By Design - Summer 2015

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FOREWORD
03
O ne of the great joys of being a golf course architect is the
opportunity to turn land that is offering little to the community
into something that is living, breathing and having a positive
impact on people’s lives.
In this issue of By Design, award-winning golf writer Brad Klein tells us
the story of the Chambers Bay, and how Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and Bruce
Charlton, ASGCA Past Presidents, and their design team have transformed
an abandoned sand and gravel quarry into a public golf course that is fit
and ready to host a major championship.
When the competitors for the 2015 U.S. Open tee off on June 18, I
for one will be fascinated to see how they cope with a golf course that
demands strategic thought and imaginative execution of golf shots.
But whoever wins the championship, perhaps the greatest success of
Chambers Bay is what it offers to the people of Pierce County in Washington.
A beautiful coastal setting where the public can experience wonderful golf, or
simply take a walk through the trails—and enjoy what nature has to offer.
Elsewhere in this issue, we find out about The River Club, an innovative
design that should encourage growth in participation, discover the results
of a study into the financial return on renovation work, and much more.
Enjoy the read!
Steve Smyers
President
American Society of Golf Course Architects
CONTENTS
COVER
A round-up of some of the latest
news from the golf industry, including
development news from Cuba, a
number of new renovation projects
and honours for Jack Nicklaus,
ASGCA Fellow, and Doug Carrick,
ASGCA Past President.
Brad Klein shares the incredible story
of Chambers Bay’s transformation
from a sand and gravel quarry to a
U.S. Open venue.
Do renovation projects pay? We
learn from the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
An insight into an innovative facility
designed by Billy Fuller, ASGCA.
How new applications can help get the
most from depleted soil.
Richard Mandell, ASGCA Associate,
on the importance of expert advice.
The 15th hole at Chambers Bay,
Washington Place, Seattle. Photograph
courtesy of USGA/John Mummert
A very public success
Publisher: Toby Ingleton
Editorial contributors: Sean Dudley; Rebecca Gibson; Bradley S. Klein; Rebecca Lambert;
Richard Mandell, ASGCA Associate; Steve Smyers, ASGCA President; Marc Whitney
Design: Bruce Graham
ASGCA Staff: Chad Ritterbusch; Therese Suslick; Mike Shefky; Aileen Smith; Marc Whitney
Photography: USGA/John Mummert
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