The Macdonald Revival: A Chance to Reclaim Golf’s Forgotten Genius

Gil Hanse is set to restore the Mid Ocean Club in Bermuda, a course designed by Charles Blair Macdonald that has left an indelible mark on golf. Macdonald’s designs are revered for their innovative spirit and willingness to push boundaries, qualities that have been somewhat lost in modern golf course architecture.

Macdonald’s output was modest – only about a dozen courses bear his name – but each one is steeped in history and myth. Hanse’s respect for Macdonald is evident; he has spoken highly of the designer’s bold approach to course design. The opportunity to restore Mid Ocean, which has been altered over the years, is a testament to Hanse’s skill and dedication.

Footage of Macdonald himself taking a backswing at the Mid Ocean Club’s first tee offers a glimpse into his creative process. Watching him, it becomes clear that many of the design principles he employed are still relevant today. The Cape holes at Mid Ocean, with their dramatic elevation changes and diagonals over water, are a prime example of Macdonald’s innovative spirit.

The restoration of Mid Ocean is about more than simply returning to an earlier era; it also requires understanding why Macdonald and his contemporaries were so bold in their designs. Hanse has identified one of these holes as among the greatest in golf, highlighting the unique characteristics that make it stand out.

As work on-site begins, it’s essential to recognize that this project is not just about preserving a piece of golf history but also enhancing the natural environment. The club’s commitment to protecting native plants and wildlife is commendable and marks a welcome departure from the destructive tendencies often associated with course renovations.

Hanse and his team face the challenge of balancing reverence for Macdonald’s original vision with the practicalities of modern golf. Their goal is to recreate a course that would have felt at home in the 1920s while also acknowledging subtle changes made over the years. This will require careful attention to archival research and hand-drawn designs.

Ultimately, this restoration has the potential to rewrite our understanding of Macdonald’s impact on golf. By returning to his original templates and emphasizing each hole’s unique characteristics, we may uncover new secrets about what made these early designers so revolutionary.