By Design - February 2019

18 | By Design W aters Edge Golf Course, a public facility in Fremont, Michigan, was finding that the absence of a driving range was making it difficult to retain golfers and attract new people to the course. “The lack of a driving range was not appealing to existing members, potential new members and public golf patrons,” says Raymond Hearn, ASGCA. “The golf course needed something to trigger a renaissance with its existing patrons and the local media in order to attract new golfers.” Waters Edge employed Hearn to develop a master plan that would creatively solve these problems. The solution was a reconfiguration of the course, removing holes to free up space in an area that was ideally located for a range, and accommodating replacements—a new par-three fifth and par-four sixth—on new property. “I created a master plan and construction drawings for two new golf holes and a new very upscale driving range with a new putting and a chipping course,” says Hearn. “The features on the range are designed to look like actual golf holes which can be played as such when the main range tee is closed.” The club hopes the new range will help attract a diversity of golfers to the golf facility, with easy-to-play holes, when used as a par-three course in a welcoming environment. “Golfers in Fremont and surrounding communities are very excited to experience these course improvements,” says Hearn. “In my opinion this is how you ‘grow the game’. Start first with a driving range that looks like actual golf holes, and play the par-three holes on the range when the range tee is closed. Then venture out and play the forward tees in three, six and nine-hole loops. Over time, a confident new golfer develops and joins an industry yearning for growth and new participants.” “The project has been a huge success story for the golf course and the surrounding community,” says Hearn. “These improvements are creating a significant renaissance for this golf course, making Waters Edge more appealing to all golfers, regardless of their skill level.” Waters Edge Location: Fremont, Michigan Golf course architect: Raymond Hearn, ASGCA www.rhgd.com Project summary: Waters Edge Golf Course in Fremont, Michigan, was having problems attracting new golfers due to the lack of a practice range. Raymond Hearn, ASGCA, made space for outstanding practice facilities by reconfiguring existing holes. Partners: Toro (irrigation) ASGCA DESIGN EXCELLENCE WATERS EDGE GOLF COURSE Attracting new golfers A reconfiguration of holes at a public Michigan course made room for much-needed practice facilities Photo: Raymond Hearn Golf Course Design