Although we do not have an actual photocopy of Tilly's January 22, 1942, letter to his old friend Donald Ross, what follows is a word-for-word copy of the letter itself. It is a bit maudlin and rambling and, as far as we can ascertain, is the very last thing that A.W. Tillinghast ever wrote.

A. W. Tillinghast

Golf Course Architect

Harrington Park, New Jersey

2444 Putnam Street

Toledo, Ohio

January 22nd 1942 Dear Donald:

Without a doubt these lines will come as a surprise to you for I have been buried away so long that very few know what has happened to me. But for the past two years I have been able to do little other than drop an occasional letter - to those old friends, whom I highly esteem such as O.B. Keeler et al) and perusing their relies.

It has been six or seven years since Mrs. Tillinghast and myself called on you at Pinehurst. We hope that Mrs. Ross is still at your good right hand and that she is well. Please convey to her our best wishes. You may recall that at that time I was visiting courses throughout the country, sponsored by the P.G.A. and before finishing that work I critically examined more than six hundred in all parts. Naturally I enjoyed it and am sure I managed to accomplish some good. Then came the widespread, devastating and generally ridiculous efforts of the W.P.A. (And the P.W.A.) in mass production.

Doubtless the idea had some merit but much real harm was a result. For, Good Lord, when I review it all I can only regret the waste of so much good money and the resultant amateur accomplishments. Thank God, I had sense enough to refuse to have anything to do with it at all. It really was criminal. Much could be revealed along these lines, but what's the use?

Then four years ago we removed to California, rather anticipating the ending of our days out there - and I nearly ended mine. I am chasing hard after 67 years, you know. I think we found that our ages were not far apart. Our Sun Kissed friends exhibited two widely divergent propensities. Either a singular reluctance to part with any real money or what was much worse the inclination to waste it on display with little understanding of creating golf holes as you and I understand the. It was rather discouraging work but after planning for the construction and reconstruction of a half dozen courses out there with some appreciation - I was laid low by a severe heart attack some two years since. For a time the doctors gave me but small chance but my reserve pulled me through eventually, but I received strict orders against continuing any sort of golf work. This was very tough on a man who had followed such from 1905, particularly one who loved it as much as I, but the warning was direct and unmistakable - "Continue and it will be curtains for you"! So that was that.

I was brought here last April and we have been living with the family of my eldest daughter ever since, while recovery has been slow and I am still confined to my room. As against my old normal weight of around 185 I just manage to move the scale beam at 134. However, while recovery has been discouragingly slow absolute rest is restoring me, but that is what is in store for me from now on - quiet and rest. It's hard though to give it all up - that is the golf. When I will be East again is a matter of conjecture. Before the bad weather settled on us, my daughter used to drive me around the country a bit. Quite a few golf courses but as far as I was able to observe, only one good one, old Inverness, which is much the same as ever. And it is good to find something in the game that suggests the good old days. So much has changed to the new tempo as to be a bit startling, even to the playing of the game.

I suppose Pinehurst is enjoying its measure of prosperity and that you see Bill Fownes now and then. Will you be so good as to remember me to him? I have known him and his family for a good many years now. And Bob Harlow? I presume he still is with you and doing good work. Speaking of Bill Fownes, I saw him… last at Pinehurst when I paid my one and only visit to you. I think he had an attack similar to mine. He was taking things mighty easy I do know. I hope he is getting along all right for one by one the old guard is moving on.

I wonder what ever became of Nipper Campbell. I used to have a letter from him now and then and he was out here in Ohio somewhere then. He had three brothers that I knew rather well - Jock, Matt and Andrew. I met his sister when out on the P.G.A. Tour, somewhere up in Connecticut, Hartford I think. They were a great lot and all thoroughly Scotch. Sandy Smith has gone to his reward, of course, and so many others, too.

And your good brother, Alec. He did not look like himself in the old days, when I saw him last. I think that one of the real joys of the P.G.A. tour was meeting up with so many of my old friends of the "Guttie" ball days. I am sure that this feeling will rather explain my lines to you. May you live long and prosper!

Very Sincerely

A.W. Tillinghast

When in the mood, with a bit of time on your hands, do drop me a line. AWT.