Kevin Murphy is the Membership Chairman of the Walter J. Travis Society. He has a unique perspective on Jekyll Island and its golf courses, as he grew up visiting the island during his youth. He shares a few observations and some unforgettable photos with us today.
We look forward to an outstanding event this fall on September 19 at Jekyll Island golf club, and its recently restored/renovated Walter Travis designed Great Dunes Golf Course.
I have had the pleasure of watching this particular project from inception to completion and the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. From restoring Travis‘s oceanside routing, to the reimagining of portions of Dick Wilson’s Oleander course and transforming those into “Travis-esque” holes, Great Dunes is a beautiful golfing experience, and a true Travis in the sense that it offers something for everyone.
I had the privilege of officiating two recent events, one a junior tournament and the other, a college competition. The competitive experience offered for each group was similar in the course challenges that tthe players faced, yet completely different in the strategies utilized to address and confront those challenges.
One of the obvious and unique challenges of a seaside golf course is the weather, and during both of those events we first experienced absolutely pristine conditions, followed by blowing winds and rain. I must say that I was amused when one of the spectators at the junior event was insistent that the course was unplayable, asserting that golf cannot be played near the ocean in windy conditions.
Over the combined three days of practice rounds and five days of competition, it was evident that the Travis philosophy of offering “challenge to the crack golfer, and opportunity for the Duff” to enjoy the game are in great supply at Great Dunes.
We hope that you will plan to join us in the idyllic Golden Isles this September, at our fall outing and annual meeting. You must be a member to register for the event, so please click the JOIN US in the menu above, and become a member today.
