The latest in an ongoing series reviewing Canadian golf designers.
Jack Lally's (with Jason Miller) Black Diamond course near Peterborough.
Years in the industry: 21
Key courses: Deer Creek GC, Ajax, Ont.; Black Diamond GC, Pontypool, Ont. (co-design with Jason Miller)
Recent work: Bellemere Winds GC, Keene, Ont.
Strengths:
- A course owner and designer, Lally has worked relatively consistently for decades on budget golf designs.
- His work at Deer Creek in Ajax is popular with weekend hackers.
Weaknesses:
- Strange routing tendencies, especially on the plain front nine at Black Diamond GC, did not do a lot to demonstrate Lally’s abilities.
- Little if any brand recognition.
- His courses serve an important function in the market, but how many people know that Lally designed Fawn Brook or Kawartha Downs?
What’s possible?: More of the same. Expect Lally to continue to work on budget designs around Ontario.
Grade: C
