By Design – Issue 53, Summer 2021

19 to play a part in achieving balance in design, and many times, it’s the simple approach that is the all- around winner.” Thad Layton, ASGCA, says the phrase suggests a concept of restraint. “I believe restraint is simultaneously the most powerful, yet most underutilized tool in the arsenal of the golf architect. The key to the successful use of restraint isn’t an all brakes and no gas approach – that would be downright boring. Rather, it is the selective use of restraint through contrast.” In his recent ‘Ahead of the Game’ film, ASGCA President Forrest Richardson emphasized how important a restrained approach to golf course architecture is. “Playing the game does not rely on hundreds of acres,” says Richardson. “That model will live on, but we need to Photo: Evan Schiller By rerouting two holes on the Squire course at PGA National in Florida, Andy Staples, ASGCA, made space for a new nine-hole par-three layout