Letter from Daniel Wexler to Mayor David Norris 06-16-2001Ace.o.-41--2wi
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DANIEL W EXLER - a�
357 VIRGINIA STREET, #6
EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA 90245
TEL: 310 322-5534
E-IMAIL: MIDD23(�AOL.CO,%I
June 16, 2001
Honorable David Norris.
City of North Palm Beach
501 US Highway 1
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
Dear Mayor Norris:
I am writing to you as an author and golf historian with regard to your
municipal golf facility, the North Palm Beach Country Club. Specifically,
within the course of my research, I recently discovered (and had confirmed by
your Greenkeeper, Mr. John Morsut) that the layout was in fact originally
planned by Charles Blair Macdonald and Seth Raynor, genuine legends in the
field of golf course design. Indeed Mr. Macdonald can well be considered the
father of American golf, having won the first US Amateur championship, played
a key role in founding the USGA and singlehandedly changed the field of
architecture by building the National Golf Links of America in Southampton,
New York. Raynor, his hand -chosen protege (and likely the actual designer of
your layout) enjoyed a simpler claim to fame: He took his teacher's style and
methods and did it even Bette -r, securing his place as one of the field's
enduring giants.
In short then, it is clear that the one-time Palm Beach Winter Club was, in
its pre -WWII heyday, one of the most interestl_ng and h --storical golf
facilities anvwhere in the United. States. T haTre the o1d me r_ zal
1
photos carefully. This statement is legitimate and not a public relations or
marketing ploy of any sort.
I burden you with this historical digression because Mr. Morsut informs me
that there is talk of the city allocating funds to undo some of the post-war
architectural indignities heaped upon this once -splendid layout; a move which
I (and countless others) support unreservedly. Having viewed photos of the
course in its current configuration I am very much aware that nine of the
original Raynor/Macdonald holes no longer exist ands- realistically, cannot be
reestablished. The remaining nine very much can, however. Furthermore, with
the help of a capable, experienced golf architect, the altered nine can at
least be renovated to match the Raynor style, making your facility wholly
unique within South Florida. In fact, in a region where, limited by flat
terrain, most public courses are terribly similar, North Palm Beach CC has a
chance to be boldly different; to reestablish itself as an historical gem
which the golf media will cover and knowledgeable golfers will go out of
their way to play.
Finally, a word about John Morsut. My research causes me to regularly deal
with golf course Greenkeepers and I find most to be concerned solely with the
growing of grass. Mr. Morsut, however, is different, for he cares greatly
about the history and integrity of the course's design, investing a great
deal of time and energy to uncover salient and overlooked points about its
venerable past. In short, he is the ideal man to have aboard for a
restoration/ renovation of this sort and his efforts are to be roundly
commended.
In any event, good luck with whatever work may be undertaken, and feel free
to contact me at any time if I can be of any help whatsoever.
Best regards,
Daniel Wexler
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