brilliant potential source of revenue
for a course: putting greens of this
kind will keep golfers at the course
longer, induce them to order food and
drink to be consumed either during
or after play, and, most importantly
of all, pretty much guarantee they will
leave with smiles on their faces.
Such greens are also wonderful
facilities for corporate or hospitality
customers. If courses seek to attract
conference or wedding trade, it’s
probably too much to expect such
guests to play eighteen holes after
the main business of the day is done.
But an hour’s putting contest, with
something tasty to eat and drink, as
the sun goes down? Perfect.
It doesn’t have to be a putting
course, of course! Short game areas,
with multiple chipping and putting
greens, or even short courses, are ideal
for the same kind of small-scale, time
friendly golf contest.
One club that has seen real benefits
from this kind of project is the
Country Club of North Carolina in
Pinehurst, where Mandell recently
rebuilt the practice facility. “We
have seen a significant increase in
usage since our practice facility was
completely renovated,” says director
of golf Jeff Dotson. “Many members
have commented that the quality of
the facility makes working on their
games more enjoyable, and allows
them to practice shots in a more
similar manner to what they face
on our courses. The addition of the
short game area has been a huge hit.
Members can practice a limitless
variety of shots from different lies, and
it’s not unusual to see someone spend
a couple of hours working on their
short game. I could stay there all day
and not get bored.”
Practice, then, is moving beyond
something you do to prepare for
golf. There have always been players,
determined to improve their game,
who have spent hours working on the
practice tee. The difference with the
facility of the future, though, is that
it will have been designed to attract
those whose attitude to practice has
been less enlightened. Make practice
both fun and competitive, and, as
many clubs are finding, it will be a
business driver, not just a field that
sits empty most of the time.
•
13
The
best
designed
practice facilities are
destinations in
their
own right
The Country Club of North Carolina has seen a significant increase in usage of its practice facility since renovation
ASGCA members have the professional
expertise required to design a practice
facility that can meet the needs of
modern golfers, help increase the appeal
of your facility to existing and potential
new members and increase revenue
streams for your club. To find an ASGCA
member architect who can help you,
contact the ASGCA via
or refer to
GOOD PRACTICE
