George Crump's amazing Pine Valley

Tom MacWood on Golfclubatlas.com has written a pretty amazing account of the life of George Crump, the man behind Pine Valley, generally considered the world's best golf course. It is a remarkable tale, well worth taking the time to read. Sad not to have this story appear in a major publication so more people could get chance to read what appears to be the definitive take of Crump, his life, Pine Valley and his suicide. Interesting that Tom doesn't really come to a conclusion on why Crump killed himself, but he does set the record partly straight on Harry Colt's involvement with this remarkable course.

I had the good luck to play Pine Valley two years ago with a couple of associates -- both golf architects. It was an amazing, if humbling experience, and the golf course is everything everyone says it is. It is breathtaking, difficult, fair and cruel, all at the same time. It is the supreme test of golf.

Anyway, take the time to read Tom's story here. You'll be better for it!