Since picking up the game of golf just over 2 years ago, I've been most influenced by Fred Shoemaker's approach to the game, playing Golf as Art. If you do an internet search for "golf as art", there is little information to be found pertaining to playing the game. However, you'll discover some very inspiring websites displaying golf course paintings, photography, and video. I've gradually been adding some of my favorites to the Artful Links section of this website. I'll introduce you to some of them below.


Approach to the 6th at Cypress Point by Michael Miller

The painting above is by Michael Miller. Miller was the head professional at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles from 1993-1998, even while he was honing his craft as a painter. You can find his work at GolfClubAtlas.com, in the Art and Architecture section. This website hosts one of my favorite discussion boards as well, frequented by several well known golf course architects.

Another artist I've discovered is Joshua CF Smith. Josh has always been in and around golf. From leading the way on his high school and college golf teams, to building courses along the west coast as a superintendent for over 6 years after graduating from college. Josh has learned to further appreciate the beauty of golf landscapes through capturing their very essence on canvas. You can find Josh's work at JoshuaCFSmith.com.

I was introduced to the golf course photography of Aidan Bradley last year when Monarch Dunes Golf Club opened on the California Central Coast. He was hired to photograph the new course and his work is prominently displayed in the clubhouse as well as their website. Bradley's portfolio, which includes top golf courses around the globe, can be found at GolfCoursePhotography.com.

Other favorite golf course photographers I've found include Kevin Murry and Evan Schiller.

Just yesterday, after making a post about The Wandering Golfer, I found the website of the show's cinematographer, Scott Wilson. Scott is now traveling the globe for show's 3rd season. Through this experience, he has developed a passion for filming captivating Hi Def images of golf courses and resorts. His work can be enjoyed at FlagstickFilms.com.

Lastly, a soon to be released golf art film promises to show the true nature of the game. "The Nature of the Game, A Visionary Tribute to Golf" will highlight stunning images of famous and diverse golf courses, and hopes to explain the inexplicable of why we love this game. You can view a trailer for the film at TheNatureOfTheGame.com and read more about the film in an article at WorldGolf.com.

Feel free to comment to share the links of your favorite golf artists!

Labels: Art, Links