Ever wondered where John Fought would take his group of buddies to play golf? Fancy knowing which golf course he wished he’d designed?
This is the series where we speak to some of the game’s most respected and talented golf course architects. But this is not your traditional interview.
Yes, we delve into their architectural influences and design philosophies. But alongside those expected questions, there are some light-hearted ones, like if they could only play one golf course for the rest of their life, where would it be!?
Essentially, we’re scratching underneath the surface to understand away from the media and day-to-day demands of their professional life, where you’d find these gurus of the game enjoying a quiet round of golf.
Let us introduce… John Fought
John Fought, a distinguished golf course architect, seamlessly transitioned from a successful career as a PGA Tour player and US Amateur champion to an acclaimed designer.
Renowned for his strategic approach, Fought has left an indelible mark on the golfing landscape.
Notable among his projects are the masterful designs of courses such as Langdon Farms in Oregon and Black Diamond Ranch in Florida, showcasing his adeptness in creating challenging yet captivating layouts.
The South Course at The Gallery Golf Club in Tucson, Pumpkin Ridge in Portland and the sensational courses at Sand Hollow Resort in Hurricane, Utah, show the strength in depth.
His recent endeavors involve significant renovations at esteemed venues like Pine Needles in Pinehurst and a major renovation at Black Butte Ranch’s Glaze Meadow Course in Oregon. Both have solidified his reputation as a visionary reshaping the essence of renowned courses worldwide.
9 quick-fire questions…
1. What got you into golf course architecture?
I really never thought about being a golf course architect earlier in my life. I was a tournament player who worked hard to get on the PGA Tour.
But I did have one desire, bring the US Open to my native state of Oregon.
Being a past US Amateur Champion, I corresponded with the USGA about making this happen. They told me there no courses worthy of such an event so I wanted to help build one.
I asked Jack Nicklaus how to make this happen and he said I should speak with his senior designer Bob Cupp. This led to two things, my being involved with design and my help with creating Pumpkin Ridge in Portland.
See also: What are the best golf courses in Portland, Oregon?
2. Which architects have had the greatest influence on your design style?
For me I have studied the works of the best “Golden-Age” (1920’s) architects such as Donald Ross, Alister MacKenzie, George C. Thomas, A.W. Tillinghast, and Harry Colt.
I read a lot about their thought process and how they developed a concept for their work. I personally do not have a trademark design style but rather prefer to let the land and personal inspiration dictate the design concept.
3. What is your design philosophy?
Philosophically, I want the project to fit into the land. I love walking the site and formulating a design motif that is influenced by the natural conditions.
I always want my courses to have tees and greens close together and the bunker motif to be dramatic and carefully thought through.
4. Which of your golf courses are you most proud of and why?
That is a tough question, kind of like picking your favorite child. If I had to pick just one it would probably be Windsong Farm near Minneapolis. Did the first course in 2003 and I am just finishing the second course. The courses will be totally different but really interesting.
5. Which golf course do you wish you’d designed and why?
Anything at Bandon Dunes, I love links golf more than any other type of golf and I’m from Oregon. I think sand is the perfect medium and the grasses and opportunities to develop seaside golf is the best.
6. You get to choose a destination for you and your golfing buddies – where do you go and why?
Definitely Scotland or Ireland. I love the adventure of links style golf.
7. What are the three best golf courses you’ve played that are open to the public?
St Andrews, Pinehurst #2 and Sand Hollow (mine – sorry)
8. Where will golf course architecture be in 20 years time?
I think it will be better than ever. Young people are much more into the history of the game and design. There will be much more destination golf for real golfers.
9. Only one golf course you could play for the rest of your life. Which one and why?
Very difficult question. Probably St Andrews because it is constantly changing.
It has such an interesting motif with a myriad of options depending on the weather. Its just a treat to play golf there.
And there we round up the quick fire questions with John Fought. On a personal note, I’d like to thank John for his time and I can’t wait to see what comes next in what is already a phenomenally successful career.
