“We didn’t want the green to look like it had been dropped from outer space in the backyard of Golf House"

Someone named Dave Fanucchi of the USGA, who apparently is part of the "new media" gang brought into restore Far Hills media relations order (but they are waiting to tell the golf media this!), sent this press release regarding Far Hills' new Gil Hanse-constructed putting course.

USGA Museum’s The Pynes Putting Course Now Open to the Public

Far Hills, N.J. (Sept. 23, 2008) – The USGA Museum today opened The Pynes Putting Course, a 16,000-square-foot putting green that will allow visitors to test their skills using replicas of antique putters and balls from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Pynes Putting Course will be open to visitors during regular Museum hours from early spring to late fall, weather permitting. The green fee is $5 with paid admission to the Museum and includes a souvenir square-mesh golf ball. Visitors will be able to use replicas of four classic putters ‑‑ such as Bob Jones’ famous Calamity Jane II ‑- to play the nine-hole course, which will be re-routed on a weekly basis.

Named for Evelyn and Percy Pyne, who lived on the grounds of the country estate that is now home to the United States Golf Association, The Pynes Putting Course was inspired by the world-renowned Himalayas putting green in St. Andrews, Scotland. That green, which has served as home to the Ladies’ Putting Club of St. Andrews since 1867, has long welcomed visitors from all over the globe.

“We hope that the experience of playing the putting course will increase visitors’ appreciation for golfers of the past and their skills,” said Rand Jerris, Director of the USGA Museum. “We hope there are some golfers who come and get hooked on the history of the game. It’s a place where families are welcome, and it may be the first time some visitors ever get to putt on a grass green.”

The green was designed by Philadelphia-based architect Gil Hanse, who also spent more than two days on a shaper to fashion the putting surface’s dramatic mounds and swales. USGA Green Section staffers Jim Moore and Dave Oatis oversaw the agronomic details of the green, which utilizes “Declaration,” a creeping bentgrass strain developed at Rutgers University with the assistance of USGA Green Section funding.

Now, I don't like to pick on the USGA, but it would be nice if someone had proofread this so that it didn't have Gil Hanse spending two days on a shaper when he was actually on a bulldozer.

Gil also donated his services. Now, I would have advised against this since the USGA has $300 million in reserve (well...before the last few weeks they did). Still, it would have been nice for them to note that. It was also left out of David Shefter's otherwise excellent story on the new green, which also explains the fascinating process of making period putters and balls. There are also photo links there as well with images by John Mummert, including plenty of the construction process.