We Profile Twelve Golf Clubs That Have Solved Technical and Operational Problems by Working with ASGCA Members

Issue 17 | Winter 2013 BY DESIGN Excellence in Golf Design from the American Society of Golf Course Architects

Facing the challenge We profile twelve golf clubs that have solved technical and operational problems by working with ASGCA members

Also: Pace of play • Participation in China • Health benefits of golf• New courses in South Korea

FOREWORD

Design excellence CONTENTS hile reviewing this issue of By Design, which is devoted to the 2013 Digest 5 iteration of the ASGCA’s annual Design Excellence Recognition A round-up of some of the latest news W Program, I was struck with admiration for the outstanding creative from the golf industry, including the and technical work that is being done by my fellow professional architects. USGA’s efforts to speed up play, new One of the unique and wonderful things about the ASGCA is that while research on the health benefits of golf individual members may be competing for projects, at the same time we and course news from China and frequently share ideas, experiences and know-how. Maybe it’s a reflection of South Korea. golf, the sport where elite professionals who are competing with each other for millions of dollars, or their livelihoods, are also quite happy to give each Cover story 8 other putting tips. By Design profiles the 12 clubs This fraternal spirit really helps us to excel in our work. While we have honored in this year’s Design highlighted just 12 examples in this year’s Design Excellence Recognition Excellence Recognition Program: Program, there are hundreds of projects, from advisory work on small Butterfield CC 10 changes to entire new-builds, where ASGCA-member architects have employed their technical and design excellence to the benefit of their golf Camelback GC 11 club clients. China Maple GC 12 Whatever your challenge–improving water management, saving Columbia CC 13 operational costs, increasing revenue, improving sustainability or providing Ely Callaway G&LC 14 your customers with a more fun experience–by engaging with an ASGCA Glenlaurel 15 member architect you can be confident that you will achieve your goals. Island Hills GC 16 I hope you enjoy the read. Lake Venice GC 17 Mohegan Sun CC 18 Yours sincerely, Rock Manor GC 19 Stevens Park GC 20 Twin Oaks CC 21

Rick Robbins Pace of play 22 President Is there any place for slow play on American Society of Golf Course Architects our golf courses?

COVER

Issue 17 | Winter 2013 BY DESIGN Publisher: Toby Ingleton Excellence in Golf Design from the American Society of Golf Course Architects Editorial contributors: Sean Dudley; Adam Lawrence; Rebecca Lambert Design: Paul Robinson; Bruce Graham; Libby Sidebotham ASGCA Staff: Chad Ritterbusch; Therese Suslick; Mike Shefky; Aileen Smith; Marc Whitney Photography: Joe Bausch; Glenlaurel; Island Hills GC; Trey Kemp; Larry Lambrecht; Mark Thawley; Dave Sansom; USGA/Jonathan Kolbe Subscribe to By Design at www.tudor-rose.co.uk/bydesign Facing the challenge We profile twelve golf clubs that have solved technical and © 2013 American Society of Golf Course Architects. All rights reserved. www.asgca.org operational problems by working with ASGCA members

Also: Pace of play • Participation in China • Health benefits of golf • New courses in South Korea

By Design is sponsored by: The Ambiente course at Camelback GC was designed by Jason Straka, ASGCA and photographed by Dave Sansom (www.davesansom.com).

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Size: B: 221mm x 285mm T: 215mm x 279mm L: 209mm x 271mm By Design

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B 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 40 100 40 40 100 10 40 40 20 70 70 70 70 40 70 40 40 0 0 0 0 3.1 2.2 2.2 10.2 7.4 7.4 25 19 19 50 40 40 75 66 66 100 100 100 80 70 70 100 DIGEST

Pace of play New courses Industry leaders tackle pace of play for South Korea olf industry leaders gathered Gat the USGA’s headquarters in Far Hills, Photo: Mark Thawley N.J., to share research findings and make recommendations to help Photo: USGA/Jonathan Kolbe solve one of the game’s Phillips’ South Cape course long-standing challenges– pace of play. Two new world-class In his opening speech courses, designed by at the Pace of Play ASGCA architects, have Symposium, USGA opened in South Korea. executive director Mike The South Cape Owners Davis explained that Club course, designed by the industry must work “Base our decisions on fact and information,” said the USGA’s Matt Pringle Kyle Phillips, ASGCA is together to tackle causes located on the coastline of slow play. “We don’t play. “We need to approach the longer it takes to get of Namhae Island and is see this simply as a this problem and base from green to tee, the the centerpiece of a luxury USGA initiative,” he said. our decisions on fact and longer it will take to play golf resort community. “We “Pace of play is an issue information,” he said. the course, for example. incorporated a links feel that we need to address ASGCA was represented “Where I find the science into what is not a true links collectively in order to by members Jeff Blume, has more application is landscape. Every hole has a develop a roadmap.” Tripp Davis and Forrest in the flow of play,” he view of the sea. It is one of Lou Riccio, a professor Richardson, and Director continued. “A good flow the most striking coastlines in at Columbia University of Programs Aileen Smith. does not necessarily golf,” said Phillips. and a pace-of-play analyst, Blume and Davis currently impact the total pace, Jim Engh, ASGCA has added that pace-of-play serve on the ASGCA but it does impact the also completed work on the discussions typically focus Board of Governors, and experience a player has.” Jangsu Golf Resort course, on the behavior of golfers, Richardson (a former located in the North yet the role of facility Governor) regularly Jeolla Province. This is the owners, course managers presents on the topic at Pace of Play Pledge first time that Engh has and others is of equal if not golf conferences. designed in the country, greater importance. “This Much of the event To help tackle pace of play, but, like many of his other the USGA is encouraging is an integrated challenge, was devoted to the golfers to sign its Pace of projects, Jangsu occupies and one with many presentation of data Play Pledge. Already, more rugged mountain terrain. stakeholders,” he said. compiled by studies of than 185,000 people have “We chose to use the Key takeaways from the golfer movement around signed the agreement, which natural valleys and ridges day included the sharing the course, and how includes promises to: to play up, down and of practical measures to many aspects of the • Identify ways that I can across this exciting land,” avoid slow play, such as management of the game pick up the pace said Engh. “I believe that it setting tee time intervals affect pace. As Tripp Davis, • Practice ‘ready golf’ is unlike any other course that are appropriate for ASGCA, commented during stroke play in South Korea.” • Serve as an example for individual golf courses and in a follow-up: “A lot of those around me avoiding putting too many what we heard from the • Embrace opportunities to players on the course at scientists really ends up play nine holes any one time. Matt Pringle, being common sense: the • Play more quickly, play the USGA’s technical lead group determines the better and have more fun! director, also stressed the pace of play. If too many importance of properly players are pushed onto Find out more at: measuring the factors that the course in too short a usga.org/whilewereyoung most influence pace of time frame, log jams occur; Engh’s Jangsu Golf Resort course

DIGEST

Participation in China Toro turns Chinese market up by 16 percent 100 in 2014 As Toro The number of golfers in China has grown by 16 percent New project for gears up to between 2011 and 2012, according to a new report celebrate published by the National Golf Foundation. Carrick Design its 100th The China Golf Industry Report 2012 highlights robust Canadian architecture firm anniversary growth in the Chinese golf market, stating that the number Carrick Design has been next year, the company commissioned to design a of rounds played in 2012 increased by 8 percent to 11.5 has said that it will stand new course in China. million. Around 38 percent of China’s total number of Located on the Dalian by the principles that have golfers are now classified as core golfers (those playing at Peninsula and overlooking the guided it from the very least eight rounds per year). Yellow Sea, the site features beginning–a commitment The report also confirms that more opportunities for growth some spectacular coastline, to innovation and building exist in the market, highlighting that the Circum-Bohai-Sea according to ASGCA Past lasting relationships. Since it Region has great potential for golf tourism development. President Doug Carrick. built the mechanized mowing Visit www.ngf.org to order the full report. “The golf course layout is machine in 1919 to replace designed as a traditional horse-drawn equipment links,” said Carrick. “Golf typically used by golf courses GOLF GROWTH IN CHINA holes constantly change in their direction of play to at the time, the company has present the golfer with a remained at the forefront of variety of wind conditions on technological innovation. the exposed site.” Michael J. Hoffman, Toro’s The project will also include chairman and CEO, said a small residential component. that the company will build OF CHINA’s GOLFERS, on its strong foundation as it 38% heads into its next century. ARE CLASSED AS ‘CORE’ R&A rule reaches (8+ ROUNDS NUMBER OF PER YEAR) amateurs ROUNDS GOLFERS UP From January 2014, the PLAYED UP 16 % R&A condition that requires 8% IN 2012 all clubs, except drivers and IN 2012 putters, used in professional championship events to Source: NGF conform to the 2010 groove and punch mark Health benefits specifications will also apply to R&A amateur events. The full details of this condition Golf is great for the body and mind can be found in Decision 4-1/1 of Decisions on the PHIT America, a campaign dedicated to burn 1,300 calories, while a walker will Rules of Golf. increasing physical activity and fitness burn as many as 2,000 calories,” he added. in the US, has said that golf doesn’t get “That is the equivalent of jogging on a Profile completes enough credit for how great a fitness treadmill for two hours and 10 minutes.” processing upgrades activity it is. PHIT America also reported the positive Profile Products has “When we dug into the research, it was effect golf has on a person’s mental fitness, completed a year-long amazing how good golf is for fitness. Not only including helping to sharpen focus, and upgrade to processing for the body, but for your overall health,” said develop cognitive skills and strategic thinking. equipment at its PHIT America founder Jim Baugh. “The next time you are calculating changes manufacturing facility in According to Steve Mona, CEO of the in elevation, wind speed and direction, Blue Mountain, Miss. This World Golf Foundation, “the average golfer altitude, moisture on the ground and in the will allow the company will walk five miles, or walk one mile if they air, distance to the target, and swing plane, to expand its production ride in a cart,” during a game of golf. “Also, remember one more swing thought: your capacity and ensure during an 18-hole round, a cart-rider will brain is getting a great workout!” said PHIT. flexibility in its product mix.

7 DESIGN EXCELLENCE Facing the challenge The ASGCA’s Design Excellence Recognition Program highlights some of the best recent examples of golf course architecture. By Design profiles this year’s honorees

Photo: Trey Kemp

Photo: Larry Lambrecht

8 | By Design THE ARCHITECTS

ne of the great joys of golf As a result, each club faces its own Jan Bel Jan is that no two courses are very unique set of challenges. For oversaw a renovation of exactly the same. Unlike some, it might be standing out from the 27-hole municipal Lake O Venice club in Florida. most sports, there are very few the crowd in a well-serviced market, limitations imposed on the size and or appealing to a population of » Go to page 17 dimensions of the playing surface. novice golfers. Others might have to Todd Clark The oldest golf courses weave among work out how best to cope with the created a dual purpose coastal dunes, but they can equally ingress of nearby development, or practice facility at Twin Oaks traverse open parkland, meander make a more positive impact on the CC in Springfield, Mo. through heath or take players deep environment. » Go to page 21 into forests and mountains. These, and more, are challenges John Colligan And it’s not just the terrain that’s that have been faced by the created a new design that different. Some clubs are established honorees of this year’s Design led to a doubling of rounds for a private membership, some are Excellence Recognition Program played at Stevens Park GC. municipality-owned and provide a from the American Society of Golf » Go to page 20 service to the general public, and Course Architects. All 12 clubs Lester George resort courses are developed to profiled on the following pages helped the city of Wilmington attract and retain visiting guests. have enlisted the experience and retain Rock Manor GC amid They can be located in big cities, expertise of ASGCA-member infrastructure developments. » rural areas or far-flung destinations. architects to help them find Go to page 19 innovative and practical solutions to Raymond Hearn their unique challenges. provided Island Hills GC with a renovated course that transformed club revenues. » Go to page 16 Michael Hurdzan created a low-cost, unique, fun golf experience for a resort in Rockbridge, Ohio. » Go to page 15 Robert McNeil introduced a new water management program while renovating Mohegan Sun CC. » Go to page 18 David Rainville created a short course for a charity that teaches children life skills and golf. » Go to page 14

Photo: Larry Lambrecht Photo: © 2013, Dave Sansom Rick Robbins designed a completely new 27-hole course in a national park near Dandong in China. » Go to page 12 Steve Smyers helped Butterfield CC improve aesthetics and strategy while solving technical challenges. » Go to page 10 Jason Straka completed renovation projects at both Camelback GC and Columbia CC. » Go to pages 11 and 13

9 RUNNING HEADER BUTTERFIELD CC

The repositioned creeks now have a much greater impact on playing strategy

Location: he Salt Creek stream in architectural improvements. Oak Brook, Illinois northeastern Illinois runs The creek bed was dropped by as through the heart of Butterfield much as 15 feet, generating large Architect: T Country Club. It is prone to flooding amounts of fill that was used to sculpt Steve Smyers, ASGCA and, historically, bank erosion has had holes that mimic the glacial moraine Steve Smyers Golf Course Architects www.stevesmyers.com an adverse impact on the course, with deposits cut out by rivers. Holes were playing surfaces affected and poor designed with a variety of characteristics Project summary: drainage in places. that complement the native ecological Butterfield Country Club worked In appointing Steve Smyers Golf Course pattern, encourage diverse shot-making with Steve Smyers, ASGCA to find Architects to address these issues, and reward strategic thinking. a solution for technical challenges the club also needed to adopt a water “Several holes now play from low in related to problematic drainage on management plan developed by DuPage the floodplain up to dramatic green its course, which also generated County that involved lowering elevations settings benched into the higher oak- considerable strategic and design to store water and help prevent flooding lined ridges. Others play from high on improvements. in downstream neighbourhoods. the ridges with sweeping views down to Partners: By significantly redirecting the fairways and greens set alongside creeks Leibold Irrigation, Inc. course of the creek, Smyers was able and ponds,” says Smyers. “The vagaries Toro to conceive a new design that could of the wind is a constant theme here and meet the county’s water storage we’ve sought to encourage the ‘ground www.butterfieldcc.org requirements, prevent future erosion game’ by adding a lot of subtle fairway and restore riparian environments. As and putting surface contouring. Above well as solving technical problems, the all, we’ve endeavoured to create a layout repositioned watercourse facilitated that golfers will find to be stimulating, “In addressing the creation of numerous aesthetic and rewarding and an enjoyable experience”. technical issues, we’ve also sought to encourage the ‘ground game’ by adding a lot of subtle fairway and putting surface contouring”

10 | By Design CAMELBACK GC

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

Architect: Jason Straka, ASGCA Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design www.frystraka.com

Project summary: As a renowned AAA 5-Diamond Marriott hotel, Camelback Inn felt that its Indian Bend course did not reflect the quality of the rest of its resort. Working with Jason Straka, ASGCA, the course was completely redesigned to improve playability, strategy, safety, aesthetics and the environment.

Partners: Integrity Golf Toro Profile Products Jacklin Seed Advanced Drainage Systems OB Sports Management Marriott Golf

ne of two courses at there previously was in six holes. The Camelback Golf Club, Indian raised playing surfaces now mean that OBend had a poor reputation the course drains better and can stay among local and visiting golfers. An open even during moderate flood events. out-and-back routing that followed the Indian Bend Wash, the course was so flat that, despite being in a desert, it would flood easily and failed to drain “The new course will well even with normal irrigation. significantly cut required There were a number of other issues: greens and tees were too small, there maintenance resources were concerns relating to safety, and reduce use of water, the course had a lack of visual and strategic quality and, with 210 acres of fertilizer, pesticides and maintained turf and numerous non- fossil fuels” native trees, it lacked environmental sensitivity to its location. The club worked with Jason Straka, Ambiente now has just 90 acres of ASGCA to oversee a complete maintained turf, with the remainder renovation of what would be renamed having been replanted with a mix the ‘Ambiente’ course. The main wash of native trees, shrubs, grasses and occupied by the course was lowered wildflowers, adding visual interest Previously flat, the new Ambiente course features dramatic contouring several feet in elevation, and the fill was and creating animal habitat. The new for improved drainage, architectural used to raise the new golf holes. The course will significantly cut required interest and aesthetics effect has been dramatic, with more maintenance resources and reduce use of change in elevation in a single hole than water, fertilizer, pesticides and fossil fuels.

11 RUNNING HEADER CHINA MAPLE GC

Location Dandong, Liaoning Province, China

Architect: Rick Robbins, ASGCA Robbins & Associates International www.robbinsgolf.com

Project summary: Working on rugged terrain with flooding issues and little economic activity, this new golf course project was to provide a catalyst for employment in the area. At the same time it needed to have a positive environmental impact on a surrounding area that was to become a national park.

Partners: Toro Jacklin Seed

Holes run alongside a large reservoir that was created by the owner

art of a resort and national park For the sake of both the national park development, China Maple GC is and the housing development, water Pin a remote area that previously quality was crucial. Robbins says: “We had little economic activity. A river preserved the stream valleys in their flowed through the property and would natural condition by playing across flood periodically, causing damage and them to keep water quality high and limiting the area’s potential. The owner, implemented erosion control measures Mr. Yu Cheng Bo, had grown up on the to reduce sediment.” site and was introducing flood control As a result of the project, the measures, including the construction economic situation of the area is of a 350-acre reservoir, to support the much improved. The owner has now resort and park project. developed the entire national park He briefed Rick Robbins, ASGCA to infrastructure, including an entry road, create a golf course that would fit into parking area, information center and the mountain terrain without destroying trails. Hundreds of local residents are the natural beauty of the area. It needed employed on the golf course, manning to complement the flood control the national park and farming ginseng measures he was introducing and create in the outer areas of the course. a catalyst for employment in the area. The site had 260 metres of elevation change, its steep ridges draining “We preserved the stream towards the river. Robbins spent nine days walking the area with the client to valleys in their natural identify the most suitable terrain for a 27- condition by playing hole course. The holes would all lie south across them to keep of the reservoir, and housing was placed The golf course lies within the in a separate area on the north side. water quality high” Tianquigou National Park

12 | By Design COLUMBIA CC

Location: Columbia, Missouri

Architect: Jason Straka, ASGCA Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design www.frystraka.com

Project summary: Development of land adjacent to Columbia Country Club meant a new highway access road was needed, which would cut into four holes on the course. The club turned to Jason Straka, ASGCA for a new routing and remodeling that would allow for the land transfer.

Partners: Wadsworth Golf Construction Profile Products Jacklin Seed Sand Trapper Photos: © 2013, Dave Sansom Advanced Drainage Systems Rain Bird Tee-2-Green Eagle Golf development project adjacent Furthermore, the work provided the to Columbia Country Club opportunity to restore Army Corps of www.columbiacc.net A in Missouri required the Engineers jurisdictional streams on construction of a new highway two holes to improve the urban water access road, which would cut into four of the club’s holes. Facing the possibility of losing the property to eminent domain, and also a request “In the end, the club by the developer to accept 250,000 not only saved itself cubic yards of fill, the club needed to work together with the developer but added significant and local government to find a numbers of solution that would be acceptable to all parties. members with the With a rich and proud history improved course” stretching back to 1921 and a reputation as one of the premier clubs in the area, Columbia CC felt it was quality flowing through the course. essential for any redesign to yield During this process, parts of the no loss in par or yardage. The club development fill were used to raise turned to Jason Straka, ASGCA, who playing surfaces out of floodplains to produced a new design that would improve drainage and maintenance accommodate the 250,000 cubic of the course. yards of fill, largely to create a large, Straka says: “In the end, the club landscaped perimeter berming that not only saved itself but added would obscure the new road and significant numbers of members development from the course. with the improved course. The By rerouting and reconstructing environmental agencies are happy the back nine and parts of the that the environment has been front nine, Straka was also able to improved and the local government Streams have been restored to improve the maintain the par and even lengthen and community are benefitting from water quality flowing through the course the course by 200 yards. the team solution.”

13 RUNNING HEADER ELY CALLAWAY GOLF & LEARNING CENTER HONORS COURSE PRESENTED BY TAYLORMADE

Location: Oceanside, California

Architect: David Rainville, ASGCA Fellow and Gary Bye Rainville & Bye Golf Course Architects

Project summary: Pro Kids | The First Tee of San Diego wanted a second facility to extend its successful program teaching life skills and golf for children. Rainville & Bye Golf Course Architects worked with a number of partners, government departments, donors and sponsors to create a six-hole par three course, putting and chipping greens that will support 700 children every year.

Partners: Hayer Architecture Golf Irrigation Design & Planning Southwest Growers and Landscaping Lusardi Construction Company Callaway Golf Company TaylorMade Tri-Dimensional Engineering, Inc. www.thefirstteesandiego.org

Mounding and planting helps mitigate the close proximity of holes

ounded in 1994 by former NFL Gary Bye to create a facility that designed, with holes that range in player Ernest H. Wright Sr., Pro would provide maximum value to the length from 45-to-114 yards, and a FKids is a charity that teaches life children in the community. layout that allows the course to be skills and golf to inner city children. The site presented a number of split into two sets of three holes. Pro Kids was one of the models for challenges, including those relating to Drainage channels water to out-of- international junior golf program existing utility rights, drainage, safety play areas on the adjacent course. In The First Tee and in 1997 became and interfacing with the adjacent heavy rainfall, low areas of the Pro The First Tee of San Diego. For nearly golf course. Governmental approvals Kids course can accommodate the two decades, its headquarters have and permitting would be a lengthy rising water until it gradually drains been Colina Park Golf Course in process. Coordination between off. The irrigation system has been the City Heights area of San Diego. the client, project architect, project designed to be able to use future In 2012, the charity wants to add a engineer and golf course architect was reclaimed water. second facility in Oceanside, north of key to success. The course is designed to ease San Diego, to enable it to extend the The charity’s Learning Center was beginners into the game. “The success of its City Heights program. positioned to take advantage of bunkers are varied in size, style and A flat, 6.3 acre site adjacent to the shared parking with Oceanside Golf location to provide different shot municipal Oceanside Golf Course was Course, and practice putting and opportunities. Greens are gently identified and Pro Kids | The First chipping greens were placed next to contoured to provide interest without Tee of San Diego asked golf architects the building. Beyond this practice being too difficult for entry level David Rainville, ASGCA Fellow and area, a six-hole par three course was golfers,” says Rainville.

14 | By Design GLENLAUREL

Location: Rockbridge, Ohio

Architect: Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA Hurdzan Golf Design www.hurdzangolf.com

Project summary: The Glenlaurel resort in Ohio wanted a fun, unique golf experience for its guests. Hurdzan Golf Design provided them with an eight hole ‘sand green’ golf course reminiscent of the late nineteenth century, cut out of a pasture with minimal application and maintenance requirements.

www.glenlaurel.com/amenities/golf Photos: Glenlaurel

lenlaurel is an intimate resort billed as ‘a Scottish Country “The entire golf course GInn’, offering accommodation, was constructed at a a spa and dining. Wanting to add a very low cost, but unique and fun- small fraction of the to-play golf course, the owner Greg cost of a single golf Leonard approached Ohio-based Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA to provide hole on a conventional a solution. golf course” Hurdzan’s answer was a course with grassless tees and greens, cut out of a pasture. To keep costs as low as possible, irrigation, drainage, mold for shaping a mound of moist bentgrass, rootzones and golf course sand from which to play their tee paths were eliminated. Chris and shots, and the scorecard has a ‘stymie’ Michael Hurdzan laid out the course ruler and hole with names rather than and Leonard constructed it himself, by numbers and yardages but no par. mowing fairways and coring tee and Michael Hurdzan explains: “The green wells, which were then filled entire golf course was constructed with sandy loam and compacted. at a small fraction of the cost of a The course was then ready to play. single golf hole on a conventional It consists of eight holes of between golf course with grass greens, and 45 and 218 yards and the resort rents maintenance is similarly fractional.” early twentieth century wooden- He adds: “By the way, Major shafted clubs and half-distance golf champion Tom Lehman learned to The eight-hole course was balls for those wishing to experience play golf on a sand green golf course, simply cut out of pasture it the traditional way. Players use a just like Glenlaurel.”

15 RUNNING HEADER ISLAND HILLS GC

Photo: Island Hills GC The new design at Island Hills is appealing for all types of players, helping to grow the game

Location he challenges faced by Island traditional 18-hole layout while providing a Centreville, Michigan Hills GC are common throughout variety of alternative play options. the golf industry: people He also remodelled existing holes to Architect: T are sometimes discouraged from address the length of time the course was Raymond Hearn, ASGCA participating in the game due to the taking to play, and new teeing options Raymond Hearn Golf Course Designs, Inc. cost or time it takes to play. The fact allow for a shorter round. The project www.rhgd.com that it can be a difficult game sometimes also saw a reduction in the surface area compounds these issues–if players are of fairways and bunkers, which led to a Project summary: not enjoying their game, incurring cost reduction in the required applications and The goal of master planning and time seems even less acceptable. maintenance, and therefore cost savings. improvements to Island Hills Golf “We felt that by helping to provide New and remodeled tees and bunkers, Club was to arrest a decline in more options for play at Island Hills, coupled with new grassing limits, play and revenue, with design the club would be able to attract new dramatically improved the strategy, shot changes introduced to make and returning players and in turn see value and playability on each hole. the course more appealing for all types of golfer, while also improved revenue,” says the club’s Golfers love the changes, with revenue introducing operational savings. architect Raymond Hearn, ASGCA. having already increased by 19% since “These objectives could be achieved with 2012. Rounds played at Island Hills Partners: a design approach that would also reduce have risen by 37%. The short course E&M Construction the club’s operational costs.” configurations allow for rounds that take Rain Bird Hearn created an ingenious new design from 40 minutes to three hours to play, that included multiple short course and have been particularly appealing to www.islandhillsgolf.com options within the existing 18-hole senior, women and junior golfers. championship course, so that all golfers had an option to play at a lower cost. This To read more about this project, download approach respects the requirement for a Issue 12 of By Design from www.asgca.org.

“We felt that by helping to provide more options for play at Island Hills, the club would be able to attract new and returning players”

Plan images of the sixth hole before (top) and after the renovation show a massive reduction in bunker and fairway surface areas, which reduces maintenance time and cost

16 | By Design LAKE VENICE GC

he Federal Aviation the quality of the newly-designed and Location Administration’s upgrade to constructed tees and greens. Venice, Florida taxiways, runways and safety “We focused on keeping the greens in T Architect: areas at Venice Municipal Airport close proximity to the most frequently necessitated a 10-acre land swap with used tee of the following hole, to Jan Bel Jan, ASGCA Jan Bel Jan Golf Course Design, Inc. neighboring Lake Venice GC, a 27 maintain the course’s walkability, and www.janbeljan.com hole pay-to-play facility, owned by the added new forward tees for improved City of Venice and built and operated scoring, more fun and a quicker round Project summary: since 1959 by Venice Golf Association. of golf that can be more enjoyable for FAA upgrades to Venice Municipal The club hired Jan Bel Jan, ASGCA more players,” says Bel Jan. Airport meant that its perimeter fence to oversee a redesign of the third nine Practice facilities were relocated, would need to encroach onto the and the construction of a new practice keeping them as close to the property occupied by the Gulf Side area. Bel Jan was asked to keep the professional’s shop as possible but Nine of the neighboring Lake Venice course walkable and provide alternate away from the runway safety area. Golf Club. ASGCA architect Jan Bel Jan oversaw the subsequent redesign and tees, as well as addressing the ‘prison This included a chipping area and, improvements to the 27-hole links’ appearance created by the chain close to the 19th tee, a new putting pay-to-play facility, within a tight link fence. All of this was required green was constructed. budget and deadline. within a modest budget and a short Finally, the overall aesthetic of the time frame that would avoid loss of course has been much improved Partners: high season revenues. by landscaping that focuses the Barbaron, Inc. Bel Jan’s re-routing was cleverly golfer on the holes, rather than the AquaTurf International planned to save as much of the original airport and its perimeter fence, the Mondragon Golf, Inc. nine holes as possible, meaning that appearance of which has also been Toro American Infrastructure Development four greens and four teeing locations neutralized by green vinyl coating Owen Ames Kimball Co. were retained and upgraded to match and low-growing shrubs. Gulf Breeze Landscaping City of Venice Curb Systems of SW Florida Advanced Asphalt of SW Florida Raplh White Turf Consulting

www.lakevenicegolf.com

Pipe drainage was installed to carry flow off runways and under the course

17 RUNNING HEADER MOHEGAN SUN CC

Location: Baltic, Connecticut

Architect: Robert McNeil, ASGCA Photos: Larry Lambrecht The Northeast Golf Company www.northeastgolfcompany.com

Project summary: A comprehensive golf course renovation to accommodate a forecasted increase in play and the need to develop a self-sustaining water resource management program. The project also resulted in a reduction in maintained areas and a new character and strategy for the course.

Partners: NMP Golf Construction, GCBAA J. Sarkisian Associates, ASIC Jacklin Golf Winding Brook Turf Farms DAF Services – Water Management MacFarland Johnson – Project Engineer A large bunker bisects the fairway on the par-four seventh hole www.mohegansun.com/golf

ohegan Sun is a casino resort overall budget to achieve the best in Baltic, Conn., created possible results. Min 1996 as a destination Partnering with irrigation and for gaming, shopping, dining and construction specialists, McNeil and entertainment. In 2007, the resort’s his team developed a self-sustaining owners, the Mohegan Tribal Gaming system of lakes which were integrated Authority, purchased Pautipaug CC into the design and strategy of several in Baltic, with the aim of bringing a new holes. All drainage and rainfall is high-quality golf experience under the captured within the lakes, which have Mohegan Sun umbrella. also eliminated historical flooding of Following the purchase, the adjacent roadways. owners decided to embark on New tee complexes were built on all a comprehensive golf course holes providing enlarged surfaces and enhancement plan, driven by the more options for length and angle of imminent expiry of a water allocation play. 65 new bunkers were constructed permit and need to develop a in a consistent style that is unique self-sustaining water resource to Mohegan Sun and work was also management program. completed on greens and cart paths. At the same time, they felt the The improvements have had an course was in need of updating to immediate effect, with existing accommodate a rise in play that members retained and many new was expected from existing and members engaged. The design goals new members, and resort guests. were achieved and the course now Improvements to tees, greens and avoids closure following rain. irrigation were all required. “Credit should be given to the Mohegan Sun turned to Robert late Geoffrey Cornish, ASGCA, the The project involved lake excavation McNeil, ASGCA to oversee course’s original designer,” says (top) and the development of a new bunker style (mid-construction, below) enhancements to what would become McNeil. “Part of the reason for the Mohegan Sun CC, and provided him purchase was the overall soundness of with the flexibility to work to a single the golf course’s lay on the land.”

18 | By Design ROCK MANOR GC Photos: Joe Bausch

Location: he largest state project in The course is adjacent to the local Wilmington, Delaware Delaware’s history was the drinking water supply and residential transformation of the interchange developments. A key requirement Architect: T between the I-95 freeway and Route was for the site to become part of Lester George, ASGCA George Golf Design, Inc. 202, in the city of Wilmington. Rock the flood attenuation solution for www.georgegolfdesign.com Manor Golf Course, which opened the area. The nearby Matson Run in 1922, was for years the city’s only Watershed had flooded following Project summary: municipal golf course. It is situated Hurricane Hugo, and loss-of-life was A huge infrastructure project in directly alongside the interchange, a reality for nearby residents. Delaware looked set to spell the end and had been encroached upon over GGD oversaw this huge and for Wilmington’s historic municipal the years as the highways expanded, challenging engineering project, golf course, Rock Manor. But Lester reducing it to a par 67 of 5,600 yards. It and managed to create a 6,400 yard, George, ASGCA stepped in to help the was expected to be lost entirely as part par-71 layout that fulfilled all the city retain and improve the golf course, despite the multitude of constraints of the new construction project. infrastructure requirements and won created by highway construction work. However, the city asked George Golf several design awards in the process. Design (GGD) to create a master “Creating flood attenuation working Partners: plan for the course that could work around utilities and routing around Wadsworth Golf Construction within the multiple constraints of the a major interchange challenged us project. GGD would also coordinate to produce something playable, www.rockmanorgolf.com management of the requirements of fun, beautiful and environmentally more than ten government agencies. improved,” says Lester George, ASGCA.

Rock Manor Golf Course was engineered to provide flood attenuation for the local area

19 RUNNING HEADER STEVENS PARK GC Photos: Trey Kemp Photos: Trey

The Stevens Park renovation has been described as “what public golf should be: affordable, maintainable, beautiful and playable”

Location: here were many driving factors for incorporating new bermudagrasses Dallas, Texas the renovation of Stevens Park, a throughout the course, adding two new public course owned by the City of bridges and renovating three others, Architect: T Dallas, but the strongest was competition. completely overhauling the drainage and John Colligan, ASGCA A number of new courses had opened irrigation system and creating a landscape Colligan Golf Design www.colligangolf.com in the local area and, combined with the design that included the planting of 900 renovation of some existing courses serving trees and 2,000 rose bushes, along with Project summary: the same market, Stevens Park was finding various other ornamental shrubs.” John Colligan, ASGCA it difficult to retain its customer base. The renovation was completed within completed a comprehensive 18- The club employed Colligan Golf budget and has received rave reviews from hole renovation of the Stevens Design to oversee a comprehensive players and the media, being touted as Park municipal golf course in renovation of the course, and set about “what public golf should be: affordable, Dallas, Texas in just ten months. developing a wish list with the city, golf maintainable, beautiful and playable”. But The dramatic transformation pro, superintendent and architect. This perhaps the most compelling evidence has resulted in a 100 percent increase in the number of would include improving playability for of success is in the numbers: rounds played. all levels of golfers, overhauling practice Stevens Park has increased facilities and rebuilding greens to USGA the number Partners: specifications. The renovation would of rounds Wadsworth Golf Construction also address erosion within the large played Rain Bird meandering creek that ran through the from Trinity Turf site, see the installation of a new irrigation 30,000 to Irrigation, Planning & Design system which could use treated water, 60,000. introduce concrete cart paths and improve www.stevensparkgolf.com both turf and planting throughout the site. Colligan Golf Design set about creating a project plan The club has that could achieve these doubled the number of requirements within the rounds played budget that had been set. following John Colligan, ASGCA says: Colligan’s “We kept earthworks to a renovation minimum, and were able to achieve all of the requirements of the project,

20 | By Design TWIN OAKS CC

Location: Springfield, Missouri

Architect: Todd Clark, ASGCA Associate CE Golf Design www.cegolfdesign.com

Project summary: Twin Oaks CC worked with architect Todd Clark, ASGCA Associate to develop a dual purpose practice facility that served as a driving range but could also be configured as a short course that would promote growth of the game.

Partners: Mid-America Golf and Landscape SYNLawn Toro www.twinoakscountryclub.com The range now has a large grass teeing area with an all-weather synthetic strip behind

stablished in 1955, Twin Oaks is tee and large mounding to screen course can be a tremendous asset a member-owned country club adjacent properties. to a private club to ensure the next Ein Springfield, Missouri. With Clark says: “As more than just a generation of golfers has access to the its practice facility requiring an update, range for ‘beating balls’, a short course at an early age and skill level.” the club was also keen to explore ways in which it could encourage growth of the game, by providing beginners and juniors with opportunities to play. With no additional land available, Twin Oaks required a solution that would make the best use of the space occupied by the existing practice area. It consulted Todd Clark, ASGCA Associate, who proposed a new ‘convertible’ facility. His design allows for a regular configuration that has a teaching tee, chipping/approach/bunker shot area, and a full driving range with target greens. But the layout can also be used as a short course with six holes that vary in length from 50-to-120 yards. Synthetic greens were used as they could withstand both the daily use as a practice range and also be smooth for putting on once or twice a week. The main practice tee was rebuilt with improved alignment to the range, at an increased size and with an all-weather synthetic tee strip behind. The north Clark’s plans show the dual use of the area as a end of the range has another practice practice facility (top) and six-hole short course

21 CLOSING THOUGHTS

There is a crucial difference between the length of time we take to play and the speed at which we play

Pace of play | Toby Ingleton In the slow lane Most golfers prefer to play at a quick pace. Toby Ingleton asks if there is any room for those who live life in the slow lane?

few years ago, at a golf business conference with a practical solution for But potential golfers are put off by conference in St Andrews, accommodating these slower players. the length of time the game takes to A Scotland, I attended a session I usually like to play golf quickly and play, we are told. Yes, but there is a where a panel of golf industry experts welcome initiatives that aim to speed crucial difference between the length was giving insight on key issues up the game, like the USGA’s ‘While of time we take to play and the speed facing the game. When the moderator We’re Young’ program, referenced on at which we play. Instead of having a asked the audience for questions, a page 5 of this issue. But we should be marshall chase beginners round 18 delegate stood and asked ‘how can conscious that a blind pursuit of fast holes in three hours, find a way in we accommodate golfers who want to play could be counterproductive to which they can enjoy playing, say, six play slowly?’ efforts to grow the game. holes in two hours. One of the distinguished panel Of course this could seriously members quickly responded, ‘it’s hamper a club’s revenue-generating a huge problem–we must come potential, if it’s not handled carefully. together as an industry to share ideas At Makai Golf Club in Hawaii, on how we can speed up the game’. operator Troon Golf has introduced a Other panel members nodded in new program to help speed up play. agreement and introduced some Part of this initiative sees the first six tee of their ideas for faster play, before times of the day, from 7am, set aside as moving on to a new topic. The ‘Pacesetter Times’ for faster players. bemused delegate sat back down. Maybe a similar approach could be Once the session had ended I adopted for slowcoaches, having tee approached him to check that– times with special rates reserved late unlike everyone else in the room, it in the day when there’s no longer seemed–I had heard the question enough light to accept eighteen-hole correctly. With a thankful smile green fees. This would allow golfers he confirmed I had, explaining to play a handful of holes at pretty that at his club they were working much whatever pace they like, and very hard to grow the game of golf. Forcing beginners to play at a speed generate revenue from slots that Some new golfers had expressed that doesn’t match their ability is likely would otherwise be unused. their unease at venturing out onto to put them off. Like us all, I was once It’s a complex issue–what works for the course for fear of holding up the a novice. I still regularly play like one, one club may not for another. Golf quicker and sometimes less-than- so I understand why the obligation to course architects have the knowledge friendly members. Without the space let a stream of impatient two-balls play and experience to help clubs make for a dedicated beginners’ facility, he through can significantly diminish good decisions that will suit their was hoping to come back from the enjoyment of the game. individual circumstances.

22 | By Design SPONSORS

Issue 17 | Winter 2013 BY DESIGN Excellence in Golf Design from the American Society of Golf Course Architects By Design would not be possible without the support of its sponsors who have played a key role in the Facing the challenge publication of this magazine. We profile twelve golf clubs that have solved technical and operational problems by working with ASGCA members

Also: Pace of play • Participation in China • Health benefits of golf • New courses in South Korea

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