Gil Hanse on Baltusrol, Tillinghast, and the Art of Golf Restoration

In this special episode of Architects of the Game, we sit down with renowned golf course architect Gil Hanse inside the historic clubhouse of Baltusrol Golf Club. Just hours after walking the newly restored Upper Course during Media Day, Gil reflects on how he and partner Jim Wagner approached the restoration of both of Baltusrol’s iconic A.W. Tillinghast designs.

From expanding greens and recapturing lost hole locations to uncovering the original dual green on the 14th hole, Hanse shares his philosophy on honoring tradition without rewriting it. This conversation offers rare insight into how one of golf’s most respected architects thinks, works, and preserves the game’s architectural heritage.

🛠️ Topics Covered:

• How Hanse got the Baltusrol job
• The difference between the Upper and Lower restorations
• Why the Upper Course now “speaks with Tillinghast’s voice”
• The future of restoration in championship golf

Whether you’re a golf design junkie or a player curious about the stories behind the courses, this episode brings the blueprints to life.

📺 Watch the full interview on YouTube

🌐 Read the full article at AmateurGolf.com

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