Interview with Drew Rogers
How long have you been a golf course architect?
I came to Toledo to work with Arthur in March of 1992.
Where did you go to school? What did you study to prepare you for this industry?
I attended the University of Kentucky where I studied Landscape Architecture. In
addition, I spent my summers working on a maintenance crew for a golf course back
home. That was rather humbling work, but I now have a real appreciation for it.
I also spent quite a few summers working for our golf pro, doing just about everything
you might expect at a club. That proved to be just as valuable, working around demanding
people every day.
When did you realize this is what you wanted to do?
From the time I entered junior high school, my sights were always set on designing
golf courses. I started playing when I was eight years old. I always loved to play.
At one time I think I had my entire backyard set up for the "U.S. Open of wiffle
golf!" Once I began college, my goal was to get my degree and then work for one
of several renowned architects and to become a member of the prestigious American
Society of Golf Course Architects. Looking back now, I suppose things worked out
pretty well!
What's your favorite golf course? Why?
I don't know that I have one favorite. I am certainly fond of many. I really enjoy
golf in the British Isles. St. Andrews, Prestwick and North Berwick are high on
the list. The courses there are so unique and so raw. There seems to be no rules
about course design there really, which is refreshing to me. I really enjoy how
players in Scotland and Ireland embrace the game, the camaraderie and the fitness
aspect. They have a lot of respect for the golf courses they play and are very accepting
of the constantly changing conditions which they face. Plus, they prefer to walk
when they play. As for here in the States, anywhere I can play in less than four
hours!
What's your handicap? Do you get to play much golf in this business?
I'm a thirteen now. When I started in this business I was a four. I'll leave it
at that!
What was your most interesting experience playing golf?
In 1996, I went to Ireland with a small group of University of Kentucky alumni.
The trip was hosted by our basketball coach Rick Pitino, only about a month or so
after winning our 6th NCAA championship. Rick was then being courted by the New
Jersey Nets and our small golfing group was in dire fear that we would be soon be
losing our beloved coach to the NBA. After a late night in the pub, we boarded the
bus in the morning to go to the course and Rick emotionally announced that he would
be staying at Kentucky. Later that morning I was paired with Rick at Ballybunion
and we shared the same caddy. That was an unforgettable day of golf and conversation
that only a Kentucky fan and golf course architect could appreciate!! Eventually
Rick left for the Celtics and then on to Louisville - and that is where I'll
leave things.
How about during design?
I guess working with famed entrepreneur, Donald Trump. I recall going to a team
meeting in his offices in New York and having Donald walk in unexpectedly. At that
point, we had never met. He explained to the group that he wanted to spend some
time with his golf course architect. I thought, "What is a guy from a small southern
Illinois town doing in a position like this?" Those were pretty intimidating circumstances,
not having planned to be one-on-one with Donald Trump! The next forty-five minutes
were probably among the most important in my young career. We had a great exchange
of ideas. There was a real mutual respect created, which surprised me. That was
an unforgettable experience and a real confidence builder for me.
What other activities do you enjoy?
I am a bass fishing fanatic; always have been. There's probably nowhere else I'd
rather be than on the water chasing fish! I'm also a passionate Kentucky basketball
fan. Both have proved to be good "releases" for me. Above all, I love watching my
three children grow - they are amazing blessings!
In addition to the Arthur Hills design philosophy, who else has influenced your
creative style and why?
I think I've been influenced by many architects. From Old Tom Morris to Seth Raynor,
Charles Blair McDonald and Donald Ross. In more modern times, I have a tremendous
amount of respect for what Pete Dye has done. I tend to appreciate architects who
take unusual risks with their work and stretch the mentality of players. I think
that the art of deception is an important aspect of that quality. In addition to
the design features, I feel very strongly about the natural context in which the
course is eventually presented. An architect is worth his salt if his course makes
you think when you play. I can't imagine enjoying a golf course that does not challenge
your intellect.
Today, I appreciate very much what Tom Doak and Coore/Crenshaw have done, raw/pure,
without some of modern influences. Some may not like that approach/look, but as
a designer I do.
If you could design a course anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
It would either be in my backyard or on a pure sand dune site. The former is rather
improbable; I don't have the space or the time to maintain it! However, I would
really enjoy building a course in the game's homeland for instance. It would be
so fun to walk the links land in search of golf holes. The dunes, the vegetation,
and the maritime setting present such unique opportunities for great golf holes.
There are some great sites with these characteristics around the globe not just
the British Isles. One day perhaps we will gain such a treasured opportunity!