Sawgrass clubhouse

[Shorty]

Is there a more hideous and ostentatious clubhouse on the planet? Bet you can't name one!

[Chilli Dipper]

The old clubhouse was sleek and modern, reflecting the nature of the course; it was also hidden behind the spectator mounds next to the 18th green. The new clubhouse is a testament to the chintzy, oversized excess of the Florida housing bubble.

As for other contenders for the prize of "World's Gaudiest Clubhouse," the one at the course which hosts the Abu Dhabi Championship is a giant sculpture of an eagle.

[Zeph]

Anyone got pictures of the old and new so we can see it?

[Tiger Spuds]

I think it's supposed to be a Falcon, Chilli.But it is fairly awful, you're right.Some people love it, I don't understand that.

Here it is :




Another contender is this monstrousity at Royal Birkdale.



It's not over the top or ostentatious, just plain awful

[Shorty]

As for other contenders for the prize of "World's Gaudiest Clubhouse," the one at the course which hosts the Abu Dhabi Championship is a giant sculpture of an eagle.

Oh...you're right, I forgot that one, but it has a degree of sleekness to it, although it's the absolute antithesis of form following function.

It seems to me that the modern clubhouse formula is to build the biggest thing you can, add in a few "Tuscan" details, enlarge the plan again and make sure it's bigger and uglier than someone else's effort. I know we can't resurrect FRank Lloyd Wright, but there are some incrdible architects in your country who coud actually produce something beautiful. I was recently at the new course near Queenstown in New Zealand, called Jack'sPoint and the clubhouse there is just astonishingly simple and beautiful. The one at Birkdale is better than Medinah!

[Chilli Dipper]

I would feel better about the building in Abu Dhabi if it were a museum or a convention center. As a clubhouse, it's far too much.

I have take exception to the nomination of Royal Birkdale's clubhouse. I think it has a very interesting Art Deco/maritime motif going for it which fits the time and place it was built very well. The building could still do with some refurbishing.

[Tiger Spuds]

The one at Birkdale is better than Medinah!

Oh dear.

[Chilli Dipper]

What else would you expect from a country club founded by the Shriners?