The Irrigation Decision • Development and Design • Golf and Water • Conditioning Turf Guard®: a Movement to Save Water That Begins at the Grassroots

Issue 1 | Winter 2009 BY DESIGN Excellence in Golf Design from the American Society of Golf Course Architects

Growing theGame

Also: The Irrigation Decision • Development and Design • Golf and Water • Conditioning Turf Guard®: A movement to save water that begins at the grassroots.

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elcome to the first edition ofBy Design, the new publication from CONTENTS the American Society of Golf Course Architects that has been Wcreated to promote excellence in golf design. Throughout the following pages you’ll find articles that provide perspectives and Digest 5 insight into golf course architecture and the broader aspects of golf. Whether you A round-up of some of the most are a developer embarking on a new project, a club manager or superintendent significant happenings in golf over the looking at how you can improve an existing design, or otherwise involved in the past few months. game of golf, we hope you’ll find something of interest. Our cover story for this edition examines how the game of golf is growing, Growing the Game 8 both through broadening its appeal in markets where the game is already Around the world, attracting new players established and expanding into areas where little golf is currently played. We to golf and bringing back lost golfers are look at how design plays an integral role in both of these scenarios. the game’s biggest challenges. What We also have insightful contributions from irrigation expert Brent Harvey role can design play? and golf consultant Henry DeLozier, vice president of Global Golf Advisors. I would like to thank the sponsors of By Design; Profile Products, Rain Bird, Irrigation 12 Sportcrete and Toro. We’re delighted to be supported by companies that, as Brent Harvey of Harvey Mills Design leaders in their respective fields, are doing so much to advance the game of golf examines irrigation pricing and finds a and encourage you to find out more by referring to the profiles on page 19. window of opportunity. On behalf of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, I sincerely hope you enjoy reading By Design and find it helpful and stimulating. We Development 14 would be very interested to hear your feedback or suggestions you may have Henry DeLozier of Global Golf for topics to cover in future editions. Please contact us by visiting asgca.org Advisors explores how changing trends and clicking the ‘Contact’ link in the top banner. If you were forwarded this in golf are affecting development. copy of By Design, then please sign up to receive a free subscription at www.tudor-rose.co.uk/bydesign. Environment 16 ASGCA looks at the relationship between golf and water and outlines how the game is working for the environment. Yours sincerely, Conditioning 18 By Design editor Adam Lawrence closes with his thoughts on why course conditioning must change.

Doug Carrick President American Society of Golf Course Architects COVER

Editor: Adam Lawrence; News: Karen McCandless; Design: Paul Robinson; Bruce Graham; Publisher: Toby Ingleton; Editorial contributors: Doug Carrick; Bruce Charlton; Henry DeLozier; Brent Harvey; Forrest Richardson; ASGCA Staff: Chad Ritterbusch; Therese Johnston; Mike Shefky; Aileen Smith; Photography: supplied by Peter Cooper/Roddan Paolucci Roddan, Todd Eckenrode, Getty Images and Istockphoto.com. Subscribe to By Design at www.tudor-rose.co.uk/bydesign

By Design is sponsored by: The nine-hole course The Links at Terranea in Los Angeles was designed by Todd Eckenrode, ASGCA, of Todd Eckenrode-Origins Golf Design.

DIGEST

Olympics 2016 | Karen McCandless Uncover the Olympics is Yes; Golf Celebrates architects’ secrets Golf course architects reveal he golf industry the secrets, challenges and has reacted creative processes behind T overwhelmingly their work in a new book positively to the news published by the ASGCA that golf will return to the and the ASGCA Foundation. Olympics from the 2016 Secrets of the Great Golf games in Rio de Janeiro. Course Architects features This will be the first time it contributions from one has featured since 1904. hundred ASGCA members ASGCA member and Golf’s bid representatives celebrate the decision including Tom Fazio, Pete global ambassador for Dye, Jack Nicklaus and the Olympic bid, Jack are excited for the national governmental investment Arnold Palmer. This behind- Nicklaus believes the golf federations that will in countries where there the-scenes book has been decision will have a reap the benefits in terms of is currently very little produced in partnership with massive impact on golf growth and support within involvement. author Michael Patrick Shiels on a global scale and their countries.” “In order to jump-start and Skyhorse Publishing and encourage more people to PGA Tour Commissioner interest and support of the includes more than 150 full- play the game: “I think it’s Tim Finchem believes that sport, you need money,” color photographs, drawings fantastic, an unbelievable this development will make said David Fay, executive and course blueprints. day for the game of golf. golf more accessible: “No director of the United The impact is going to longer will it be viewed as States Golf Association. To order a copy be felt all over the world. an elite sport. The next forty “The best way to get that of Secrets of People of all walks of life years are going to be the is through the government the Great will be inspired to play.” golden age of golf globally.” or the national Olympic Golf Course Peter Dawson, chief The inclusion of golf committee. For some Architects executive of the R&A as an Olympic sport is countries there’s no contact agrees that it will be hugely expected to promote the substitute for it being an ASGCA beneficial for the game: “We game through increased Olympic medal sport.” at +1 262 786-5960 or [email protected].

New irrigation APGC 2009 | Adam Lawrence paper released Golf irrigation company Rain Golf Leaders Converge in KL Bird has published a paper focusing on a new way Over 500 golf industry heavyweights close to cities is typically either farmland that to calculate the efficiency gathered in Kuala Lumpur recently, for can’t be touched, or it is the sort of property of a golf course’s irrigation the third annual Asia Pacific Golf Summit. that’s very difficult to build golf on.” system. The Water Window Speakers included golf legends Gary Player Golf in Asia must move beyond aiming Efficiency (WWE) method and Jack Nicklaus. at the ‘private jet golfer’ if it is to prosper measures how effective an A panel led by golf architect Brian Curley, in the future, according to leading US club irrigation system is at applying ASGCA concluded land issues are central to manager Mike Rippey. Rippey, the president the desired amount of water the development of golf in China. Panellists of Kitson & Partners, said that the Asian in the shortest period of time agreed that the development of affordable industry’s focus on building golf courses during a nightly irrigation golf is key to the game’s growth in China, aimed at wealthy members of social elites cycle. The paper explains but Curley explained that land acquisition had to change if the game is to grow in the how to calculate this and how issues make this difficult. “True public and region. “I’m not saying the private jet golfer it will affect golf courses and affordable golf needs to be near a mass is a bad business model,” he said. “But provides case studies from audience,” he said. “Driving out of the city sooner or later we have to ask ourselves: courses that have already for an hour to get to the golf course is OK for how many memberships can this guy worked out their WWE. the affluent private club member, but not for collect and how many rounds of golf can he Download the paper at a US$50 per round public course. But land and his friends play?” www.rainbird.com.

05 ADVERT DIGEST

St Andrews | Karen McCandless Mixed Response to Longer Road t Andrews’ famous seventeenth hole, S nicknamed the Road hole, is to be extended in time for the 150th anniversary of the Open Guidelines for golf Championship in 2010. A course renovation new tee will be added and A new DVD and book the length of the green detailing guidelines increased by 35 yards. for established golf The Royal & Ancient has courses on how to tackle defended its decision to increasing operational modify the hole, explaining St Andrews’ famous Road hole and maintenance costs, that it wants to make it comply with environmental more of a challenge again. seventeen is meant to be.” Times Online, Bill Coore, regulations and deal with A statement from the Alan McGregor, chief ASGCA emphasised the competition from newer R&A said: “It has long executive of St Andrews importance of line of play courses has been released. been suggested that the Links Trust believes the remaining the same. Both Excellence Restored: A seventeenth hole would changes will restore the Coore and ASGCA president Guide to Golf Course benefit from additional hole to its former glory: Doug Carrick highlighted Renovation has been ADVERT length to restore the “The Road hole is the equipment as the root cause produced by ASGCA in original challenge.” most famous hole in world that necessitated the change. partnership with CMAA. It “The seventeenth was golf and we believe the “Reducing the distance that provides information about played at the same yardage changes will increase the the golf ball flies makes financing options and in 1900 as it was in 2005 challenge of the hole whilst sense for many reasons includes case studies of and this fueled our belief remaining true to its spirit.” beyond just championship clubs who have successfully that the formidable In a recent article in play,” said Carrick. completed renovations. challenge of this iconic To order a copy of the DVD hole should be returned for A Brief History: and book, visit the ASGCA the Open Championship,” website www.asgca.org or said Peter Dawson, R&A The iconic Road hole green was created by Old Tom Morris call +1 262 786-5960. in the 1860s, allowing the course to be played anticlockwise, chief executive. rather than the clockwise route that had existed for hundreds of Padraig Harrington is one years. For the following century, the Road hole played as a three- Golf leaders of a number of players to shotter, becoming regarded as a par four only during the 1960s. of the future speak in favor of the changes: The hole last played a decisive part in an Open in 1984, when Leading provider of golf “When I stood there on Tom Watson’s two iron second found the road, confirming Seve maintenance equipment, the proposed tee it was Ballesteros as champion. Toro, is working with Walt intimidating and that’s what Disney World Resort and First Tee to provide an educational program for GIS 2010 | Toby Ingleton young people to immerse them in the sport, business and science of golf. The Industry Looks to San Diego third annual Future Leaders Forum took place at Walt Over 18,000 golf industry professionals operating officers, architects and builders. Disney World in Lake Buena expected to descend on San Diego in Approximately 700 exhibitors are Vista, Florida in November February 2010 for the Golf Industry expected, including the ASGCA (Booth 2009. It provided around Show. The annual event combines 3853) and By Design sponsors Profile 50 high school students education, networking and solutions for Products (2929), Rain Bird (4227), with the opportunity to learn golf course superintendents, owners/ Sportcrete (2647) and Toro (5317). Learn more about a career in the operators, general managers, chief more at www.golfindustryshow.com. golf industry.

07 GROWING THE GAME

GreatestGolf’s Challenge

Cover Story | Adam Lawrence

With golf development having From established markets such stalled alongside the faltering global economy, it’s important to identify as the US to nascent ones like the real reasons behind the game’s China, attracting more players current difficulties. Blaming the decline in property markets for golf’s to golf is the most important problems ignores one key fact: golf and real estate are not the same issue facing the industry. Adam business, and if golf has a financial dependence on real estate, it too Lawrence asks how course will suffer when markets slump. The central challenge for the golf business designers, and the golf business is to become economically self- sustaining, without the crutch of real in general, can help make the estate. And to do that requires one game more attractive. thing above all else: more play. Across the world, in mature and emerging golf markets alike, attracting more play is the single biggest issue for the industry. Golf is like any other industry whose costs are largely fixed: the marginal cost of additional sales is next to nothing, and thus the closer an operation is to capacity, the more likely it is to be economically

08 | By Design A successful home-grown golfer can be a catalyst for regional growth. Could Y.E. Yang do for Asia what Tiger Woods has for the United States?

successful. This is behind the in every other business sector, it’s of a course routing that encourages adoption in parts of the daily fee side easier to make an additional sale to an flow and minimises the time spent of the golf business of airline style existing customer than it is to attract a waiting. But if Mona is right, that yield management systems, which new customer from scratch. Too many people who play better enjoy golf allow operators to see which tee people try golf and then either give more and are thus more inclined to times are in most demand, and thus it up or only play occasionally: the spend time and money on the game, charge a higher price for them, while game as a whole, as well as individual then it’s also clear that the modern simultaneously offering lower prices operators, need to think about how to quest for harder, longer golf courses to shift less appealing slots. That said, get lost golfers back. is an overall negative (which is not yield management is often unpopular Steve Mona, chief executive of the to say that courses should be simple, among customers – who likes to feel World Golf Foundation, says: “There open and boring, designed only to they are paying a higher price for are three main reasons people who flatter poor golfers). It’s also arguable essentially the same product? – and take up the game leave it – difficulty, that the longer a course is and the its applicability to members’ clubs is time and cost. The last two are really more hazards it has, the more it will obviously limited. more about value propositions. People cost to maintain, and the more time In any new business generation will spend the time and money if it will take golfers to get round. The situation, there are two possible they enjoy it enough. They can be golf architect’s mantra of ‘challenging ways to increase sales: attract new overcome principally by number one – for the scratch and playable for the customers to your facility, or win more if you play better, you enjoy it more.” duffer’ is thus more important in these business from existing users. Both are Thus course design has a significant days than it has ever been. “In my important to golf, and a strategy to role to play in making the game more observation, if the foul gets to be too develop new golfers, both juniors and appealing. Designing for speed of big, and overwhelms the fair ground, adults, is vital to the game’s success play is a well understood process: the you’ve got a lousy course. It’s in our in every country around the world. work of California-based consultant interests to make golf as pleasurable But there is no doubt that, in golf as Bill Yates has shown the importance as possible. Golf for pleasure should

09 GROWING THE GAME be our motto,” says five-times Open champion Peter Thomson. The other way to approach the issues of time and cost is to mitigate them by changing the way in which golf is consumed. Around the world, there is much interest in alternative golf facilities – short courses, enhanced practice ranges that enable users to do more than just beat a bucket of balls into a field, six, nine or twelve hole operations. Such facilities clearly have a major role to play in making the game more accessible to new players, but it is arguable whether or not they will achieve much in attracting back lost golfers. The image of the standard eighteen hole round is so strong that any other form of golf is inevitably seen as a poor second best; and why would anyone who understands the joy of ‘real’ golf be satisfied by practicing on a range, however fancy? The only way to solve the time problem is not to mitigate it but The Links at Terranea was designed by Todd Eckenrode, ASGCA as an ideal venue genuinely to address it. Ninety years to introduce new players to the game; and (top) Split Rock Golf Club in Ohio where ago Dr Alister MacKenzie bemoaned ASGCA member firm Hurdzan/Fry created a design that minimises ongoing costs that rounds that used to take two hours were now taking three, and In emerging markets, the problem is expatriates – who by their nature are the normal 54 hole day of golf was one of creating golfers from scratch, a affluent – and be adopted by the rich becoming replaced by 36 holes: we challenge made much more difficult of the country. This is emphatically cannot go back there, but somehow, by the way in which golf has generally the case in much of Europe, Asia and the seemingly inevitable progression expanded into new countries. Latin America, and it is a major barrier towards the five or six hour round In much of the world, golf is a ‘top to the game’s growth on a global basis. as a global standard has to be fixed. down’ game. In its ancestral home of Only in a small number of ‘new golf’ Our courses, and our golfers, need Scotland, golf began as a rich man’s nations has the game begun to make to be oriented towards a situation game, but over centuries has become inroads into mass participation. where a family man or woman can part of the sporting fabric of virtually This process is tied directly to the play eighteen holes first thing on a every community in the country. And cost of golf and the availability of low- Saturday morning, enjoy a quick drink in a select few other countries – the cost facilities. In Europe, for example, or lunch in the clubhouse, and be United States, Canada, Australia, the Czech Republic has, over the last back home by early afternoon. New Zealand among them – golf has decade, built a substantial number While lost golfers may be the become accessible and appealing to of public golf courses, and thus is business development strategy of people of normal means, even if it has beginning to emerge as a nation in choice in established golf markets, in retained an elite edge and image as a which mass participation in golf will much of the world, operators don’t result of a small number of clubs. eventually be a reality. In Asia, Thailand have the luxury of a large pool of Elsewhere though, golf has tended and, to an extent, South Korea, are people who know about the game. to arrive in a country as a game for examples of a similar trend. But

In my observation, if the foul gets to be too big, and overwhelms the fair ground, you’ve got a lousy course. It’s in our interests to make golf as pleasurable as possible. Golf for pleasure should be our motto. Peter Thomson, five-times Open champion

10 | By Design course in Hong Kong, and one of the first in that part of the Asian continent. “It’s a great model,” he says. “The Hong Kong government provided the land, the Jockey Club helped to fund it, and Gary Player’s firm did the design.” It can’t hurt that, rather than being a dull flatland track, the course is built on a dramatic site close to the ocean. Another key angle for golf to pursue is its environmental benefits. Long used to being perceived as environmental pariahs, the game’s advocates are now waking up to the fact that green open spaces, especially in the huge and crowded cities of Asia, are precious resources. “In my city of Melbourne, golf is considered very cheap by visitors. And the reason is a law that relieves golf courses from residential taxation, on the bargain that the courses exist as public open spaces,” says Peter Thomson. “The Australian golf course Van Cortlandt Park, New York (an 1895 Tom Bendelow design that was renovated superintendents association has by Stephen Kay, ASGCA in 2001) was America’s first public golf course; Kau Sai found that an average golf course Chau (top) became Hong Kong’s first public course a century later sequesters 80 tonnes of carbon each year. So golf is important not only across much of the golfing world, the most governments in emerging nations to golfers, but to citizens around it, lack of obvious financial rewards for have seen little reason to take such an who breathe the air that golf helps to developing low-cost golf has left the active role – if anything, they have gone keep clean.” This is a crucial message game as a businessman’s preserve. the other way, looking to block golf for the game to get across: properly Land costs mean that standalone development as a populist measure. managed, golf is an environmental commercial development of accessible The lure of Olympic medals, and more asset to big cities especially. golf is unlikely to be successful in generally, the better image of golf as • much of Asia. For accessible golf to a result of being accepted into the succeed, it needs to be located close to Olympic family, should help to change major centres of population: while it is this situation. feasible to expect a successful Chinese Spencer Robinson of Asian Golf or Indian businessman to drive an Monthly, one of the most respected hour or more to his golf club, it’s highly commentators on the game in that unlikely that his compatriot from the part of the world, puts it best. “Golf emerging middle class will be prepared will only grow when it becomes more to do the same. But in these fast- accessible and more affordable,” he growing economies, sites close to cities says. “We need more public golf tend either to be protected farmland courses where anyone can turn up and thus not available, or to be prime and play. We have to provide the sites for residential or commercial opportunities. Golf in the Olympics development, and thus priced out of is the biggest breakthrough the game the reach of golf. in this part of the world could have The Olympics provides the hoped for. It will mean the building opportunity for this to change. For low- of more public golf courses, with land Split Rock Golf Club (pictured on page 10) is one of many golf facilities cost public golf to succeed in Asia – or provided by governments. We’ll also profiled in the ASGCA bookBuilding indeed anywhere else – governments, at hopefully start seeing an influx of top- a Practical Golf Facility, which outlines national or local level, must be involved, rate foreign coaches.” eight ‘levels’ of golf and describes how ideally by providing land at little or no Robinson cites the example of the individuals and communities can make cost. Because of golf’s image in much Kau Sai Chow club in Hong Kong. Kau golf work within their budgets and of the world as a rich man’s game, Sai Chow is, in fact, the first public golf available space.

11 EXPERT VIEW

Irrigation | Brent Harvey The Irrigation Decision

t has been a difficult time for to four cents per foot, the lowest it those involved in golf course has been in four years. Idevelopment and renovation And while list prices indicate that projects, as a once fast-paced the cost of irrigation equipment is industry has slowed to record rising, the lack of projects has led to levels. This has been bad news for deep discounts, meaning prices paid many, but there is a flip side to are actually relatively flat. the coin. It’s very clear that clubs Also flat, for the first time in many looking to replace or renovate their years, is the cost of labor. Since 2004 systems have a good opportunity when labor was $14.70 per hour on to take advantage of prices which average, the price has risen in excess are at their lowest point for many of 5% per year, peaking at $18.00 Brent Harvey years. We have polled distributors, per hour in 2008. But 2009 has manufacturers, contractors and seen such rises end, with labor costs Brent Harvey co-founded Harvey Mills Design Irrigation Consultancy other design professionals to finally flattening out. in 1998 with Marvin Mills. Harvey reveal the scale of the effect of the A change in approach from Mills Design is a professional downturn on the cost of irrigation. contractors is also contributing to this golf course irrigation consultation The first factor weighing in the buyer’s market. Our discussions with company with offices in San Diego, buyer’s favor is the cost of materials. golf course builders and contractors California and Phoenix, Arizona Prices have sharply declined over the have revealed that many of these that specializes in new golf course past year. firms are currently quoting on the construction and existing system Pipe is now available at its lowest basis of covering their overheads, renovation. Harvey has provided price for five years. In 2009, six inch rather than seeking to make a healthy irrigation design and consulting services for more than 120 domestic CL 200 PVC pipe, probably the profit on each project. and international golf course projects. most widely used pipe in golf course A typical overhead charge in the irrigation systems, cost an average region of 10% would previously have of $2.17 per foot. This is a 36% fall been complemented by a similarly from its 2006 peak at $3.39 per foot, sized profit margin when pricing a job, and lower than at the same time five with the average combined overhead years ago. and profit charge typically representing 14-gauge PE wire, the most 18% of a project’s total cost in 2004- common wire used for automatic 2007. By 2009, the average combined control systems, was seven cents overhead and profit margin was just per foot in 2008. The price has 9%. With business so difficult to come decreased over 40% in a single year by, builders and contractors are simply

12 | By Design Those clubs that act quickly are likely to find their investment in a new irrigation The Irrigation Decision system was well timed.

focusing on pricing competitively Plummeting pipe enough to stay afloat. Average price of 6” CL 200 PVC per foot On average, the irrigation systems $4 $3.39 $3.11 we have built over the past few years $2.99 $3.05 would be around $3,000 per acre $3 $2.36 $2.17 cheaper in the current climate. One $2 club in California was installed in 2007 for just over $20,000 per acre. This $1 system has complete separation of $0 fairway and rough, as well as a separate 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 potable system for greens. If installed Source: Allied Material Distributors today, it would cost less than $17,000 per acre. Another, a PGA Tour venue, Wire woes was installed in 2005 for $18,318 per Average price of 14-gauge PE wire per foot acre. This system had 2,900 sprinkler $0.08 heads, a separate potable mainline, and $0.07 $0.06 $0.06 included separate rough irrigation on $0.06 several holes. At today’s prices, it would $0.04 $0.04 $0.04 cost $15,300 per acre. $0.03 As a result of the decrease in the price $0.02 of raw materials and a stabilisation in the price of irrigation equipment $0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 and labor, projects we completed in Source: Allied Material Distributors the period from 2005-2007 could be completed, on average, 13 per cent Lull in labor pains cheaper today. The scale of falling Average labor cost per hour costs may be different from region to $20 region, but the general trend is the $17 $18 $18 $15.30 $16 same. Already these prices are showing $15 $14.67 signs of turning so the window of opportunity is shrinking. But those $10 clubs that act quickly, before the market $5 recovers further, are likely to find their investment in a new irrigation system $0 was well timed. 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 • Source: Leading golf course irrigation contractor

Unhealthy profit margins Average overhead plus profit as a percentage of total project cost

20% 18% 18% 18% 18%

15% 14%

10% 9%

0% 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Source: Multiple golf course builders/contractors

13 EXPERT VIEW

Golf may be poised for another remarkable run of growth and popularity worldwide. The methods and characteristics of this growth will be remarkably different and golf course designers will show the way.

Development | Henry DeLozier A Changing Game

olf course design is “re-setting” Audience-Targeting – Planners and at the earliest stages of the schedule its fundamentals worldwide. developers are first asking, “Who are is disadvantageous to project finance GThese adjustments represent the potential customers (resort guests, performance. As such, developers are baseline changes in the development, homebuyers and/or golfers) and from foregoing potential revenue elasticity use and enjoyment of golf courses. And where will they originate?” During the that arises from lot premium revenues the ripple-effects will be measured for white-hot development cycle of the in favor of more desirable cash the coming decade. early portion of this decade, the great management tactics. According to Dr. In much of the world, golf retains its questions for developers were: Where? Joseph Beditz, the CEO of the National pedestal as one of the world’s enigmatic How much? How soon? With whom? Golf Foundation in the US, new golf delights. When one does not hate the Investment bankers and developers course starts will reach generational game, one is in love with the game. are more alert now to the wants and lows as the US forecasts fewer than When one is not bemoaning the howling needs of potential buyers and the net 50 new courses nationwide for 2009, winds, the straight-across rains and the result is to be a better alignment of which will be the fourth consecutive lightning-fast greens, one treasures the golf product and experience to the year to show a net decline in golf course wondrous game. How, then, will the potential golfer audience. inventory. NGF reports that the count game change and to what end? of golf courses in the US will decline by First, planners and designers across the Earth-First Planning – Land planning approximately 125 courses in 2009. globe are returning to the fundamentals experts throughout the world are of the game: (a) shot-making values, leading the way with planning strategies Course Design Re-setting – The degree (b) open space preservation, (c) respect that protect existing sites and integrate of difficulty and the construction costs for existing natural terrain, (d) social new developments into the natural are being recalibrated to make golf values, and (e) the playing of the game setting – with the inherent limitations, course developments more efficient itself. These are primary values that have circumstances and site conditions. Bob in the use of capital and in terms of attracted golfers and golf designers for Balder, a senior associate at worldwide eventual pace of play characteristics. generations. There is an apparent return planning giant Gensler, notes that the Golf course designers the world over are to the fundamentals of the game and community of planners and project refining course design to contain costs golf designers are leading the way. ‘visioners’ is newly empowered to by reducing the volume of earth-moving, Second, investors and developers reclaim the important fundamentals the scope of irrigation required and the of golf-related assets – resorts and of the game while pairing the attractive total acreage of maintained turf. Design residential communities, in particular - benefits of golf with financially reliable features that add difficulty and can slow have recalibrated their understanding project planning and development. play are being reconsidered, according of golf-driven real estate value to to many course design experts. reduce or eliminate the previous Project Sequencing – Many projects extravagances that did not equate to will delay the onset of golf courses Third, golfers are being refocused on increased earnings. Among the steps within the projects for the sake of enjoying the game. As many golfers that developers are taking to return to improving return-on-investment refrain from refitting themselves fundamentals are the following: metrics. The deployment of capital with new and different equipment

14 | By Design In difficult economic times, golfers are gaining a new appreciation of the enduring values of golf combined with its platform for socialization technology, golfers are returning to importance of remaining committed impacted the American LPGA Tour, playing the game for the sake of the and engaged with the game. Despite other countries will produce Tour-quality game. Golf professionals and club economic pressures, employment players in greater numbers. Opportunity, executives have repatriated to the declines and time-deficit concerns, golf improved instruction programs and quintessential aspects of the game and, in is becoming more ‘sticky’ with its newest access to competition are factors that will so doing, golfers are being reminded that participants. Fewer new golfers are fuel international growth metrics. the game offers challenge, satisfaction quitting the game. Golf may be poised for another and fulfillment. Golfers – in a difficult remarkable run of growth and economic time – indicate a return to the Fourth, the social value of golf in virtually popularity worldwide. The methods appreciation for the enduring values every nation has grown more robust. and characteristics of this growth of golf combined with the platform for Golf continues to demonstrate the will be remarkably different and golf socialization that golf enables. lifestyle values and the social affirmation course designers will show the way. that exploded in the US in the 1960s Golf courses and golfers will change; Rounds Played – Golf rounds played with the happy convergence of Arnold but the game remains characteristically remain stable in the developed nations. Palmer and broadcast television. The resilient, challenging and rewarding in Despite a difficult economic phase, this Olympic movement, which has now its many ways. key measure of market support ranges included golf as an Olympic-sport, will • from a slight decline (less than 2%)in cause the enormous growth of the game Europe to an increase (less than 2%) in in most countries. North America. Many developing nations indicate increases in 2009 rounds played International Instruction – PGA over calendar year 2008. professionals in Europe and North America will export their knowledge of Participation Levels – The number of the game and advanced instructional golfers is increasing worldwide. Golf techniques to cause the game to explode is reporting a modest increase in the internationally. This movement of population of participants. This increase knowledge workers around the globe is is modest in North America; although underway already and the numbers will many industry insiders expect advanced swell. Watch the BRIC- countries (Brazil, growth from the new “Get Golf Ready” Russia, India and China) accelerate Henry DeLozier program introduced this year by the national instruction programs that will Henry DeLozier is a Principal in the PGA of America. The popularity of golf in generate advanced competitive successes. international consulting firm that Europe and Asia reflects steady year-over- specializes in the business of golf, year growth in excess of 5%. Tour Representation – Sweden and Global Golf Advisors, which is based in Australia have demonstrated that strong Toronto, Canada. He is the immediate Player Retention – Golf professionals youth programs produce world-class past-president of the National Golf the world over have reinforced the golfers. Just as the Korean women have Course Owners Association (US).

15 EXPERT VIEW

Environment | ASGCA ike all other aspects of human activity, the game L of golf has an effect on the WATER RECYCLING environment. Professional golf Golf courses are using recycled water for Golf architects go to great lengths to irrigation. As of 2005, more than 12% of understand these effects and their U.S. courses have adopted the practice. training makes environmental awareness and sensitivity a and fundamental aspect of their work. Many locations where water is in short supply can attract population growth, perhaps due to a warm climate. And any centre Water of population brings a demand for recreational facilities, including golf. Over time, the golf industry has become adept at creating facilities that have a positive effect on the environment, through a frugal approach to course maintenance and water use. One of the first priorities for any architect is to understand the water resources in that location and devise an approach to water use that will have the most positive impact on the environment. The diagram to the right highlights ways in which golf is working for the environment. These include technological advances, such as efficient irrigation systems and the development of new species of grass that require less water and are more drought-tolerant, and design advances to include fewer areas of high-maintenance turf and effective water harvesting capabilities. This is not a case of trading off environmental sensitivity and quality of golf. An environmentally ASGCA sound approach to golf is also likely to lead to a more WETLANDS The diagram is based on the ASGCA sustainable golf facility, where a flier titledGolf and Water: How the Naturalized areas on golf courses often sensible approach to water use Game is Working for the Environment include wetlands and other non-turf areas, which was prepared by ASGCA and maintenance brings cost accounting for a significant acreage of members Bruce Charlton and Forrest efficiencies and a sound platform open spaceland. Richardson and has been approved by for long term viability. It’s a win- the 11 organizations that comprise the win situation that ASGCA members Allied Associations of Golf. can help clients to achieve.• 16 | By Design The golf industry has become adept at creating facilities that have a positive effect on the environment, through a frugal approach to course maintenance and water use.

BIO-FILTERING TECHNOLOGY WATER HARVESTING The turf grass and open spaces of golf Innovations for efficient irrigation are being Many golf courses collect storm water courses are efficient at filtering pollutants implemented on golf courses. Soil, plant, for irrigation use. New technology can in water that runs off our highways, and weather sensors mean less water is enhance the recharging of ground water rooftops, and developed areas. used thanks to these advancements. reserves. Ultimately, less water from other sources is needed and groundwater resources are replenished. Less than 15% of U.S. golf courses use municipal water A PRODUCTIVE USE OF WATER for irrigation. In 2007, the U.S. golf economy was estimated at $76 billion. Golf returns a direct benefit to local economies, making it an important industry that is larger than the motion picture business.

NATURALIZATION TURF GRASS SCIENCE DROUGHT READY Golf courses are becoming more natural Research funded by golf has yielded new Golf course architects are planning as fewer acres of high-maintenance turf grasses that require less water and are ahead for flexibility in water use. grass are planted and out-of-play areas are more drought tolerant. Parks, sportsfields Capturing stormwater and planting converted to non-irrigated natural habitat. and lawns benefit from this research. drought tolerant turfgrasses are preparing golf for the future.

17 CLOSING THOUGHTS

Does the occasional weed in a fairway – or even, heaven help us, in a green – really matter that much?

Conditioning | Adam Lawrence

Adam Lawrence Adam Lawrence is editor of Golf Will Golf Course Architecture and a contributor to Golf Monthly and Golf World in the UK. Educated at Oxford University, he has been a journalist throughout his Eat Itself? professional life.

olf operators are having course down the road will win out. greens lower, thus increasing to work as hard as ever So the Darwinian death march of maintenance budgets. Golf architects Gto make money. But the improvements in greenkeeping around the world need to stop industry itself must accept some of continues: turf gets smoother, more signing up for projects flattening the responsibility for the scale of weeds are zapped… and fewer and greens in order to allow them to be this challenge. Operators, designers, fewer golfers turn up, because the cut lower and made faster still and superintendents, writers – and pretty million-dollar maintenance budget instead lobby clubs to add contour much everyone else in the industry – (on top of the costs of the grandiose to greens, enabling interesting golf have worked together over the years clubhouse, of course) means the with lower maintenance budgets. to produce a situation where golfers, green fee is higher than they are Superintendents, who have made the lifeblood of the game, believe prepared to pay. great strides as a profession in that perfect conditioning is the be-all Economic realities, especially in the becoming more business-focused, and end-all, that a better conditioned United States, where the golf and real need to redouble their efforts in course is a better course. The issue estate boom of the last two decades this direction, doing, if necessary, is not just about environmental means that players have more choice detailed cost-benefit analyses of sustainability, vital though that is. No, over where to spend their golf dollars how much money will have to be the problem is more deep-rooted: we than ever before, may have an impact spent to achieve particular levels of in the industry have been party to a on this. But cost-cutting that is forced conditioning: hopefully, presented perfect prisoners’ dilemma: millions on operators by commercial realities with the cold facts of what their of golfers around the world rate will not fix the central problem of obsession is costing, club committees conditioning above all, but who at golfers’ own desires. The industry, will begin to see the light. Does the the same time find golf too expensive, which has spent so much time and occasional weed in a fairway – or and thus play less than they might. money creating the monster, will even, heaven helps us, in a green – And, in the quest to persuade these have to find a way to fix it. really matter that much? golfers to return, what do we do? We Telling millions of golfers around No-one can pretend that this new work to improve the conditioning the world that what they have been golfing paradigm – stressing fun over still further, of course – because that’s led to believe over many years is, flash, affordability over extravagance what the surveys tell us players want. in fact, wrong, and bad for the and rejecting the self-defeating This is a potential disaster for the game they love will not be easy. obsession with conditioning – will be game. No operator can announce At every level of the golf industry, easy to bring about. But if golf courses ‘We are more interested in providing messaging will have to change. TV are to achieve economic sustainability, decent conditions on an interesting commentators misguidedly exulting especially without the crutch of real course at an affordable price’, over green speeds are a direct cause estate to subsidize their costs – then because they all fear that the message of pressure on superintendents the battle must be joined, by everyone of perfect turf coming from the around the world to mow their connected with the industry.• 18 | By Design SPONSORS

By Design would not be possible without the support of its sponsors who have played a key role in the publication of this magazine.

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