DICK RUDOLPH & AETNA SPRINGS- TWO

LOOKING BACK DOWN THE THIRD (COURTESY OF LARRY LAMBRECHT)

The second half of my interview with Dick Rudolph, the superintendent of Aetna Springs, features a discussion of eradicating the bermuda grass which covered the old course, his thoughts on working with Tom Doak and Jim Urbina, and the possible development of a new eighteen hole course down the valley. Since my discussion with Dick, the Napa County Board of Supervisors has voted to prevent this project from moving forward. From a golf perspective this is a shame, as the land for this course is stunning and very well suited for golf. For an overall progress standpoint, the decision seems incredibly shortsighted. (Video after the jump)

Some of the arguments made by the opponents of the course seem downright absurd. Claiming that golf is an urban recreation goes against the whole history of the game and the evolution of the game’s playing field. While I understand that Napa’s main commercial activity is derived from its vineyards, it seems unwise to place all their grapes in one barrel. A key tenant of sustainable development is to have many different types of uses or revenue streams so that if one sector is hit by a slump, another can take up its slack. The vote by the Board of Supervisors seems like NIMBYism at its ultimate.

For lovers of architecture, this vote may very well strike the death-nell for the historic structures at the old Aetna Springs resort as it is unlikely they will be rehabbed in absence of the new golf course development. Ironically, the Supervisors seem to be closing the door on both the future and the past, in one ill-advised swoop. Hopefully this is not the end of the story.