Many forms of ancient handwriting can be considered their own art form, which is why keeping those traditions alive is important to continue telling their story. One such form is calligraphy.
The history of calligraphy can be dated to the origin of writing itself, back when conveying a message was done on stone and clay tablets. Over the course of thousands of years, its style changed and expanded and adapted as ancient cultures did.
Today, calligraphy isn’t as widespread as it used to be, but its art form is not completely lost. The word calligraphy is derived from two Greek words, “kallos” (beauty) and “graphein” (to write). Put together, this form of “beautiful writing” still has many applications. While it may not be a primary method of putting words on paper, using it as a little touch point for people to see can elevate a message in a way not many other styles of handwriting can.
Here at Desert Mountain Club, calligraphy is used on our scoreboards for our Member golf tournaments – all by hand. Hundreds of names are followed by hundreds of handwritten numbers. It’s an extra step that takes time and effort (and skill) to complete, but the value in creating such an experience is not lost on the staff.
“The technology has allowed us to replicate scoreboards in a way that hasn’t been done in the past, so it’s been easier to present a scoreboard, but the calligraphy on the numbers is something that gets people excited,” said Sean Ferris, Director of Tournaments at Desert Mountain Club. “When we’ve done tournaments without scoring and without calligraphy, we’ve heard the feedback from Members, and they want it back. Guests even say they wish their club did that.”
Sean Ferris has been at the Club for over 20 years and has seen many changes over the years. One thing that hasn’t, however, is the usage of calligraphy in golf operations. When he first started, he had little knowledge of how to do it, but learned quickly to keep the message alive.
“When I started, our Director of Golf at the time said we used calligraphy for everything – signage, cart signs, scoreboards – everything was done by hand; there were no printers,” Ferris said. “He asked me to do the cart signs for our Ladies’ League, and I took a stack home and learned overnight. That was my intro to calligraphy; I just had to figure it out on my own.”
Ever since, the usage of calligraphy has remained. Ferris has even taught a calligraphy class before, and many golf professionals who have come through the Club have learned calligraphy as well. Being able to take it upon themselves to learn is all part of the Member experience in the same way the practice of calligraphy for golf scoring is – adding a little something that stands out from the rest.
“It’s a little touch point at an event that is that little ‘wow’ factor,” Ferris said. “When we don’t do it, we lose that.”
If you get the opportunity to play in one of Desert Mountain Club’s golf tournaments, look for your name on the scoreboard, and you’ll see this ancient art of handwriting in action. For some ASMR, check out our Instagram feed to hear the skill and care of our calligraphy up close.
