Best New Courses Controversy

Our Best New Courses package in January always generates a lot of interest and usually some controversy. This year's the 25th anniversary resulted in an extra helping of both.

When Geoff Shackelford on his blog took a shot at the photography--actually at photographer Stephen Szurlej--it lit a fire. Szurlej is one of the best course photographer's ever, and when Geoff, unfairly I think, criticized Steve's photos, he got a barrage of criticism himself. Now he's posted a reply that--give him credit--acknowledges that the attack was too personal but explains his feeling about the photos. Worth a read.

And if you haven't read the story accompanying the photos, do. Ron Whitten's narrative is a primer on modern golf architecture, a great piece.

--Bob Carney

(Photo: Stephen Szurlej)