Random Notes that Could Become Columns Pt. 4

– Spent part of the morning speaking with Martin Hawtree, the [photopress:second_1.jpg,full,alignright]designer behind Tarandowah, the new course in Southern Ontario. It was an interesting conversation that focused on his design ideas, especially in relation to bunkering and green contours. As I’ve said before, I think Tarandowah is pretty unique to the area, largely because it avoids most the design cliches we see all too often, like mounding on the outsides of the fairways. His philosophy on random bunkering was also intriguing — “I want to refresh people’s thoughts on what golf is by using more random bunkering, as opposed to strategic bunkering.” Look for more of this in an upcoming Score column. Hawtree is also working at Toronto Golf Club, the fine club designed by Harry Colt. He said he had no “wish or ambition to take the course back to Colt’s day,” but that he did want to breathe a little bit more Colt style back into the course, especially the bunkering. Could Hamilton, another great Colt design, be next?

– I must admit I’m digging my TaylorMade Burner driver. It took a little getting used to — but I have a higher ball flight with it and am hitting it a long, long way. I hit three drives over three bills at Eagles Nest yesterday, which was a lot of fun. Nothing like hitting a sand wedge into the third hole. My close associate, Fairway Stevie, hit the Callaway Ft-i and hit all 14 fairways. Both clubs are all about MOI — expect to see full reviews in the next week.

– Spent yesterday at Eagles Nest. The course was in terrific shape, with the greens rolling particularly well. By the sounds of it, most Ontario courses are tip top.

– The RCGA yesterday announced the 407 toll highway as a sponsor of the Canadian Open. I just want to know whether media will be able to use the highway for free as a means of getting back and forth from Angus Glen at this summer’s Canadian Open in July.