By Design – Issue 52, Spring 2021

3 FOREWORD T he challenges we face are sometimes solved by thinking outside the box; eschewing our usual methods and searching for an innovative approach to the task in hand. It’s a helpful mindset to adopt in all aspects of life, as well as in golf course design. I like to think inside the box too. By that I mean creating a great solution with the resources at my disposal, rather than always seeking more. I try to leave a lighter footprint and, in some cases, no footprint at all. While we embrace this concept, we can still go back out of the box for an innovative solution. The result, for golf, could be more flexible layouts that can be played in different ways, with fewer or shorter holes, and that don’t necessarily conform to our existing perceptions of what a golf course is. These are the ideas we need to have on our drawing boards. I always love reading the annual ‘Design Excellence’ issue of By Design , which showcases examples of innovative thinking by ASGCA members. And this year, it is encouraging to see how many of these projects are focused on maximizing the value of small spaces, or making existing golf courses less resource-intensive. Read about all six projects highlighted by the ninth annual ASGCA Design Excellence Recognition Program in our main feature on page 14, and more examples of doing more with less from Agustín Pizá, ASGCA, on page 28. Data from the latest Golf Facility Market Trend Watch repor t (see page 30) shows that practice area renovations are among the most common projects for golf course architects. This gives us plenty of opportunities to step in and out of the box. I hope you enjoy the read. Both out and in the box Forrest Richardson ASGCA President By Design is sponsored by: