By Design - Winter 2014

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16 | By Design
Hills & Forrest implemented a
Master Plan for Improvements
for the North Course at
historic Oakland Hills Country Club in
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
In addition to rebuilding and squaring
up all the tee complexes, over 300 yards
were added to the North Course in
preparation for the 2016 U.S. Amateur.
Thirty bunkers were rebuilt and, in
some instances, relocated in order to
both fit more comfortably into the
natural landforms and to provide
a challenge to the longer hitters.
In an effort to retain and enhance
the playability of the course for the
membership, many of the fairways were
widened and selective tree removal
was undertaken exposing the beautiful
rolling terrain and accentuating the
specimen trees.
One of the more dramatic
improvements was on holes fourteen
through sixteen. These holes were
originally built across a valley covered
with a 20-foot layer of peat, unlike the
otherwise sandy soils characteristic of
the site. The peat soils absorbed water
when it rained, making the ground
springy, unstable and very difficult to
mow without getting machines stuck.
Playing conditions deteriorated as
a result, and the worst-affected area –
located on the center line of the fifteenth
hole – evolved into a small shallow
pond. This created a lay-up tee shot and
a forced carry on the second shot.
“Our plan to alleviate the effects of
the peat began with the decision to
relocate the existing pond on hole fifteen,
converting it into an appropriate strategic
feature,” explains architect Shawn Smith,
ASGCA Associate. “We excavated and
reshaped a sandy ridge in front of the
tees, both to expose the landing area in
the valley and to generate an 18-24-inch
sand cap on top of the peaty soils. The
fairway received an additional foot of
greensmix above the sand cap to further
promote dry conditions.”
Multiple drain inlets and extensive
French drainage were also added
throughout the valley to help collect
storm water and direct it to the new
pond. The banks of the pond were
stabilized by installing a seawall
around its perimeter. Part-circle
irrigation heads were installed along
the perimeter of the fairways to
provide more irrigation control.
“The improvements enhanced each
of the holes by creating firm and fast
playing conditions, similar to the other
holes built on sandy soils, while greatly
improving their beauty, strategy and
playability,” adds Smith.
OAKLAND HILLS CC
Location:
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Architect:
Shawn Smith, ASGCA Associate
Hills & Forrest International
Golf Course Architects
Project summary:
To address drainage issues and
improve playing conditions of the
North course at Oakland Hills,
Shawn Smith, ASGCA Associate
capped heavy peat soils with sand
and relocated and rebuilt a pond.
Partners:
Oliphant Golf Construction
The Toro Company
Profile Products
American Marine
Michael Kuhn & Associates
“The project enhanced
the course by
adding challenge
for the best players
while maintaining
and enhancing the
playability for the
average member”