that players would still be able to enjoy the architectural features of the course. “I think the Royal Blue tees at
Old Macdonald were a perfect ex- ample of a teeing location that would be conducive to strategy, not out of the alignment of the intended line of flight, not a distraction to the back tees and conducive to fun golf,” said Urbina.
Keiser is so on board with the work of Little and Leeming that he went back and had the other three courses at Bandon retrofitted with Royal Blue tees—each shorter than 4,000. Keiser then brought those ideals to his Cabot Links, a resort in Nova Scotia that he co-owns with Ben Cowan-Dewar. Royal Blue tees were retrofitted at the original Cabot Links, and incorporated into the de- sign and construction of Cabot Cliffs. Little actually walked the construc- tion site and consulted with co-de- signer Bill Coore on tee placements. “Arthur and Jann made a case that
the (Royal Blue) tees should feel like tees, and not just an afterthought as tees thrown in the fairway,” said Cowan-Dewar. “We had tee blocks that we actually designed and made.” Cowan-Dewar noted that there
was a small additional cost, but emphasized that it wasn’t significant. More importantly, he’s seen how the Royal Blue tees—which eliminate forced carries—have enhanced the golfing experience and made it more fun for some of their customers.
When Province Lake
created six sets of tees from 1,998 yards to 6,336 yards, women’s play increased from 15% to 35%.
“From beginning golfers, we hear it was so much fun and they had their best score ever,” said Cowan-Dewar. That’s what it’s about. It’s not about challenging the pros, but the daily golfers we see every day.” Cowan-Dewar also made the case that the Royal Blue tees are more conducive for juniors. In the summer, Cowan-Dewar was playing a round and his 7-year-old son was able to participate. “It makes him feel like he’s playing instead of sitting on the side of the fairway,” he said. “Anyone who is beginning or has
a slower club-head swing speed is going to benefit. It’s just creating an atmosphere that’s fun and enjoyable.” And that’s the point at the end of
the day.
“When you think about all the
things you can do to grow the game, the biggest thing is to make it fun, and anything that helps create an atmosphere to make it fun or more fun for beginning golfers, that’s a good thing,” said Cowan-Dewar. Once I actually took some time to stop and assess Little’s theories, the more they made sense, but I’ll admit it’s difficult to get people to start thinking differently—which is something Little understands is a hurdle. But now I’m even reassessing whether or not I’m playing from the proper yardage. Perhaps I should move up a set of tees, or simply change it up from time to time when given the rare choice. “Wouldn’t it be more fun to hit
an 8-iron into a green instead of a 4-iron?” mused Whaley. “Wouldn’t it be fun if we could all do that? And what would it be like to shoot under par? “If we give people the tools to
try it, they’re going to pick on their own. I think offering more choices in a traditional game is important, and we can do it where we’re also innovative.”
Royal Blue tees around 4,000 yards were incorporated into the design at Mike Keiser’s Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs in Nova Scotia.
STEPHANIE WEI is the founder of the popular golf blog
WeiUnderPar.com. She’s a freelance golf writer and reporter, and has contributed to Sports Illustrated’s Golf+ since 2011. She was also the captain of the Yale women’s golf team.
FALL 2015 /
NCGA.ORG / 43
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