By Design - Spring 2019

17 Photos: Todd Quitno, ASGCA RTJ look. That was the goal, and both Richard and I are confident that we achieved that goal.” Tam O’Shanter Todd Quitno, ASGCA, and Doug Myslinski, ASGCA, collaborated on a project that included the expansion of tees, rebunkering, and the upgrading of drainage at the historic Tam O’Shanter golf course in Niles, Illinois, a former PGA Tour venue and home of the first golf event to be broadcast live on US television. Quitno said: “The goal at Tam O’Shanter was quite straightforward. The client was looking for a strategy to solve drainage issues, improve teeing areas and bunkers, make the course easier to maintain, and ultimately pay some homage to the history of the facility. “After developing the initial concept, Doug approached me about helping with implementation. I happened to live nearby, knew the course well and could provide both the technical assistance and additional perspective on the design he was looking for.” Myslinski said: “We thought the best approach would be to start developing a master plan that would reflect the desired alterations to the teeing grounds and the proposed drainage improvements. It only made sense to also review the positioning of the bunkers on the golf course, as they were in need of new sand, drainage and surrounding turf.” Quitno added: “The new drainage was tested right away as we had a major flood in February 2018 and many more since. With each event the course flooded as it did before, but now when the flood levels recede, we are able to efficiently get the water off the golf course. More importantly, the mowers can get back out there pretty quickly. We now have a better golf course that is playable more often. “The collaborative approach to the project proved very beneficial for all involved. The client got two sets of eyes on the job, which allowed for healthy debate and idea sharing, and ultimately produced a well-vetted and shared vision. As two architects who had historically competed for projects, working together also allowed us to share thoughts freely and learn directly from one another without feeling guarded or possessive of our ideas. “The true success of the collaboration, though, is in the satisfaction of the client who has indicated that the golf course drains immeasurably better after rain events, golfers love the modern and strategic new bunkers and teeing areas, and despite numerous out-of-bank floods this past year the tee sheet was full all summer—when it wasn’t raining! Based on that feedback, we feel the collaboration was a huge success.” • The true success of the collaboration is in the satisfaction of the client Todd Quitno, ASGCA, and Doug Myslinski, ASGCA, collaborated on the renovation of the historic Tam O'Shanter course