Lost Fathom Links

The location was a secret never revealed. The "Who's Who" roster of members? Also never made public.

Looking back now, it’s as if Lost Fathom Links never existed. Well, it didn’t. Except in the fertile mind of Arizonabased golf course architect Forrest Richardson.

In the 1990s, Forrest and his wife Valerie owned a graphic design and marketing firm based in Phoenix. It was his “real” job at a time when he was also trying to make his mark in the world of golf architecture. One day the Gilbert Paper Company in Wisconsin called and asked the Richardsons to come up with something different to help showcase one of their premium paper products. The idea for a fantasy golf club was developed. “DeForrest” came up with an unbelievable course located in a non-descript tropical world, weaving together a complete story that made it nearly believable. He called it Lost Fathom Links.

Introduced with a yardage book, scorecard and membership application, the “course” was full of surreal hole layouts. When the company distributed the promotional material, those who filled out and returned the application were sent a course bag tag and other “member only” keepsakes.

On the following pages is a taste of what those fortunate Lost Fathom Links members might have faced if fantasy ever became reality.