By Design – Issue 49, Summer 2020

19 that assure social distancing while allowing a large number of players to practice,” he says. Practice has been central to the new design by Jeff Lawrence, ASGCA, at 3’s Greenville in South Carolina. Formerly an 18-hole par-three course, Lawrence worked with the owner, Davis Sezna, to transform the facility into a 12-hole main course and six- and-a-half acres practice area, along with a 16,500-square-foot putting course inspired by the Himalayas course in St Andrews, Scotland. Sezna is trying to deliver a concept that appeals to all, and breaks some of the traditional perceptions of golf. “We at 3’s Greenville are excited to introduce a fun and less intimidating golf experience at an extraordinary level of quality and service,” said Sezna. “Our theme will be golf, beer, barbecue and beyond.” The course will be floodlit at night, music will play and video cameras will capture some of the action. The emphasis is on delivering an enjoyable experience that promotes fun for all. Lawrence says: “The game is changing. Providing more variety for people to learn and participate in golf, regardless of the format, is good for the game. A venue like 3’s Greenville provides a platform for anyone to enjoy the experience, regardless of age or skill level. You don’t even need to play golf to enjoy the ambiance and atmosphere of this unique setting. It is an exciting time for golf as the industry has an opportunity to think beyond the norm and create new and exciting venues that promote golf, both domestically and internationally. People are realizing how important time is with friends and family, so let’s take this challenging time and turn it into an opportunity to explore new ways to reach all demographics in promoting golf as a social and family event.” This model could be of particular appeal to young people, who DeLozier highlights as a potential new audience: “With extra time on their hands, many students—historically under- represented in golf’s participation profile—are discovering golf.” “Being flexible and accommodating to the ever-changing landscape will be key to any facility’s success,” says Lawrence. “They need to keep their focus on being understanding of the conditions while always having creative solutions to any challenges that arise. Even though the economy has taken a major hit, golf facilities have the ability to position themselves as a cost-effective and safe way to recreate and socialize. What a great window of opportunity for the industry to promote golf as a safe and viable way to interact with others, as social distancing is not going away anytime soon.” A good walk With the COVID-19 pandemic seeing limitations imposed on the use of carts, some golfers have learned that the sport doesn’t necessarily spoil a good walk. “What we see as a trend right now is more people are accepting of walking and carrying their own bag today than we would have previously seen,” says Michael Wheeler, the CEO at Cherokee Town & Country Club in Atlanta. “Caddies are not available and so when we opened with golf carts only on one course, the only option to play the other was to walk and carry.” “I am convinced that more walkable courses are an important future design consideration,” said Randquist. “That is based more on my observation that in the past ten years more players are choosing to walk as they play golf to enjoy the physical fitness aspect of the game. Walking the course also Now is the time for clubs and architects to come together . Architects can bring forward cost-effective designs and ideas to make clubs more successful Some golf construction work was able to proceed during the coronavirus outbreak. Projects at Old Memorial GC in Florida (above) and Park Ridge CC near Chicago (left) were brought forward to take place while the courses were closed to golfers Photo: Old Memorial Golf Club