By Design - February 2019

17 T he flat topography and outdated drainage system at Sunset Valley golf course in Highland Park, Illinois, meant golf operations would close following storms. Maintenance was focused on repairing, rather than improving, the course. “Long-term deferred maintenance negatively impacted the overall quality of this 1920s era golf course, which was constructed in a lowland area of floodplain and floodway,” says golf course architect Rick Jacobson, ASGCA, who was appointed to renovate the course. After extensive public consultation, Jacobson produced a comprehensive master plan that would improve the course’s drainage infrastructure, while enhancing the playing experience for golfers of all standards. “A conscious effort was made to exploit the site’s existing natural features of wooded parkland and open links characteristics,” says Jacobson. “This combination resulted in the evolution of a heathland style course that is unique to the Chicagoland market and reconnects the property with its historical origins. “A landscape management approach identified the removal of non-native species of trees and transformed the previously linear golf into more naturalistic corridors, where holes blend seamlessly into the surrounds. The grading concept delineated locations for swales and strategic landforms that virtually transformed a flat site into a course with sweeping elevation changes that provide dramatic panoramic views throughout the property. “Landforms were accentuated with flowing masses of fescue that provide an impactful visual aesthetic while accentuating the risk/reward design.” All proposed grading had to meet specific permitting requirements, resulting in extensive collaboration with the project engineer, to create cross-sectional flow models to determine pre- and post-development storage volume, flow rates and water conveyance. To reduce costs, the grading had to avoid existing drainage and irrigation wherever possible, while also balancing cut/fill earthwork. “This process was an ultimate expression of the art and science of golf course architecture that resulted in the enhanced functionality of a recreational amenity built in an undevelopable location,” says Jacobson. Location: Highland Park, Illinois Golf course architect: Rick Jacobson, ASGCA www.jacobsongolfcoursedesign.com Project summary: Drainage problems and long-term deferred maintenance meant the overall quality of the 1920s era Sunset Valley golf course was deteriorating. After extensive public engagement, Rick Jocobson, ASGCA, produced a comprehensive master plan that would resolve drainage issues and improve the playing experience for golfers of all standards. Partners: Wadsworth Golf Construction (construction); IVI-Golf (sandtrapper); AOS (drainage pipe); Toro (irrigation) Sunset Valley ASGCA DESIGN EXCELLENCE SUNSET VALLEY GOLF COURSE Science and art Improved drainage infrastructure leads Sunset Valley back to classic 1920s era course design Photo: Jacobson Golf Course Design