Colton Craig’s Inspirational Journey Through Scotland’s Golf Courses

Scotland: A Golfer’s Dream and Architectural Awakening

Edinburgh—Imagine stepping onto the hallowed grounds of golf’s birthplace, where every blade of grass tells a story and every course has a history that goes back centuries. That’s exactly what Colton Craig, an emerging golf course architect, experienced as he embarked on an incredible journey through the captivating links of Scotland, sponsored by the World 100 Architectural Fellowship.

A Personal Pilgrimage

Beyond the professional accolades, this trip resonated deeply for Craig, whose surname connects him to his Scottish roots. “This wasn’t just a career milestone for me, it was a journey into my family’s heritage wrapped in the fabric of golf,” he shares, reflecting on the month-long fellowship that changed his perspective forever. As Craig visited over 50 renowned courses, he learned that the essence of golf lies not just in playing the game, but in understanding the land and the art of course design.

What Makes Links Golf Special?

Now, you might be wondering: what exactly is links golf? Craig breaks it down simply—it needs sandy soil and must be nestled near the sea. This unique landscape creates ideal conditions for golf while being surprisingly cost-effective to work with. There isn’t any other design field where the best materials happen to be the most affordable! Yet, the journey itself wasn’t just about toes in the sand; it was about the historical roots and culture intertwined with golf, which Craig has come to cherish.

Lessons Learned on the Links

Craig’s time at iconic courses like the Old Course, Muirfield, and Prestwick provided him with invaluable insights. At the Old Course, often dubbed the “Home of Golf,” he admired how the course’s layout appears organic yet efficient. “It’s all about letting the land dictate the design,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of natural landscapes over flashy, man-made modifications.

Meanwhile, Muirfield taught him the value of strategic design, where playing in the traditional alternate shot format fosters team spirit and friendly competition. “History oozes from this place,” Craig notes, reminiscing about the original rules of golf displayed within the club’s majestic walls.

Hidden Gems and Unexpected Encounters

And then there was Covesea, a course he stumbled upon unexpectedly. “This place is the definition of a hidden gem,” he exclaims. The course, with its modest resources and passionate owner, offered a refreshing take on what golf could be—an experience rooted in simplicity and authenticity.

Culture Over Commercialism

Throughout his journey, Craig discovered that in Scotland, golf extends beyond just a pastime—it’s woven into the culture, steeped in camaraderie and respect for history. “Golf is a way of life here,” he says, and every course represents more than just a series of holes; they reflect the land’s character and the people who play there.

Embracing Simplicity in Design

Today’s world is often obsessed with sensationalism, employing extravagant designs and hyper-realistic features, but Craig insists that great golf architecture should embrace simplicity. “This trip reinforced the need for creativity alongside restraint,” he emphasizes, noting that the truly great courses he encountered celebrate tradition and honor natural beauty rather than chase after fleeting trends.

Final Thoughts on the Journey Ahead

As Craig looks toward the future, he feels a renewed commitment to crafting golf courses that resonate with the values he learned in Scotland—courses that speak genuinely to their environments and stand the test of time. “Nothing is worse than mediocrity,” a sentiment shared by many he met, rings true in his mind. With each designed fairway, Craig aspires to inspire future generations and honor the rich lineage of golf course architecture.

So the next time you step onto a lush green fairway or hear the wind rustle through the trees, remember the deeper stories behind it all. It might just inspire you, just as it has for Colton Craig.