity and ingenuity of modern designers, pushing the boundaries of traditional golf course architecture.
As the Alister MacKenzie Society continues to honor MacKenzie’s legacy, the Lido Prize Contest serves as a platform for aspiring designers to showcase their talents and pay tribute to one of golf’s greatest architects. The winning design demonstrates the influence of MacKenzie’s design principles while also incorporating new ideas and technologies to create a challenging and memorable golfing experience.
