“It seems to me if there is an answer, it lies in these three words; restraint, quality and simplicity.”
I work in golf, and I have for a quite a while. I find myself reading, listening to, absorbing information and ideas, and then thinking about it critically from the perspective of how to apply them towards golf and the golf industry.
For many years, my primary focus for self improvement was first applied to ambitions as a touring professional, and then as a golf coach / PGA pro, and now as a designer.
I have a landscape architectural education, and I like to think a reasonably astute eye when it comes to what works and what doesn’t from a design perspective. I have traveled extensively, and explored as much as I can. I love the game of golf, and really value what it and the golf industry offers the modern world. In my opinion the benefits far outweigh the negatives.
I have also gone through a bit of a career transition and exploration over the last few years. A good friend, on more than one occasion, has suggested I take the time to read “Let My People Go Surfing” written by Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard. My friend is smart, well read, immersed in the world of modern communication, marketing and global business, plus shares a love for golf, travel and exploration of the natural world, and just happens to wear Patagonia clothing most of the time. My friend has mentioned more than once, this book was life changing.
I was eventually able to borrow a well worn copy from the local library, and made my way through it. I’m not going to summarize the story of Yvon Chouinard, nor champion to you the history of Patagonia as a brand and corporation but while it is early and fresh in my mind, I will say, I am pretty sure this book has have changed my life as well. I know for sure it will alter how I spend my money, the products a purchase and the way I view global corporations.
I am a golf course architect, a designer, a husband, a dad, and also a thinker and explorer. These three words from Yvon Chouinard really hit home - restraint, quality and simplicity. They succinctly and beautifully connect with my aspirations as a designer. Further, apply this thinking to any goods or services or relationship and the outcome will likely more desirable, more sustainable and longer lasting, and yes more profitable.
Golf as a game is really pretty simple - a player must decides when to take on risk, and then attempts to execute a chosen strategy by hitting a ball towards a hole. It is this decision making, and then the resulting outcome which makes golf so unique and compelling. Each shot, each round and each experience has the potential to be something new. Without strategy the game becomes dull, and far less captivating and without the ability to ‘delay the risk’ the strategic side of golf falls apart.
As I think about and begin to apply the lessons of “Let My People Go Surfing” to my life and to my work, I can’t help thinking about the importance of doing more with less. To re-use and to repair, and if we must purchase, strive for the highest quality and buy just once. To focus on the important details and eliminate the fluff, put down the cell phone, step outside, read a book or play chess with my six year old son (who loves it, thanks Netflix).
In golf architecture, this means width, it’s means ground contours, it means high quality but fewer and smaller bunkers, it means the presence of bail out zones, it means avoiding forced carries, it means increased areas of short grass, and it means tying into and connecting with the natural landscape, it also means a reduction in maintenance demands, fewer inputs and the goal of less consumption.
I highly recommend you read this book, there are many lessons to be found, and the story of Yvon Chouinard and Patagonia is both inspiring and educational.
It is very much worth your time.