The Life and Work of Dr. Alister MacKenzie

by Tom Doak, James S. Scott, Raymund M. Haddock

Considering the fact that he was one of the greatest golf course architects in the history of the game, Dr. Alister MacKenzie has long been something of a puzzle--if not a mystery. He liked to wear kilts, but he wasn't a Scotsman. He graduated from medical school, but he never made a living at it. He designed spectacular courses, but he was not a good golfer. At the height of his career he was one of the most sought after designers in the world, but he was nearly broke when he died. The Life and Work of Dr. Alister MacKenzie by Tom Doak, James S. Scott and Raymund M Haddock, uses detailed text, color photos and vintage maps, drawings and pictures to bring together many pieces of the puzzle. Questions about his boyhood, his military service, his many design trips in various parts of the world, and what made him so good at his craft, are all answered. Golfers, golf historians, and students of golf course architecture will find this book to be among their favorites. And, why wouldn't they with Augusta National, Cypress Point, Royal Melbourne, Crystal Downs, Lahinch, and Pasatiempo among his magnificent works? The Life and Work of Dr. Alister MacKenzie is a cherished biography on one of golf's most eccentric, interesting, brilliant and colorful characters.

232 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2001

Reviews

[Mick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure I can be level headed in a true review of this book. I am a huge fan of dr. Mackenzie (named my daughter after him) and I respect Mr. Doak as a fine architect. I have played many of their designs. Therefore, the material alone is something I would have read without a heartbeat. That said, the book was well paced, respectfully and informative — I might have even learned a thing or two about the man. It is not hero worship so if you have a real interest in learning about dr. Mackenzie or golf architecture (including challenges of the era and his contemporaries), this is definitively one you want to read through. Maybe not one that has to be on your bookshelf (though it is on mine), it is one that should be consumed by any student of the craft therin.