By Design – Issue 50 // Fall 2020

19 Taking the ‘continuous’ option, his design for the ‘Little Meadow’ course is an ongoing stretch of fairway that snakes through and loops back to the start. It can be played in both directions and holes typically range from 50 to 100 feet. While it was conceived as a 12-hole course, it can be adapted to play as nine, 18 or pretty much whatever the resort team wants. “The great thing about the new putting course is that it only takes 25 to 40 minutes to play. I think it will provide enjoyment for young and old for years to come,” says John Fought. “We are doing an average of about 120 players a day on the Little Meadow course,” says Jeff Fought. “This course can accommodate the very serious players as well as families that haven’t played golf before. It has gone way over our expectations! To see families, couples and novices enjoying the course every day is wonderful. We believe that this will create new golfers. “This putting course is going to be a great introduction to golf for families and beginners. It is introducing people to a golfing activity that only takes 40 minutes to enjoy. It has opened new doors with juniors, family reunions and wedding parties. What a great new amenity for our resort!” Short is sweet As more clubs succeed with alternatives to traditional formats and travelers to resorts such as Bandon Dunes and Pinehurst return with fun and memorable experiences of their shorter formats, golf course architects are increasingly building alternatives into newbuilds or ‘blow up’ renovation projects. Raymond Hearn, ASGCA, is currently in the process of a total rethink of Maple Lane GC in Sterling Heights, a suburb of Detroit. A portion of the land currently occupied by three 18- hole courses is making way for residential development, and Hearn is providing a golfing solution for the remaining area which offers a broader appeal, and environmental benefits. His new master plan centers around an 18-hole course, but crucially incorporates a short course that fulfils the desire for a ‘quick fix’ of golf, while also acting as an important water retention area during flood events. “The operating partner Dominic Moceri and I agreed that in addition to my new regulation 18-hole design, a lighted nine-hole par-three course would be a big hit for all types of golfers, especially among the youth, seniors, women, families and couples,” says Hearn. “For the better golfer, it would allow them to fine tune their short game to unique greens with varied yardages.” The par-three course sits in a low area along the Red Run drain, which floods occasionally. Hearn’s design has elevated tees and greens, so they are not damaged in floods and substantial drainage to allow water to subside quickly. “Dominic and I both felt that the par-three course would also be very successful and profitable,” says Hearn. “The local golfers in the community of Sterling Heights are very excited. The short layout will look incredible when viewed from the clubhouse or from the adjacent road. It will act as a beautiful natural billboard for the entire development.” Moceri says the short layout will be “a great, multi-generational shared experience second to none.” • For help in evaluating how your club could make the best use of its available space, contact your local ASGCA member via asgca.org/architects Photo: Black Butte Ranch