[photopress:Thompsonbook.jpg,full,alignright]Tonight at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Etobicoke, a new book on the courses of Stanley Thompson, called aptly “The Golf Courses of Stanley Thompson — Celebrating Canada’s Historic Masterpieces,” will be launched.
The book was the creation of photographer Mike Bell and features a few dozen of Thompson’s best courses. Included alongside the photographs are essays written by the likes of Lorne Rubenstein, Ian Andrew, Garry McKay and Ian Cruickshank on courses like Jasper, Highlands Links, and Westmount G&CC.
I also contributed, writing about Peterborough G&CC, St. Catharines G&CC, Cataraqui GC, Oakdale G&CC, and Thornhill G&CC. I also worked alongside Ian Andrew (using Jim Barclay’s raw research) and spent many hours compiling a list of Stanley Thompson courses that we could prove he designed or extensively renovated. The list probably isn’t perfect, but it is the most ambitious attempt to date to create a “real” list of courses the Canadian legend actually built.
As mentioned, the launch is tonight. Apparently 5,000 books were printed — and will be available through many of the clubs that participated in its creation. I’m sure it will also be available in book stores — I’ll find out tonight and post a link on how one might acquire it.
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Tom Vanderlip is back on Score. Last year, Vanderlip’s take on golf course rating was a hot topic on G4G. Hot and hotly debated.
Anyway, Vanderlip gives a nod to G4G in his latest column:
I am not suave and smooth like Bob Weeks or Hal Quinn, I am not controversial and informed like Robert Thompson¦
And just when I was aiming at being “suave and smooth,” I get labeled with “controversial and informed.” How insulting. G4G Nation — rise up with me against Vanderlip!
Or you could just read his columns on Score. For a golf pro he’s relatively entertaining.
Speaking of entertaining, Gary Slatter is back from Calgary and blogging again! Thank God. Gary’s latest can be found here.
A bestselling author and award-winning columnist, Robert Thompson has been writing about business and sports, and particularly golf, for almost two decades. His reporting and commentary on golf has appeared in 
Can’t wait to see that book, Rob — by all means, let us know when that’s available in stores.
Robert,
You are suave and smooth, just not as much as Bob Weeks…he has a tuxedo! Don’t sick the masses on me, I am still licking my wounds from last year.
TV
Tommy: I have a couple of very nice suits. You can dress me up and take me places — honestly.
RT
I am really looking forward to the Thompson book. I have played Digby Pines many times — though not enough for my liking — and from the first time I set foot on it, even without knowing anything about Thompson and his work at the time, I knew it was special. It connected with me almost instantly in a way no other course ever has.
I think the book will be great – but I am looking forward to your list of thompson courses and your justification of ‘Thompson’ worthiness behind them….
For many of us scrtaching a certain amount of thompson courses off our career list will be a thrill…
My name is Mike Bell and I am the publisher/photographer of the Stanley Thompson book. Copies can be purchased by going to participating Stanley Thompson courses or online at http://www.photoscape.ca/book.htm.
At this time the book will not be available in book stores.
It looks like the web address included the period at the end. the proper URL to order a book is http://www.photoscape.ca/book.htm
Mike
My copy arrived today and first impressions are very good. Have flipped through it a few times and the photos are stunning. Look forward to reading the essays as well. Great addition to my collection.
Dave
I read with great interest your notes about the Stanley Thompson book Although I am a Thompson(no relation) I have another interesting fact for you. I have recently purchased a 9 hole Stanley Thompson /Robert Trent Jones golf course.It is Norway Bay golf course on Bristol Quebec. The original plan is still being played except for one hole. I am looking forward to correcting the design flaw in that new hole and trying to match it to Thompsons ideas.
It will be interesting. I will be purchasing the book very soon.
Hi Jim,
Congratulations on your purchase. I have heard many great things about the Norway Bay course. A piece was written about the course a while back and apparently it was built in trade for a summer home up there for Thompson and Jones. Can you elaborate on the history a little. I would love to head up there to play it one day. The few people that I know who have played it have raved about it.
If you are looking for an architect to restore it to Thompson’s original design I urge you to contact Ian Andrew. He is without a doubt the best there is at restoring Thompson courses.
Cheers,
Mike
a good read.