The timelessness of Alister MacKenzie

Since 1987, members of the Alister MacKenzie Society have been meeting annually at a different course designed by the great architect. This year's festivities are being held at Crystal Downs Country Club in Frankfort, Michigan, September 10-11.

With an emphasis on camaraderie, 124 golfers representing 15 clubs and five countries will celebrate the architect's work.  Competition is relaxed and includes a Pinehurst alternate shot format the first day and a better ball of partners on the second day. Matches are scored on the Stableford system. Each club brings a team of eight players with a variety of handicaps.

Clubs traveling to Michigan include Alwoodley and Moortown from England, Cork and Lahinch from Ireland, Jockey Club from Argentina, Royal Melbourne from Australia, Titirangi from New Zealand, St. Charles from Canada, and Claremont, Cypress Point, Green Hills, Meadow, Pasatiempo, Valley Club and the host Crystal Downs from the United States.

In a list of dazzling designs, MacKenzie's most famous is Augusta National. Sadly, the architect died a few months before the first Masters was played. His memory is perpetuated by golfers fortunate enough to call a MacKenzie design their home course.

-- *Topsy Siderowf

(Photo by Dom Furore)