Dark Days of Movies (and Golf Course Architecture)

There are few things in life I loathe more than looking back on 15 minutes of wasted energy as my wife and I scrolled streaming services looking for a movie to watch. By the end of it I’m always somewhat upset and rarely excited to watch whatever film we ultimately chose. In their infinite wisdom, Netflix has capitalized on that negative feeling by flooding the zone with in-house movies and featuring one of them on the home screen when you log in. You see recognizable faces, some sort of generic title, and the phrase “newly released.” Your brain seizes on the opportunity to avoid endless searching and before you know it you find yourself watching Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx in something called Back In Action.

As you may have guessed, the above is not a hypothetical. It was exactly what played out in my living room this past Sunday. The movie was fine, entertaining even, but it by no means is something that will stick with me. But it wasn’t the first time I’ve felt that way about a Netflix original and more and more of these kinds of films are appearing across streaming services on a weekly basis. While not all Netflix originals fall into this category, the vast majority feel like diet versions of the film industry, products created with the sole purpose of appealing to the lowest common denominator and lacking in substance.

Fair or not, the feeling I had last weekend made me think of a lot of golf courses that I — well everyone — has played in their lifetime. Many are courses built in the latter half of the 20th century that lack creativity and thoughtful design. A good chunk were built with the larger goal of selling lots on the perimeter. These courses scratch the itch and let you play 18 holes, grab a hotdog, and spend some time outside, but they are for the most part, forgettable.

Courses and movies that fail to get deeper than surface level have a place in society. We all enjoy throwing on a cheesy rom-com around the holidays and can find enjoyment in just about any golf course as long as it’s with the right group. But the best movies and courses are the ones that make you think. It’s why good directors, writers, architects, and shapers make a difference in their fields. Audiences deserve more than the bare minimum.