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requiring us to look at shortening
courses instead of lengthening
them. We’ve already heard from
some touring pros that claim that
lengthening only plays into the
hands of the pro, and that shorter,
more strategic holes are often more
difficult, especially under pressure.
And we certainly know that a longer
course has far less appeal for the
normal player as well as for aspects
of maintaining courses that are
stretched out. I just recently finished
a renovation in Florida where I
purposely shortened five of the holes
to improve playability and strategic
opportunities. Those back tee areas
have now been converted as part of
the native landscape—no longer part
of the intensive maintenance footprint,
and the golfers have not missed
them one bit. In fact, the holes that
were shortened now have enhanced
shot-making choices—opportunities
for greater enjoyment. 7,000-plus
yards on the card means nothing to
anyone, at least it shouldn’t. The best
courses are the ones that fit and offer
up a provoking, memorable playing
experience. A long course appeals
to few too many golfers to make
it worthwhile—and it’s too costly
otherwise.
“On that same renovation, I removed
almost 30 bunkers from the course.
Many were strategically invalid and
were only adding to the time and
cost of maintenance. Today, though,
every one of the remaining bunkers
is uniquely impacting in the simplest
of ways through better design. There
are just so many more ways to make
golf interesting and challenging than
mindlessly plunking in bunkers all
over the place.
“Irrigation technology will continue
to have an impact as well—the
ability to better manage water and
distribution of water so that playing
surfaces are more complementary of
the intended architecture. When water
is properly controlled, we have the
ability, along with the superintendent,
to more fully introduce the ground
back into the game. So much can be
said about what happens to the ball
once it’s on the ground. When we
can create conditions to promote
that nuance and build opportunities
into our designs accordingly, golf
will be inherently more exciting and
fun to play.”
Reducing footprints
“There is no doubt that environmental
issues will continue to have a
strong influence on the design and
remodeling of golf courses, especially
regarding water conservation, habitat
preservation and the efficient use of
land,” says ASGCA Past President
Doug Carrick, ASGCA. “I wouldn’t be
surprised to see the overall footprint
of golf courses begin to shrink,
to make golf course operations
more efficient, cost effective and
environmentally responsive.”
“It’s conceivable that water may be
so precious courses will be totally
built of artificial turf,” says Ty Butler,
ASGCA. “Architects will have to
understand building techniques with
this medium, as well as how the ball
reacts on this type of surface, to design
an appropriate golf experience. With
the exception of a small number
of championship venues where
professional events are continually
staged, courses will be much shorter.
The average rank-and-file golfer will
play these shorter courses with a
reduced flight ball.”
“The trend of new courses being
built more for enjoyment and player
friendly courses will continue,” says
Dana Fry, ASGCA. “I am confident
that courses being built using less
earthwork, water and chemicals will
continue as well. Hopefully the ruling
bodies of golf will finally get together
and dial the golf ball back. If not, 8,000
yard courses will start to become a
reality. I strongly feel the USGA, R&A
and perhaps Augusta National will take
dramatic steps in the next 10 years. I
sure hope they do!”
•
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the overall
footprint of golf courses
begin to
shrink
, to make golf course operations
more efficient
, cost effective and
environmentally responsive
ASGCA Past President Doug Carrick, ASGCA