He should be able to put himself in the position of the best player that ever lived, and at the same time be extremely sympathetic towards the beginner and long handicap player.
He should, above all, have a sense of proportion and be able to come to a prompt decision as to what is the greatest good to the greatest number.
The fifth hole at Fulford, Yorks—approximate cost, £35: the whole of the additional nine holes on this course were constructed on dead flat land at a total cost of about £300.
He should not be unduly influenced by hostile criticism, but should give the most sympathetic consideration to criticism of a constructive nature. Not infrequently a long handicap man makes a brilliant suggestion which can often be utilised in a modified form.
A knowledge of psychology gained in the writer’s medical training has been of great service in estimating what is likely to give the greatest pleasure to the greatest number.
It by no means follows that what appears to be attractive at first sight will be permanently so. A good golf course grows on one like good painting, good music, etc.
The ideal golf architect should have made a study, from a golfing point of view, of agricultural chemistry, botany, and geology. He should also have some knowledge of surveying, map-reading, and the interpretation of aerial photographs.