Water Management • Site Evaluation • Championship Golf • Design

Issue 25 | Winter 2015 BY DESIGN Excellence in Golf Design from the American Society of Golf Course Architects

Investing ingolf

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A000-037362-4 Golf Solutions Print Ad Size A Color: 4/color Pub: By Design (Digital Magazine) Trim - 8.5" W x 10.98" H Bleed - 8.74" W x 11.22" H Live - 8.26" W x 10.74" H

ISO 12647-7 Digital Control Strip 2009 3% A 100 60 100 70 30 100 60 100 70 30 100 60 100 70 30 100 40 40 100 40 100 40 70 40 70 40 40 40 70 40 40 70 40 70 40 40 3 10 25 50 75 90 100

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Investing in community CONTENTS hat is it to be part of a community? For some, it is a sense of togetherness and mutual support, for others the opportunity for Digest 5 social interaction or access to shared amenities. For most it is A round up of news from the golf W design industry, including water probably some combination of each of these, and more. While developers look to golf for a financial return on investment, the management, golf tourism and award- appeal for residents is often golf’s ability to deliver these attributes that make winning courses. a community. It is clear from our cover story that a major appeal of golf—and one of Golf development 8 the reason that developers are continuing to build it into their projects—is By Design explores how and why its ability to bring people together. As a golfer, you can learn more about today’s developers are bringing golf a person during a round of golf than you can in a year’s worth of passing to residential communities. conversations. It creates enduring friendships. And it’s not just golfers who benefit. A clubhouse and related facilities can provide a range of other Water management 12 activities—social events, a pool, tennis, or dining—to appeal to a broad Golf courses are more than just an spectrum of people throughout the community it serves, and beyond. amentiy at The Villages in Florida. The golf course itself can contribute to the local community too—it serves as a green space buffer, and plays an important role in water management Site evaluation 14 within a development. A new program from ASGCA and USGA is providing assistance to I hope you enjoy the issue. publicly accessible golf courses. Championship golf 16 ASGCA Fellow and Past President Rees Jones says the future will need a new kind of championship course. Five to finish 18 Jason Straka, ASGCA, provides answers to our five quick questions. Steve Smyers, ASGCA President American Society of Golf Course Architects

COVER

Editor and Publisher: Toby Ingleton Editorial contributors: Sean Dudey; Stuart Hackwell, Rain Bird; Adam Lawrence; Aileen Smith Design: Bruce Graham ASGCA Staff: Chad Ritterbusch; Therese Suslick; Mike Shefky; Aileen Smith; Marc Whitney Photography: Lennar Corporation; Preston Development Company; Rees Jones Inc. Subscribe to By Design at www.tudor-rose.co.uk/bydesign

By Design is sponsored by: ASGCA Past President Bill Love designed the golf course at the Carolina Colours community in North Carolina. Photo: Preston Development Company.

03 ™

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Water use Architects help address water challenges SGCA President Steve Smyers, ASGCA, has made has made A an appearance on the Golf Channel’s ‘Morning Drive’ program as part of its Water Week. In conversation with Matt Ginella, Smyers discussed the role of the golf architect and how they act as innovators and thought leaders when it comes to addressing the water challenges faced within the industry. When asked about the extent to which irrigation and sustainability is being discussed in golf, Smyers said: ‘That is the conversation right now. Water management and turf reduction is a big issue in remodelling, especially in the western U.S.” Smyers said that architects and ASGCA President Steve Smyers discussed water management on Golf Channel’s ‘Morning Drive’ superintendents are working closer than ever: “They maintain what we as Meanwhile, a new survey indicates were then analysed by scientists at architects design, so the relationship that golf course superintendents in PACE Turf and the National Golf between the architect and the the U.S. have reduced the amount of Foundation. superintendent is absolutely critical.” water used to maintain courses by The survey found that golf course Smyers also discussed the future of more than a fifth in recent years. superintendents increased their use golf, and said that innovation is key to A report from the Golf Course of recycled water by 33 per cent in ensuring the health of the game going Superintendents Association of the period between 2005 and 2013. forward. He described the sense of America (GCSAA) found that the Water savings have also been made community within the golf architecture amount of water used to maintain through turf reduction and improved industry, highlighting joint educational courses in the U.S. in 2013 was 21.8 technologies, including computer- seminars, case studies and the sharing per cent lower than in 2005. controlled targeted irrigation systems of information among fellow architects. Funded by the United States and sensors measuring soil moisture. He also referenced a new water book Golf Association through GCSAA’s that will be released at the upcoming Environmental Institute for Golf, The survey report can be found at Golf Industry Show by the ASGCA in the survey collected information www.gcsaa.org. And the entire ‘Morning association with Rain Bird and The from almost 2,000 golf course Drive’ interview with Steve Smyers can Toro Foundation. superintendents. These results be seen at www.golfchannel.com

Golf tourism Golf tour operators report rise in bookings new report from KPMG’s Golf number of bookings year-on-year. to previous years, indicating the Advisory Practice has found The report indicates that the past few willingness of golf travelers to spend Athat golf tourism around the decades have seen the success of golf more on golfing holidays. world is continuing to grow at a tourism rise considerably, and many Spain and Portugal remain the two substantial rate. golf tour operators are now tailoring most popular destinations globally, The volume of tourist golf bookings their offerings to meet the specific while South Africa, Morocco, the in 2014 increased compared to the needs of golfers. UAE, Thailand, Vietnam and Bulgaria previous year, with 80% of surveyed The proportion of longer trip were listed among the most popular operators reporting an increased bookings increased compared emerging golf tourism hot spots.

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Design Excellence Recognition Program

Blume oversees Nine clubs cited for design excellence Pearland project The second phase of he ASGCA has revealed its Design a renovation project at Excellence Recognition Program 2015 Design Excellence Recipients Pearland Golf Club, recipients for 2015. T • Atlantic Beach Country Club Pearland, Texas, has Projects from nine U.S. courses have Atlantic Beach, Fla. been completed. Golf been recognised for their work with —Erik Larsen, ASGCA course architect Jeff Blume, ASGCA members in addressing unique • Birnam Wood Golf Club ASGCA, has overseen the design challenges. Santa Barbara, Calif.—Dr. Michael work, which involved the The Design Excellence Recognition Hurdzan, ASGCA Fellow development of new greens, Program was created in 2012, with each • Glenview Park Golf Club bunkers and tee boxes. annual list highlighting the innovation Glenview, Ill.—Rick Jacobson, ASGCA and problem-solving skills necessary for New course for • Griffith Park Golf Course today’s golf course design work. Michigan casino City of Los Angeles, Calif. The 2015 nominations (see right) were —Forrest Richardson, ASGCA A new course is to be reviewed by a panel of golf industry • Independence Golf Club built at the Island Resort & leaders, including representatives of the Midlothian, Va. Casino in Harris, Michigan. Club Managers Association of America, —Lester George, ASGCA It has been designed by Golf Course Superintendents Association • The Lochmoor Club Paul Albanese, ASGCA, of America, Golf Course Builders Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich. of Albanese & Lutzke and Association of America, and National —Paul Albanese, ASGCA will be his second course Golf Course Owners Association. • Oaks Country Club at the resort, which is “I offer my heartiest congratulations to Tulsa, Okla. owned and operated by these tremendous golf facilities, as well as —Bill Bergin, ASGCA Associate the Hannahville Indian the golf course architects who provided • The Preserve at Boulder Hills Community their talent and expertise along the way,” Wyoming, R.I.—Robert McNeil, ASGCA said President Steve Smyers, ASGCA. “The • Rockwind Community Links Design Excellence Recognition Program Hobbs, N.M.—Andy Staples, ASGCA continues to grow each year. And this year, the projects highlighted show the A special edition of By Design featuring positive impact a well-designed facility of all nine projects will be available in continues to have for golfers and an entire February 2016 community.” Work completed at Best new courses Cypress Head The course at Cypress Head Golf Club in Port ASGCA members on ‘Best New’ list Orange, Florida, has reopened following a rojects involving members of ASGCA renovation project led by have dominated a recently released Mike Dasher, ASGCA. P‘Best New Courses’ list. Compiled by Golf Digest, eight of the Renovation complete at 10 featured courses for 2015 have been Sawgrass CC designed by members of ASGCA. Sawgrass Country Club in The list includes Cabot Cliffs in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida Inverness, Nova Scotia, Trump Golf Links has completed a 27-hole Ferry Point in New York and the Full Cry renovation project. The course at Keswick Golf Club in Keswick, club worked with Robert Virginia. Of the 10 projects listed in the Walker, ASGCA, on the publication’s 2015 remodel of the year, six project, which included involved ASGCA members. improvements to fairways, tees, bunkers, bridges, Visit tinyurl.com/oenz6bp to view the full list The Full Cry course at Keswick Golf Club drainage and irrigation.

07 GOLF DEVELOPMENT Investing ingolf

ith local fish populations could be an irresistible draw for golfers Today’s developers in decline, the village of from far and wide. continue to recognize W Ingonish Beach in Nova Golf architect Stanley Thompson Scotia, Canada, had a problem. Its was hired by the Canadian the appeal of golf, entire economy revolved around the Government, and he set to work on fishing industry, and was in danger Highlands Links, a course that would as Toby Ingleton of dying out as yields from its daily make the very best of a beautiful ocean excursions fell. canvas and to this day remains one of discovers The year was 1938 and the answer to the world’s finest. The construction the community’s problem was golf. The of the course provided work for the popularity of the sport was gathering village’s population and, for over 75 pace throughout North America and years now, the club has been an asset the fabulous landscape where the Cape to the local community—providing a Breton National Park meets the Atlantic source of employment and attracting

08 | By Design ASGCA Past President Bill Love, ASGCA, designed the golf course at the Carolina Colours development in New Bern, North Carolina Photo: Preston Development Company Development Preston Photo:

tourism that delivers benefits residential community in New Bern, sustainability,” says Love. throughout the village economy. North Carolina. With responsibility for master In 1947, Thompson, with 12 of his The development team has been planning the entire development, fellow golf architects, would form building communities in the state Love’s firm, Love & Kington, was the American Society of Golf Course for 25 years, so were keenly aware of able to achieve its client’s goals by Architects and, to this day, ASGCA the need for their new development preparing concepts that would fulfil members are working not only with to withstand the vagaries of a both the criteria for the golf course established communities, but also with sometimes turbulent property and development objectives for the developers who see golf as an amenity market. “It was essential that the residential component of the plan. that will help their projects to thrive. golf course at Carolina Colours After extensive analysis of existing One such example is the work that would not only deliver the desired site conditions, including sensitive ASGCA Past President Bill Love, ASGCA, premium on property prices, but it areas, topography and drainage completed for Overlook Holdings, should be built on the foundations of patterns, the course was routed to fit responsible for the Carolina Colours economic, social and environmental compatibly with its surroundings.

09 GOLF DEVELOPMENT

“In addition to providing a beautiful “People want their golf courses Allen and a group of fellow golf experience for residents and back,” says ASGCA Past President homeowners have been working to guests, the course is a green space Tom Clark, ASGCA, a principal of find a way of getting the golf course buffer to environmental areas, Ault, Clark & Associates. “In addition back. They have generated interest including wetlands and a very sensitive to restoring the premium on their from a variety of potential operators, black water stream. The ponds in the property prices, they recognize and are hopeful to have now identified development have been designed that a golf course can tie the whole one that could see them reopen the to serve multiple purposes: strategic development together.” course within the next two years. features within the golf design, In addition to two projects for Clark has developed revised plans stormwater management to the new golf courses within residential that will give them a practical route community and an irrigation source for developments, Clark is currently to getting 18 holes back to operation. the course,” he says. “The result was a working on four projects to reopen golf This will begin with clearing the golf course integrated with residential courses in established communities. brush that has grown around the development areas to provide One of those is at the Beacon Hill perimeter of the course, then re- enhancement value while maintaining development in Leesburg, Virginia, a seeding and sprigging. He’s also the best possible golf experience and suburb of Washington, D.C. In 1999, recommending tweaks to the design reasonable development costs.” Clark created the original 27-hole to broaden the appeal and give it a Among the community—which routing, before the developer handed better chance of long-term success. is largely retirees—it’s not just the project to a different group for “When I first visited the completed golfers who benefit. “Golf anchored completion. A colorful history of course, I was amazed at how deep the project,” says Love. “But the changes in ownership eventually saw they’d built the bunkers—they were environment can be enjoyed by the golf course fall out of operation in 10-15 feet deep in places. They had all. The course has protected the mid-2000s, despite local efforts to left all the streams open and created topography and natural features keep it maintained. what was a very difficult target golf that lend character to the area, and “When the course was here, there experience.” extended green space back into was a better sense of community,” says “While I personally like a difficult the community. And the clubhouse Terry Allen, one of the homeowners at golf course,” says Allen, “from a provides amenities such as a pool Beacon Hill. “We would have a Friday business standpoint, I understand and social activities that bring the afternoon couples’ match, and then the need for it to be softened. Making local population together.” all drive our carts over to one of our Beacon Hill a more playable course is This role of a golf club as a focal point homes to socialize afterwards. There best for everyone.” for the community is also driving a was much more interaction among the Again, it’s not just the golfers within trend towards courses reopening. people here.” the community who will benefit. “The most attractive thing about the course is that it is absolutely beautiful,” says Allen. “It has streams and ponds, elevation change, it’s wooded and there are hawks and deer everywhere.” Clark’s new plan also provides the homeowners with the option of using some of the land for other activities. “I picked a best 18 that will make a really nice par-72 course. But it leaves space for a short course to be developed, as well as nature trails and a ball field for the homeowners.” Lessons of a difficult decade for the housing market have been learnt, and developers are adapting their business plans to find a sensible balance for their projects. In Millsboro, Delaware, Lennar Corporation felt that having a golf element was crucial to the success of its Plantation Lakes project, even in its ASGCA Past President Tom Clark has developed a plan that will help get the earliest stages. They wanted to market golf course at Beacon Hill back into operation a golf club membership to people who

10 | By Design Photos: Lennar Corporation Lennar Photos:

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the community expands V D lived and worked in surrounding states price. As it happened, this strategy the story of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of of Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia, paid dividends. When the recession Arizona, whose Sewailo golf course— and were retiring to Delaware to take arrived, homebuilding slowed, designed by Ty Butler, ASGCA and advantage of the favorable tax structure. but Lennar was able to continue Notah Begay III—is succeeding in Consultants: Morris & Ritchie Associates, Inc Environmental Resources Management The Traffic Group Geo-Technology Associates, Inc Wadsworth Golf Construction Co Hydro Designs Inc “Due to the property being on The maintaining the six golf holes it had its goal to attract more visitors to theTono Architects Melvin Joseph Construction Hills & Forrest Prepared by: MRA Eastern Shore and only 30 minutes completed before the downturn. tribe’s Casino Del Sol resort. 11/12/13 0 150 600 from the beach, it was determined that With the market now recovering, Every development will have its Plantation Lakes would be developed as the development can flex up again. own optimum solution. As Bill Love a resort community with a golf course “Approximately 400 single family and concludes: “It’s important not to simply featured in a package of amenities that townhouse units, with supporting apply the blanket statement that ‘golf is also included a fitness center, outdoor infrastructure, have been sold and a good investment.’ Each project should pool, trails, open spaces and community settled,” says project manager Shawn be examined on a case-by-case basis and parks,” says ASGCA Past President Steve Smith, ASGCA. “The clubhouse has we can’t necessarily expect to complete Forrest, ASGCA, of Hills & Forrest. been completed, including a pool and a course at the onset of a project. The Hills & Forrest team proposed gym. Three additional golf holes are We have to meet the development a solution that would enable Lennar under construction, with the grand objectives and build it for long-term to invest in its golf course at a pace opening scheduled to take place on success, which means delivering a high that matched the progress of the Memorial Day in 2016.” quality product, protecting sensitive development. The golf course was It’s this type of pragmatic approach environmental areas and working to a designed to be built in stages, with that is enabling developers to balance practical timeline.” ASGCA members a few holes being available at the the attraction of golf with the need for have the experience and expertise to initial phase of the project soon after a sound financial investment. And it’s propose a golf design that is best suited development began in 2007. not just residential developers who to a developer’s goals. This was enough to satisfy early are finding a return on investment in • homeowners, providing them with golf. Resort developers continue to see For Questions & Answers on Selecting a picturesque outlook and access to golf as a primary draw of visitors. The Your Golf Course Architect, visit high-quality golf holes at a reasonable Spring 2015 issue of By Design told http://asgca.org/free-publications

11 CASE STUDY

Water management at The Villages | Stuart Hackwell Using water wisely Golf courses are much more than just an amenity at The Villages community in Florida. Stuart Hackwell of Rain Bird explains

hirty years ago, H. Gary Morse and 36 nine-hole executive courses. wastewater treatment facilities have began to develop The Villages, a The courses have a surprising amount been built to manage the wastewater Tmaster-planned community in of elevation change (over 115 feet generated from the community. The Central Florida. Starting with one sub- across the property) and plenty of golf courses are integral parts of division and 9 holes of golf, the Morse undulation in the playing surfaces to the management system, handling family has developed The Villages into create more strategy and challenges the disposal of both rainwater and a 54,000+ home community with 630 for the golfer. Ezell describes the style reclaimed wastewater. holes of golf. The Villages is the eighth as “look hard and play easy, creating a Reclaimed wastewater from four on- largest city in Florida, larger than other fair experience for the golfer.” site water treatment facilities, plus one well-known snowbird destinations Clifton, Ezell and Clifton designed local off-site facility, is used to irrigate like Clearwater. The entire community the golf courses on larger-than-average the golf courses. In season, almost eight encompasses 32 square miles in area acreages as a focal point of each village million gallons of reclaimed water is with over 115,000 residents, 70 percent within the overall community. They generated each day by the five facilities. of whom are there full-time. incorporated large lakes between An extensive network of pumps and As the community has grown in size adjacent holes, providing extensive piping distributes the reclaimed and scope, the infrastructure required water retention areas to capture and water to irrigation lakes around the has grown as well. Entire town centers retain storm water runoff. Golf holes property utilizing a very elaborate with thriving retail shops, recreation are strategically designed to handle SCADA system with remote lake level centers and a wide range of sports flood water, draining excess water from monitoring and automated fill valves. fields and amenities have been residential and common areas. With Twenty pump stations then pump the developed for homeowners and their the golf courses located in floodplain reclaimed water onto the golf courses guests. Separate roads for cars and golf areas, homes are built on higher each night. One of the unique features carts help move people around the ground with many course views. This of The Villages’ irrigation systems is the neighborhoods. philosophy changed the way that extent to which the reclaimed water Golf at The Villages has developed the property could be developed, is managed. Golf areas are irrigated under the leadership of Ken Ezell, optimizing the number of homes that primarily with reclaimed water. Rather ASGCA, George Clifton, ASGCA, and can be built in a given location. than just disposing of it, the reclaimed the late ASGCA Fellow Lloyd Clifton, As the infrastructure of The Villages water is considered as a valuable ASGCA. In 1989, they designed their increased in complexity, a highly resource to be used and managed as first course for The Villages. Since that sophisticated water management efficiently as possible. time, almost 600 of the property’s 630 system has also evolved. An extensive Rainfall can be feast or famine in holes of golf have been designed and storm water management system Florida. In some years, like 2006 with built under their guidance. Today, the moves rainwater off hardscape 28 inches of rainfall, there are drought Villages comprises 10 27-hole and and common areas and into storm conditions and the reclaimed water two 18-hole championship courses retention ponds. Four on-site is managed carefully. In other years,

12 | By Design like 2015 when there has been over 52 operation at The Villages golf courses. Ezell describes the IC System as: “a inches of rainfall in the first nine months They are designed to operate in a huge plus to the construction and long- of the year, excess rainfall generates highly-efficient manner using high- term operation of our golf courses. The huge quantities of storm water that must uniformity sprinklers with state-of- ease of installation and simplicity of be managed. The irrigation ponds can the-art control. Weather stations, only having one wire on any given hole be remotely switched from reclaimed automated rain gauges, internet-based makes it easy to phase in golf course wastewater to storm water supply when handheld control and pump station construction. Each station is single-head needed. The golf irrigation systems are monitoring provide information that control with IC and we have much more then used to distribute excess storm enables superintendents to effectively flexibility which means we can grow in a water onto the golf courses. manage irrigation. This is important golf course faster.” He adds: “We expect Here’s one example of how the in times of drought when reclaimed our long-term maintenance costs to go golf courses aid in storm water wastewater is the primary irrigation down as we have eliminated the field management: Bonifay is a recently source and a valued commodity. controllers, which were our primary cost constructed 27-hole course with 250 During wet periods, the systems of maintenance parts. The long term acres of irrigated turf and a 3,600 gallon- dispose of storm water. Lakes and savings should be significant with IC.” As The Villages approaches completion of the build-out, Ezell Irrigation ponds can be remotely switched from reflects on the work that has been done so far: “The golf courses have become reclaimed wastewater to storm water supply bigger as the development evolved and we incorporated storm water and per-minute pump station. Following ponds act as storage retention basins to wastewater management into golf recent heavy rains, one of the nines was provide flexibility to manage water use. course design. Now the courses are closed to golfers and storm water was Courses built or renovated at The integral to the success of the entire pumped through the irrigation system, Villages during the past six years have community. The residents love the golf disposing of two million gallons of incorporated the Rain Bird Integrated courses, although they are so much water on the closed nine in less than 24 Control (IC) System, a newer advanced more than just an amenity, they have hours. The closed nine was re-opened technology that eliminates field satellites enabled us to optimize the space for to golfers within two days with carts on and reduces copper wire use by 90 the developer and the residents and paths. The Villages was able to easily percent compared to traditional satellite create a community and golf courses and efficiently manage the excess storm systems. To date, 234 holes are operated that are unique in the world.” water with minimum disruption to using this system. As older courses • golfers and residents. are renovated, following The Villages’ Stuart Hackwell is International Sales Twenty-three Rain BirdTM computer- long-term capital improvement plan, Manager at Rain Bird Corporation, controlled irrigation systems are in updating to the IC System is considered. http://rainbird.com

13 INSIGHT

Site evaluation | Aileen Smith

Providing expertise for improvements

A new program from the ASGCA and USGA is providing pro bono assistance to publicly accessible golf courses. Aileen Smith explains more

he health of the golf industry in course design, agronomics, first course to receive a pro bono can be measured by the environmental stewardship, and evaluation through the program. Tviability of thousands of operations with the goal of lowering “This has been an incredible courses that provide enjoyment to costs, improving the golfer experience opportunity,” says Jason Way, of the millions of golfers every day. and fostering a more welcoming setting. Canal Shores board of directors. “We These facilities—many of them “The ASGCA, along with the ASGCA have some great ideas about how to public—need to make sure that the Foundation led by John LaFoy, is improve the course, but the assistance design, agronomics and operation of pleased to partner with the USGA on from the USGA and ASGCA allows their courses combine to offer a high- this initiative. Golf facilities have long us to get past the initial planning quality, sustainable product for their benefited from the efforts of ASGCA process, and we can move forward customers and remain an integral members and USGA agronomists. with our vision for making Canal asset of the local community. Collaboration between our experts Shores a multi-use community green ASGCA and the United States Golf will have a positive impact on the space that the maximum number of Association (USGA) have a long facilities we support. ASGCA members people can enjoy.” history of helping facilities to improve are excited and proud to bring their the playability of their courses expertise to this program,” says ASGCA Selection of facilities and enhance the efficiency of their President Steve Smyers, ASGCA. Interested facilities should apply via maintenance practices. Now, for the “Course design and maintenance http://asgca.org/site-evaluation. In first time, the organizations have form the foundation of a golf facility’s addition to providing the information teamed up to offer their combined operations,” adds Mike Davis, USGA requested in the application, facilities expertise to qualified facilities. executive director. “With the knowledge interested in the program may need Through the USGA-ASGCA Site that the ASGCA and USGA can offer, to answer additional questions and/ Evaluation Program, ASGCA architects more publicly accessible facilities or take part in a call or site visit as and USGA agronomists will work will be able to strengthen this base, part of the application review process. together to provide pro bono assistance while promoting resource efficiency, a The ASGCA and USGA will choose to facilities that will be identified better golf experience and a stronger facilities that demonstrate a need through an application process. They connection to the local community.” and willingness to carry out the will study the selected facilities and Canal Shores Golf Course, a recommendations made. Selected provide a summary report outlining community-owned and operated facilities are expected to make their best opportunities for improvement facility in Evanston, Illinois, is the efforts to carry out recommendations.

14 | By Design Todd Quitno, ASGCA, has provided work for Canal Shores, a community-owned and operated facility in Evanston, Illinois. It is the first course to receive pro bono assistance through the ASGCA-USGA program and now has a new vision to maximize participation

In 2016, there will be three deadlines report will be sent to the facility within to submit applications: March 15; Aug. four-to-six weeks of the site visit. Preparing for your application 15; and Dec. 15. During the application process, Implementation and follow-up facilities will be asked to provide Site visit and report The program provides assistance some background information about For facilities that have been chosen, for a site evaluation and a summary the project. This will include details of: an ASGCA-member architect and report, but there will be no funding USGA agronomist will make a site for implementation. Acting on the • The facility, such as the number of visit within three months of selection recommendations outlined in the report holes, practice facilities, clubhouse, in order to study the course design, is the sole responsibility of the facility. date of opening, architect, general agronomics and operations. The Therefore, the summary report will history of improvements. date of the site visit will be mutually be commensurate with the resources • Visuals, including aerial photos of agreed upon by the facility, USGA and available to the facility as well as the the course and topographical maps ASGCA. The ASGCA and USGA will scope of the desired outcomes. of the course, where available employ up-to-date research and data, It is the expectation of the USGA and • Existing conditions, such as advanced tools and a comprehensive the ASGCA that the facility will act on budgets, number of rounds and knowledge base in order to provide an some or all of the recommendations local market conditions analysis and recommendations for the provided by the ASGCA member • Challenges faced with regard facility managers. architect and USGA agronomist. to course design, agronomics, This report will reflect the goals and Depending on the nature of the operations and player experience desired outcome stated by the facility. improvement being performed, the • Proposed projects that the facility The report may comprise analysis facility will be expected to track would like to undertake, including and recommendations in the areas and report the outcomes of the costs, constraints and potential of: course design; agronomics and improvements that have been made. outcomes or benefits of the project. maintenance practices; and operations. The analysis will identify several key Aileen Smith is Director of Programs at Facilities won’t need to supply all this areas for improvement and outline the ASGCA and is coordinating the site to complete the process, but more metrics that will help the facility achieve evaluation program. To apply for an information enables the USGA-ASGCA their goals and track the outcomes evaluation of your golf facility, please to better evaluate the application. of the improvements. This summary visit www.asgca.org/site-evaluation

15 OPINION

Design debate | Rees Jones, ASGCA Past President Testing the best ASGCA Past President Rees Jones, ASGCA Fellow, tells Adam Lawrence that the future of golf will require a new kind of championship course

he term ‘championship course’ golf courses challenging but not for them unless the green is elevated is used reverently in golf circles, overly favoring the longest hitters. with a slope in front like many greens T and most golf clubs aspire to “Even today, when courses tip-out at at Augusta or the Valley of Sin in such a distinction. For more than 7,500-7,600 yards, the entirety of that front of the eighteenth green at St four decades, ASGCA Past President length is not really intended to be Andrews. Rees Jones, ASGCA Fellow (known used on the same day,” he says. “It’s “Often, it is hole locations at the to many as the ‘Open Doctor’), has to also give flexibility in course setup. back or the corners of the greens that been designing courses that are of the Mixing up the setup with shorter are most difficult because players utmost championship quality. He has holes as well as long ones is a good want to fly the ball, even beyond the worked on numerous famed courses, thing, giving balance between longer flag, and spin it back. This encourages which collectively have hosted 23 and shorter hitters.” the pros to use driver off the tee, even major championships, five Ryder Cups, though this gives the player less of a as well as other premiere events. chance to hit the fairway from which This coming year, 13 courses Throughout the they can spin the ball. An errant originally designed or renovated game’s history the shot over the green will be harder to by Jones will be in the limelight as recover from because most greens venues for: 2016 PGA Championship approach shot with are pitched from back to front. We’ve (Baltusrol Golf Club—Lower Course); seen this often. Tournament setup 2016 Ryder Cup (Hazeltine National a wood or long iron folks have recognized it too.” Golf Club); and six PGA Tour events to a well-protected According to Jones, today’s golf including the annual hosting of ball technology also comes into the Tour Championship (East Lake green has been play. “These days, golf balls are Golf Club), 2016 Women’s PGA regarded as the constructed to allow stopping shots Championship (Sahalee Country on a dime, so even when greens Club), Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic supreme test of the are firm the players can still aim (Lake Merced Golf Club) and the very best players” at flags from the fairway,” he says. 2016 U.S. Amateur (Oakland Hills “This makes creatively crafted Country Club). green contours more important “The way we view championship Jones knows the style of a course is for championship play than ever golf courses is changing,” says Jones. often dictated by the landform, but before. But of course, championship “It’s no longer just about distance. when it comes to designing green organizers generally want extremely True, there are plenty of professionals complexes he believes it requires fast greens and so you have to have who now drive the ball over 300 both a meticulous mind, and one that pinnable areas that are flatter than yards, but there are also still plenty is creative, yet in subtle ways. in the past. So, in short, we are of tour players who don’t. Making “In the past, we used to think concentrating more on the transition courses even longer is not the sole that front hole locations were more areas in greens.” solution, even if it’s desirable for difficult when they were protected Jones reminds us that hazards also other reasons.” by hazards,” he says. “But today, need to be revaluated, and the rough Jones believes course designers players hit the ball so high and they is more significant now than in years today need to be innovative; they impart so much spin, getting the ball prior. It is, he notes, significant that need to figure out ways to make to those locations is not so difficult the deep, small revetted pot bunkers

16 | By Design Photo: courtesy of Rees Jones, Inc. of courtesy Jones, Photo: Rees

The South Course at Torrey Pines in California was totally remodeled by ASGCA Past President Rees Jones, ASGCA Fellow, in advance of the 2008 U.S. Open. It will host the championship again in 2021 of the Open Championship rota Jones says even those organizations is one of a few ways in which we can courses still pose a challenge, even to have realized that targeting a winning accomplish that strategy.” the best players, and thus, they define score close to par is a futile exercise. In closing, Jones reminds us his their playing strategy around them, as “I think we’ve gotten away from the prescription for design success also was the case with Tiger Woods during par mindset,” Jones said. “We can’t includes a sense of balance. “The his two Open wins at St Andrews, in control it. If we get rain before the balance of a course is important which he executed his game in such a event, the greens are like targets, too,” he said. “Today, we typically way as to avoid the bunkers above all. and the players will score low. You have four-to-six really good birdie “The bunker game of today’s tour want the best players to prevail. I opportunities, six swing holes and six professional is so proficient that think we’re going to see a lot more really challenging holes, where a par normal sand hazards don’t typically double-digit, under-par scores is a great score. We are looking for affect them, especially given the level winning majors, and I don’t think the balance, for holes that give the very of preparation of sand bunkers and USGA, the PGA or the R&A are really best players a good chance to gain an the quality of the sand today—but concerned about that. The priority is advantage over the rest of the field. In water does,” says Jones, “That’s why to test the player’s ability with every order for a championship course to Augusta is so challenging, because shot in golf. The pros don’t have to hit be compelling, it will always include a of the water on the back nine.” This, long approach shots much anymore, variety of captivating holes.” Jones points out, is another area where and that’s a pity—throughout the • the needs of the professionals and the game’s history the approach shot average golfer may clash; everyday with a wood or a long iron to a well- players may enjoy the visual appeal of protected green has been regarded as water-laden courses (and the challenge the supreme test for the best players. of taking on a water hazard) but they So that’s why par fives which the are also paying for their own golf balls, pros will almost always seek to reach and losing ball after ball to water can in two, or even drivable par fours, get old fast. have become increasingly important Even among championship in today’s championship golf. organizers, there are different mindsets Converting par fives into long par about what constitutes an appropriate fours is something which the USGA test. Week after week Tour courses and the PGA have done quite often, ASGCA Past President Rees Jones, are typically set up to allow players to and so, as long as you don’t overdo ASGCA Fellow shoot at pins and make birdies, often it, I think it’s a good idea. We want Rees Jones established his golf design for excitement value. Traditionally, the players to have to hit every club business in 1974 and has designed or the PGA and the USGA prefer a more in the bag, not just a parade of drivers redesigned more than 170 courses in his severe examination. and very short irons, and really, that career. http://www.reesjonesinc.com

17 FIVE TO FINISH

I love the gambling component and excitement that short par fours provide. It is truly a chess match against one’s inner self

Jason Straka, ASGCA For this issue’s Five to Finish, we speak to the current chairman of the ASGCA Education Committee

hen the 2017 U.S. Open Brazil, Poland and South Korea— I guess I need to work on the mental arrives in Erin, Wisconsin, eager to spread his message of an aspect as well as my short game. WJason Straka, ASGCA, will environmental approach to golf design. surely reflect fondly on one of the If you could change or add one rule, highlights of his 17 years with ASGCA How is your game? what would it be? Past President Dr. Mike Hurdzan. I travel so much that I rarely have an I certainly wouldn’t add any. I think Straka worked on the project that saw opportunity to play. However, my there are way too many as it is. Even Hurdzan and co-designers Dana Fry, long game has been really solid this many in the golf industry don’t know ASGCA and Golf Digest’s Ron Whitten year. It is my short game that suffers all the rules, and we’re around the transform 652 acres of rolling terrain from a lack of practice. I still do love game every day. It is unrealistic to formed by glaciers to the acclaimed to play when I get the chance though. expect the average golfer to know and Erin Hills golf course that will host a interpret so many rules. Many casual major just 11 years after opening. Which three people would make up players tend to ignore them anyway. Straka is now creating highlights of your dream fourball? his own. Having established a new My father Ron, son Zachary and What project are you currently design business with Fry in 2012, he maybe someday I’ll be blessed to have working on? has been busy taking on new work for a grandson. To have four generations We have a lot of remodel projects such clients as Pulte Homes and Arcis able to play together at the same time ongoing. One of my favorites though Golf, as well as completing existing would be my dream fourball. So far, is a turf reduction and landscaping projects under the old Hurdzan/ we’ve got three of the four covered! project, including bunker overhaul, in Fry banner, such as Ambiente the Los Angeles, California area. The and Columbia Country Club. The What is your favorite hole in golf? course has majestic Live Oak trees Ambiente course at Camelback Golf Rather than one specific hole, I’ll name scattered throughout. The premise Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, was one one specific type. I happen to really of the remodel is to obtain much of of Golf Digest’s best new courses of enjoy designing and playing short, the look, play and environmental 2013, and Golf Inc. selected Columbia drivable par fours. If designed well, characteristics as was restored at Country Club in Missouri as one of I love the gambling component and Pinehurst #2. In fact, I just spent the 2014’s Renovations of the Year. excitement they provide. It is truly a day with Bob Farren and John Jeffreys With multiple degrees from Cornell chess match against one’s inner self. on #2 and can’t thank them enough University as well as professional Not only does a golfer have to carefully for their hospitality and insight. It is training in golf course construction, analyze his or her options but these gentlemen like them that make this greenkeeping and architecture, the holes provide a challenge to control business so enjoyable. northeastern Ohio native now also one’s emotions when having to decide My partner Dana Fry and I are also devotes time to educating others. In whether to play aggressive and go for it working on projects in Maryland, addition to his 10 years as lecturer and or be more conservative. Of course just Florida, New Jersey, Texas and adjunct professor at The Ohio State last week, I played a match against my Vietnam, among other places. We are University, he has taught throughout best friend and took a double on one fortunate to have a steady stream of the United States and as far afield as such hole and lost the match by a shot! work while not being too busy.• 18 | By Design SPONSORS

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19 ASGCA Leadership Partners

Supporting Education in the Golf Course Industry

ASGCA thanks the following companies for their continued support of golf course development and renovation—helping ASGCA members do their jobs better, for the good of the game.

Major Level Partners

Merit Level Partners