Interview With W. Bruce Matthews III Golf Course Architect Matthews Design

Below is an interview with W. Bruce Matthews III, the Golf Course Architect at Matthews Design Group. The following are a few traditional and non traditional golf centric questions that I love to ask influential people in the golf industry.

Can you provide our readers a brief biography?
I was born into the game. I am a third generation member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, following my grandfather and uncle . My dad managed the family owned course. While working for him, I experienced all facets of course management. I have designed over forty golf courses and remodeled over sixty. My career also involves course ownership and operations. I teach golf course design and construction at Michigan State University.

When did you start golfing and who introduced you do the game?
My dad started me out as a three holer at Spring Meadows Country Club, which he managed at the time. I would golf in the morning and spend the afternoon in the pool. I loved the pool.

What is your current home course?
I've never been a homebody. I find something interesting in all the courses that I play. I especially enjoy playing Angels Crossing and Country Club of Lansing.

To date, what is your proudest golf accomplishment?
Designing community golf courses that are focused on local civic involvement during the development, reasonably priced and fun to play is very rewarding. Bird Creek Golf Course, Port Austin, MI, Emerald Vale, Manton, MI and Angels Crossing, Vicksburg, MI are worth the drive to play.

What is your biggest golf pet peeve on or off the course?
Speed of play. I really like ready golf.

What is your favorite club in your bag and why?
The putter. There is nothing more fun to watch than a long putt go in the hole just the way I read it. When the putter is on, confidence and feel are a rush.

What is your favorite golf destination?
Northern Michigan has many excellent courses and it's a short drive. Great golf with beautiful vistas by Jones, Nicklaus, Fazio, Palmer, Weiskopf, Hills and of course, Matthews.

What course is on your bucket list that you have not played yet?
Augusta National

If you woke up tomorrow and could play one course you played before, where would you play?
Shinnecock Hills on Long Island is fun to play with a wind off the ocean.

If you could change one aspect, rule or thing about golf, what would it be and why?
Tee markers. People are stuck on where they have to play based on gender, age, proximity to the yardage marker or handicap. Pick a level area and go have fun.

Dream foursome (living)?
My son Ben, Steve Forbes and Ben Stein. These three have very interesting insights.

Dream foursome (living or dead)?
My grandfather, Walter Hagen and trick shot artist Joe Kirkwood. They worked together on projects in Florida and Georgia in the 1920's. I would love to hear them reminisce about the "Golden Age" of golf. If I could make it a fivesome, I would like to watch Moe Norman hit the ball once more.

18 Rapid Fire, Off The Cuff Questions

1) Hitting Long Drive OR Sinking Long Putt?
Long putt

2) Having Round of Life OR Hole in One?
Round of life; the joy of the experience lasted longer.

3) Golfing at the crack of dawn OR twilight?
I love watching the sun rise.

4) Hit a power fade OR power draw?
Power fade

5) Beverage cart OR halfway house?
Halfway house.

6) Bathroom OR bushes?
Bushes

7) Hot dog OR wrap?
Polish dog with mustard

8) Around the green, being in sand OR thick rough?
Sand is easier on my wrists.

9) Walking OR riding?
Riding

10) Do you carry traditional 3 iron OR hybrid?
Hybrid

11) Do you prefer long par 3 OR long par 5?
Long par 5

12) Pants OR Shorts?
Pants

13) Palmer OR Nicklaus?
Nicklaus

14) Beatles OR Elvis?
The Doors

15) Play for fun OR play for money?
Throw a dollar in and play for pride

16) Bump and run OR flop shot?
Bump and run

17) Lay up OR gamble?
Yes, I've lost on both.

18) 18 holes OR 36?
18 holes