By Design - February 2020

10 | By Design M aple Lane Golf Club in Sterling Heights, Michigan, regularly suffered from flooding after large rain events. It was susceptible to drought too, during which the course would run short of irrigation water. The existing layout’s failure to capture rainwater led the club to hire Raymond Hearn, ASGCA, to deal with these issues and maximize the potential of the club through new golf and non-golf amenities. The owners wanted a unique golf course in the floodplain, and it was decided that a new master plan would be the best way to provide future economic, environmental and cultural sustainability for the club. They also wanted new golf and non-golf amenities that would appeal to people of all ages, skill levels and cultures. By reducing the number of holes from 54 to 27, Hearn was able to meet all these requirements, and create a new 18-hole golf course with a six- tee system, making it appealing and playable for golfers of all skill levels. Hearn worked with engineers to develop a stormwater retention and detention network on the golf course that maximizes the capture of rainfall for irrigation, while also increasing floodplain storage capacity. “I also recommended disease- resistant and low water-use turfgrasses throughout the golf course,” says Hearn. “The new irrigation system will use less water through an advanced system that will apply the exact and minimal amount of water to specific turfgrass areas. My environmentally- sensitive design will require less water, fertilizer and pesticide use.” Hearn included a new nine-hole par- three course within the master plan. Some holes lie within the floodplain and are designed to store water during flood events. The area can also be lit to allow for play during the evenings. Areas have been identified for non- golf recreation such as bocce ball, pickleball, tennis and swimming, and there are now also residential opportunities on the property. “Our goal is environmental, economic and cultural sustainability for this MAPLE LANE GOLF CLUB A sustainable design A complete redesign of a 54-hole Michigan facility helps improve water management, while also freeing up land for real estate and additional amenities. ASGCA DESIGN EXCELLENCE