21
ASGCA has long advocated the
reduction of maintenance–a ‘brown
is the new green’ philosophy. This
perspective will take time to seep into
the golfing culture. But it has already
taken hold.
5. Initiatives like First Tee, Hook
a Kid on Golf and others are
introducing the game to millions of
children. These programs advocate
a life-long sport to this ‘wired’ or
‘video’ generation. Nothing is more
important than getting the youth
participating in games outside, in
the fresh air. Public golf plays a
significant role in that advocacy.
6. Finally, public golf courses
provide benefit beyond recreation.
Many provide neighborhood
stormwater management, flood
control, wetlands or other
environmental habitat, tree
preservation or water quality
enhancement, as well as aesthetic
benefit. It is impossible to place value
on these benefits beyond those for
the golfing public.
Most of the golf courses I have
renovated in the last ten years are
actively seeking ways to promote
multiple environmental benefits
while providing a solid recreational
experience. This is not unreasonable,
it is visionary. Golf courses are
unique in that they are flexible,
malleable and can ‘form fit’ into a
variety of challenging sites to provide
green space sanctuary or buffer from
suburban and urban sprawl.
Yes, economic conditions challenge
the game. Any new golf course, or
those that seek to renovate, must be
thoughtful and considerate of the
golfer, the environment and the cost
to implement these changes. Only
then will golf endure.
The golf industry is actively seeking
ways to promote benefits that reach
beyond the boundaries of the golf
course. Those benefits are echoing
and will be felt by golfers, non-golfers
and the communities in which
they reside. The narrow view sees
unprofitable operations. The big
picture sees value that will resonate far
beyond the golf course.
•
Greg Martin
With over 20 years’ experience in
golf course architecture, ASGCA
Treasurer Greg Martin is principal of
Martin Design Partnership and can
be contacted by emailing
A landscape asset like a golf course must not
be subject to
knee-jerk reactions
due to
near-term economic cycles
Recent changes to the public course at Wilmette in
Chicago have made it more operationally flexible,
environmentally sustainable, easier to maintain and
enjoyable for a wider range of golfers
