On September 1, East Potomac Golf Links, a popular municipal golf facility in Washington, D.C., was supposed to shut down for a massive renovation led by the Trump administration and architect Tom Fazio. But then... it didn’t. So what’s going on here? And what’s the backstory? Garrett is joined by his Fried Egg Golf colleague (and DMV resident) Brendan Porath to go through the full history of East Potomac, from its beginnings as an innovative reversible golf course to its current status as a political football.

On September 1, East Potomac Golf Links, a popular municipal golf facility in Washington, D.C., was supposed to shut down for a massive renovation led by the Trump administration and architect Tom Fazio. But then... it didn&rsquo;t. So what&rsquo;s going on here? And what&rsquo;s the backstory? Garrett is joined by his Fried Egg Golf colleague (and DMV resident) Brendan Porath to go through the full history of East Potomac, from its beginnings as an innovative reversible golf course to its current status as a political football.

Designing Golf is a show about golf courses: how they’re built, who builds them, and which ones are worth playing. Hosted by Fried Egg Golf’s Garrett Morrison, Designing Golf will explore all facets of golf architecture, from its basic principles to its history to its practitioners to its best examples in the United States and abroad. Each episode will investigate a different topic in a fun, concise way. Whether you’re a longtime aficionado or a beginner in the subject, Designing Golf will deepen your knowledge about and fascination with golf courses and golf course design.

Designing Golf

The Story of East Potomac Golf Links

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/83392fa5-ad6b-4748-a5db-b4b9018655bf/transcript

When Mike Keiser opened Bandon Dunes in 1999, his son Michael was 18 years old. Michael Jr. went on to play a key role in the expansion of the Keiser family’s Dream Golf empire. Along with his brother Chris, he oversaw the development of Wisconsin’s Sand Valley, one of the most architecturally experimental golf resorts in the country. Now, Michael is creating three new resorts of his own, all opening within the next year and a half. There’s Wild Spring Dunes in East Texas, Rodeo Dunes in Colorado, and Old Shores in the Florida Panhandle. He and his wife are also supporting a handful of municipal golf projects. In this episode, Garrett sits down with Michael to explore this fascinating new phase of Keiser golf — what Michael is borrowing from the past, and how he’s trying to innovate.

When Mike Keiser opened Bandon Dunes in 1999, his son Michael was 18 years old. Michael Jr. went on to play a key role in the expansion of the Keiser family&rsquo;s Dream Golf empire. Along with his brother Chris, he oversaw the development of Wisconsin&rsquo;s Sand Valley, one of the most architecturally experimental golf resorts in the country. Now, Michael is creating three new resorts of his own, all opening within the next year and a half. There&rsquo;s Wild Spring Dunes in East Texas, Rodeo Dunes in Colorado, and Old Shores in the Florida Panhandle. He and his wife are also supporting a handful of municipal golf projects. In this episode, Garrett sits down with Michael to explore this fascinating new phase of Keiser golf &mdash; what Michael is borrowing from the past, and how he&rsquo;s trying to innovate.

Michael Keiser’s Second Act

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/236e6e42-d7dc-494e-804c-b4ac00060504/transcript

Among America’s greatest golf courses, the East Course at Merion Golf Club is one of the oldest. It’s no surprise, then, that it’s relatively small, occupying only about 115 acres. Still, the East Course remains a legitimate championship venue, with the 2030, 2040, and 2050 U.S. Opens on its docket. Next week, the club will host the U.S. Amateur for the seventh time. So there’s no better time to discuss Merion East in depth and ask why it has endured so strongly. Garrett opens the episode with a quick rundown of the course’s key characteristics, including its routing and primary hazards. Then he brings on historian Wayne Morrison for a full exploration of Merion East’s history and its intricate Hugh Wilson-William Flynn design.

Among America&rsquo;s greatest golf courses, the East Course at Merion Golf Club is one of the oldest. It&rsquo;s no surprise, then, that it&rsquo;s relatively small, occupying only about 115 acres. Still, the East Course remains a legitimate championship venue, with the 2030, 2040, and 2050 U.S. Opens on its docket. Next week, the club will host the U.S. Amateur for the seventh time. So there&rsquo;s no better time to discuss Merion East in depth and ask why it has endured so strongly. Garrett opens the episode with a quick rundown of the course&rsquo;s key characteristics, including its routing and primary hazards. Then he brings on historian Wayne Morrison for a full exploration of Merion East&rsquo;s history and its intricate Hugh Wilson-William Flynn design.

Great Courses: Merion

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/d7d70d1d-fc78-4b89-a372-b49d0189adc8/transcript

On any golf course, the greens are the center of gravity. Around 40% of the shots we hit in a given round on a regulation course are putts. Over half will be either putts or chips. And any decently hit approach shot will also interact with the green or its surrounds. So today’s Golf Architecture 101 topic is an important one. Garrett is joined by his Fried Egg Golf colleague PJ Clark to talk about greens: how they’re designed, how they’re built, and what makes a good one.

On any golf course, the greens are the center of gravity. Around 40% of the shots we hit in a given round on a regulation course are putts. Over half will be either putts or chips. And any decently hit approach shot will also interact with the green or its surrounds. So today&rsquo;s Golf Architecture 101 topic is an important one. Garrett is joined by his Fried Egg Golf colleague PJ Clark to talk about greens: how they&rsquo;re designed, how they&rsquo;re built, and what makes a good one.

Golf Architecture 101: Greens

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/611ba451-4988-4369-b2d1-b49400e0c134/transcript

The Story of East Potomac Golf Links

Designing Golf

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