By Design - Fall 2018

14 | By Design “While resort courses may typically get one-time visitors, should that be a determining design factor? “No owner or architect in their right mind would change the complexity, quirks and nuances of the Old course at St Andrews that make it an iconic piece of architecture, because the majority of its players only get a once-in-a- lifetime chance to play it. “In fact, it’s just the opposite. All those rarely-experienced mind- warping features are the reason people flock from all over the globe for their one opportunity to experience such a design.” Johnson says that exceptional architecture is universal. “It can and should exist in the various operational models such as resorts, private clubs, public and/ or municipal facilities. Our design decisions will always be in response to the site, incorporating unique features to create a golf course that is in context with its surrounding environment while focusing on features, strategies and choices that excite, engage and intrigue players. We hope this is the type of experience that will convert the one- time guest or occasional customer into a recurring one.” Making memories While there are universal principles that apply to every golf course design, some are more pronounced when laying out a resort golf course. “The core tenets of design are the same,” says Nathan Crace, ASGCA. “But some facets of a resort course require a different approach than a private club or daily fee course that caters to an established local base in a specific area. That wider appeal places a premium on memorability and the intangible fun factor.” “If golf is an integral part of the resort’s amenities, we feel the golf needs to stand out and be a true attraction in order to lure people to travel there,” says Goetz. “Golfers are willing to spend a lot of money to play golf courses all over the world, but to go through the expense of traveling long distances, they expect a quality experience and not something ordinary. Resort golf should be an experience, not simply The golf needs to stand out and be a true attraction in order to lure people to travel there RESORT DESIGN