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Amateur Golf Podcast: David McLay-Kidd
1/24/2024 | by Sean Melia of AmateurGolf.com
David McLay-Kidd is designing his first course in Texas.
David McLay-Kidd is designing his first course in Texas.

Going deep on a new project in Texas, returning to Idaho, and Bandon Dunes

David McLay-Kidd discusses his experience returning to golf courses he has previously designed, the process of refining and improving courses, and the importance of balancing challenge and playability. 

He also talks about the design considerations for different handicaps and the role of roll and drama in golf. David shares insights into his current project, Loraloma in Austin, Texas, and the challenges and opportunities of working with space and constraints.

He also discusses the use of a basketball to test slopes and reflects on the impact of Bandin Dunes on his career. 

In addition, he shares his experience designing the first course at Bandon Dunes and how it might have marked the rebirth of links golf in America. Kidd emphasizes the importance of designing courses based on personal experience and the challenges in golf course architecture. He also highlights the need for fun and playability in golf courses and the resurgence of golf architecture.

Kidd discusses the impact of building the best golf and the unique design of Macrahanish Dunes. He concludes by reflecting on the beauty of the Mull of Kintyre in his homeland of Scotland.

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