You may not know the name, but you should. Keith Cutten is a golf course architect based in Cambridge, Ontario and he’s worked to help design or renovate quite a few of the Top 100 golf courses in Canada. He’s been mentored by some of the most respected people in our game — such as Bill Coore and Rod Whitman — and on Episode 89 of the “Talking GolfGetaways” podcast (presented by 2UNDR apparel), Keith joins hosts Mitch Laurance and Darin Bunch to talk about his own history and work on Nova Scotia’s acclaimed courses such as Cabot Links and Cliffs, and the recent renovation of The Algonquin.
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Keith begins by detailing the impact of a most unusual background, one in which both his father (a Canadian Ministry environmental scientist and a proficient nature artist) and his grandfather (a passionate golfer who brought Keith into the game) formed the foundation of Keith’s connection to the game of golf.
Keith next describes the well-planned road that lead him to become a golf course architect, beginning with a planning degree and then moving to his association as an intern with Canadian architect Rod Whitman. Keith details his early work on projects such as Sagebrush Golf Club in British Columbia (an “exceptional first project”) and the chance to also work with former Canadian great touring professional Richard Zokol. He talks about Rod Whitman’s incredible architectural pedigree, which started when he worked for Pete Dye on Austin Country Club alongside future icon Bill Coore, and ties together how Keith was lead to Rod and his team.
Darin then asks about recent work on The Algonquin Resort golf course, and Keith recounts the history of various design changes to the circa-late-1800s course — first in the 1920s (according to plans by Donald Ross) and decades later, in 1998, a renovation by Canadian architect Thomas McBroom in 1998. Keith then thoroughly explains the current renovation (most of the work was concluded in 2017) and the challenges of combining the historic aspects of the layout with a modern plan that enhances the views, opens up the golf course, and expands the experience of playing a modern game at The Algonquin.
Keith also talks about the misconception of New Brunswick as a “pass-through” province to other, more well-known, eastern Canadian destinations, while highlighting the new draw of St. Andrews By-The-Sea and The Algonquin Resort.
Finally, given Keith’s work with Rod Whitman on Cabot Links and Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw on Cabot Cliffs, the last segment of this episode is a truly inside look at the Cabot, which has quickly taken its place atop the list of world-class golf destinations. Keith discusses his work on the earliest stages of Cabot Links, spending a month as the first on-site member of the team, alone, working on the plans of what would come (and living in a house on the future site of Cabot Cliffs). If you've wondered what Inverness and the courses were like before the Links opened, and why he and Rod Whitman both hold a deep fondness for the project, Keith’s explanation will fascinate you.
We hope you enjoy this connection with one of the people whose talent is top-of-mind at some of the most popular golf getaways on the planet. Give Keith Cutten some time, and his name will soon be right there as well. Thanks for listening.
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“Talking GolfGetaways with Mitch Laurance & Darin Bunch” is sponsored by 2UNDR.com (#AssetManagement) and can be found on GolfNewsNet.com and across the Golf News Net platform. New episodes post semi-regularly (for the most part, except when we’re traveling or golfing or generally having other kinds of fun). “Talking GolfGetaways” is also available on audioBoom, iTunes and Stitcher.
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