Book SummaryA Course Called America, by Tom Coyne

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of A Course Called America

Delving into the rich history, fundamental tenets, and design features that distinguish America's golf courses.

Coyne explores the development and expansion of golf in the United States, tracing its journey from humble beginnings to its current status as a well-known and established sport. He underscores the significant influence of Scottish links golf on the early layouts of American golf courses, highlighting the emergence of the period often referred to as the "Golden Age" of golf course architecture in the United States, in addition to the effects of modern design tendencies and ecological preservation efforts. During his journey, Coyne delves into the origins of specific golf courses, uncovering the esteemed designers responsible for their creation and the cultural forces that shaped them.

The beginnings of golf in the United States.

Coyne illuminates the pivotal era in which golf's heritage took shape in America, highlighting the influential figures who played a crucial role in shaping the sport. He investigates the origins of significant events, including the creation of the US Open, and delves into the profound influence that the traditional Scottish links approach exerted on America's initial golf courses.

There is ongoing discussion about the true birthplace of the US Open, whether it is Newport or Saint Andrew's.

During his exploration, Coyne investigates the diverse narratives associated with the beginnings of the US Open. During his travels, Coyne discovers evidence suggesting that the inaugural US Open could have taken place at the Saint Andrew's Golf Club in New York, predating the 1895 event at Newport Country Club that the USGA officially recognizes as the premiere tournament. Debates regarding the individual who pioneered golf in America often center on whether John Reid, linked with Saint Andrew's, or the esteemed Charles Blair Macdonald deserves the accolade. Reid, a native of Scotland, gathered with friends in a Yonkers meadow, marking the first documented instance of golf being played in the United States after he brought over golf clubs from Scotland, the birthplace of the sport. The membership at the Saint Andrew's Golf Club grew, establishing it as the birthplace of American golf. Macdonald firmly believed that the strategic intricacies found in Scottish links were absent from American golf courses of the 19th century. He played a pivotal role in founding the USGA, which became the governing body responsible for supervising major tournaments. The first competitions endorsed by the United States Golf Association were held in Newport, where Macdonald emerged as the victor.

Practical Tips

• Create a themed sports history trivia night with friends to share and expand your knowledge. Use the concept of the US Open's birthplace as inspiration to compile trivia questions about the origins and historical moments of various sports. This can be a fun way to engage with sports history and learn from each other in a social setting.
• Explore the origins of your favorite hobby by researching its pioneers and creating a visual timeline. You can use free online tools like Canva or Adobe Spark to design a timeline that highlights key figures and milestones in the history of your interest, similar to how golf enthusiasts might look at Reid and Macdonald's contributions. This activity will give you a deeper appreciation for the pastime and might inspire new ways to engage with it.
• Start a blog or social media page dedicated to uncovering and sharing lesser-known historical facts about popular sports. You could research and post about the first basketball game, the evolution of soccer, or the origins of the Olympic Games, providing a platform for fellow enthusiasts to learn and discuss.
• Volunteer with a local club or organization related to your interests to experience firsthand how such groups operate and contribute to their communities. This hands-on approach can provide insight into the organizational structures and community impact that mirror the foundational work of entities like the USGA.
• Create a personal challenge that involves setting up a series of games or activities that you can compete in with friends or family. This can be inspired by the structure of major tournaments but on a much smaller scale. For instance, you might set up a weekend-long series of different sports or games, keeping track of scores and celebrating with a homemade dinner or small ceremony at the end.

Macdonald's significant influence on the evolution of golf courses in the United States.

Coyne depicts Macdonald as a vocal proponent of infusing American course designs with the best elements of British golfing landscapes. He described his recreations of renowned holes from Scottish golf courses as "archetypal designs." The design of the National Golf Links on Long Island is often regarded as the pinnacle of Macdonald's contributions to golf course architecture in the United States. He meticulously examined the most revered golf holes from Great Britain and skillfully recreated them, infusing his technical expertise with creativity, within the confines of Long Island. The influence of Macdonald on golf course design extended beyond the courses he directly created. He emphasized the importance of skillfully handling the terrain and introduced the first irrigation system at National, which set a new standard for golf course upkeep and challenged the prevailing notion that American golf should be a cruder form of its Scottish origins.

Practical Tips

• Use a sketchbook or digital design app to mix and match features from your favorite places to create an ideal space. Whether it's a room in your house or a virtual environment, combine aspects like the color scheme of a beloved café with the cozy seating arrangement of your local library. This exercise in design fusion can help you develop a personalized space that reflects your tastes and...

A Course Called America Summary The engagement with golf in the United States is marked by its cultural traditions, selectiveness, and straightforwardness.

Coyne explores the challenges of gaining entry to golf courses in the United States, emphasizing the stark difference between the open-door approach of UK and Irish courses and the often restrictive private clubs found in America. He investigates how selectivity emerged within American golf circles, highlighting how social and economic factors contributed to the widespread establishment of exclusive clubs throughout the nation.

The epitome of a United States country club.

Coyne encounters a variety of perspectives regarding the sport's exclusivity and accessibility, highlighting efforts to expand its allure and increase its inclusiveness.

Golf's exclusivity in the United States stemmed from its adoption by private social clubs.

Coyne explores how golf has developed in the United States alongside the emergence of country club culture, cementing a lasting framework of exclusivity. In the late 19th century, American Anglophiles, eager to adopt the quintessential British sport, merged their enthusiasm for golf into the growing trend of country clubs. This trend evolved alongside societal shifts and increased economic mobility, with the elite aiming to preserve their...

A Course Called America Summary The Impact of Golf Course Development on Local Communities and the Future Trajectory of the Sport.

Coyne explores the multifaceted nature of golf courses, highlighting their ability to boost local economies via tourism and support environmental preservation, while also acknowledging the difficulties they pose in terms of resource usage and impacts on natural wildlife habitats.

Economic and Social Benefits

Coyne highlights the beneficial effects of golf courses on surrounding communities, as they draw in visitors, enhance the economic landscape, and offer residents both leisure and learning opportunities.

Golf courses play a crucial role in attracting tourists and boosting the economic prosperity of the surrounding communities.

Coyne notes that locations like Bandon Dunes, renowned for their outstanding golfing facilities, act as drivers of local economic expansion by drawing in golfers from around the world. Visitors arriving to engage in leisure activities can turn secluded areas into bustling hubs of trade.

Other Perspectives

• Golf courses often require substantial initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs, which may not be recouped if the expected tourist influx does not materialize or if the golf course does not maintain its reputation. -...

A Course Called America Summary The writer's odyssey, which includes traversing America's varied golf terrains, is interlaced with aspects of kinship and interpersonal connections throughout.

Coyne's exploration throughout America probes deeply into the complexities of the golf courses and the minds responsible for their creation. His journey weaves together a narrative of personal growth through efforts to reconnect with his father, explores the therapeutic aspects found within the sport of golf, and narrates the unexpected friendships forged with people encountered along the way.

Strengthening the bond with his father.

Throughout his journey, Coyne's drive is fueled by a deep desire to understand his father, a former naval officer with a strong love for the United States and an intense passion for the game of golf. He ultimately finds that their beloved game not only forges a strong bond and provides a pathway to insight but also sets the foundation for an optimistic future.

Tom Coyne returned to the San Diego golf course, a place that had previously seen his father hone his golfing abilities.

Coyne begins his journey by tracing his father's path to become acquainted with the game of golf. His father, stationed in San Diego after serving in Korea, had first picked up golf clubs with his navy buddies, walking across the street during their lunch break...