It’s not treeless any longer, of course. Many heathland courses, even the very best ones, haven’t survived to the present day unchanged. After decades of unchecked tree growth, most heathland designs don’t look anything like they did when they opened. In fact, these veritable parkland hybrids not only look different, their playing characteristics have also vastly changed.

But some still play as a heathland course should, and Beau Desert is one of these. Its trees are numerous but they merely frame the enormous, menacing rough areas, which in turn frame generous fairways. Indeed, if one could reach them, the trees would be preferable to the rough—a sure sign you’re playing a heathland layout.

The Old Course at Walton Heath was Fowler’s first design job, and one he secured only because his brother-in-law was an investor. But Fowler was a quick study—within two years of taking up golf, for example, he was a scratch handicap—and his initial foray into course architecture produced one of the world’s great layouts. (The New Course, also Fowler’s work, is no slouch, either.) He went on to design Saunton and a pair of superb 18s at The Berkshire, as well as carrying out sweeping and well-regarded redesigns of Royal Lytham and Ganton, site of next year’s Walker Cup matches.

Why Fowler’s name doesn’t roll off the tongue alongside Morris, MacKenzie or even Colt is a mystery. But he certainly was in their class.