A Conversation on Art,Landscape,and Golf

At the book launch event, a special conversation was held featuring Michael Coiro as moderator, with art critic Richard Vine, writer Tom Coyne, and artist Hudson Zhang coming together for an engaging discussion on the intersection of golf, art, and culture.

Tom Coyne — Editor of The Golfer’s Journal and New York Times bestselling author — shared his insights into the unique storytelling power of golf. He described golf as a deeply experiential sport, where players move step by step through the course, progressing hole by hole, naturally creating a narrative journey. He also shared a memorable thought: “The smaller the ball, the greater the literature.” In his view, golf contains all the elements of great storytelling — dramatic tension, compelling characters, unexpected turns, and a magnificent natural setting — which has helped shape a rich literary tradition around the game.

From an artistic perspective, Richard Vine, former Executive Editor of Art in America and editor of the book, offered a different way of looking at golf. He noted that golf literature often comes from the personal experience of playing the game, while Hudson Zhang’s paintings intentionally move away from the idea of participation. His works rarely feature golfers or spectators; instead, they focus on the golf course itself — a landscape and spiritual space beyond competition, inviting viewers to rediscover the artistic value of golf landscapes.

When asked whether he views the golf course more like a painter or a golfer, Hudson shared that painting has always been his lifelong pursuit, while golf remains his greatest passion outside of art. Yet it was golf that taught him to see and portray landscapes in a new way, becoming an essential part of his artistic journey.

The conversation later turned to the idea of memory — why people instinctively raise their phones when standing before a remarkable golf hole or a great work of art. The guests explored how both photography and painting come from a human desire to preserve a moment and remember that “we were here.” Through his paintings, Hudson Zhang encourages viewers to slow down and look at landscapes with greater attention and patience, offering a meaningful experience that is unique to painting.

Michael Coiro also shared his personal experience of playing golf with Hudson at TPC Jasna Polana in Princeton, leading to a discussion on the relationship between nature and design, as well as the balance between the natural landscape and human creation. He invited guests to learn more about the history of Jasna Polana — from a private estate to a world-class golf course — a transformation that reflects the fascinating connection between architecture, landscape design, and culture.

The evening concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where Hudson Zhang shared further insights into his creative approach, artistic practice, and vision for golf course landscape painting. Following the discussion, guests gathered for a book signing and reception, continuing conversations in a relaxed atmosphere and celebrating a memorable evening dedicated to art, golf, and culture.