By Design - Issue 54, 75 Years Special Report

15 such as par-three courses, short game practice areas, putting courses and reversible holes,” says Lawrence. “These options allow people to enjoy golf in a non-conventional way and with less time commitment. It is imperative for the growth of the game to keep promoting new and creative ways to engage and activate new and existing golfers: make golf fun, memorable, affordable and accessible for every generation and demographic.” Golf can also appeal to the modern lifestyles by re-emphasizing formats that have long been part of the game. “One of the most interesting opportunities for the game to continue to respond to lifestyle changes is an increased focus on the match play style of golf and the appropriate design of match play courses,” says Staples. “Match play embraces fun and excitement within a group of players, regardless of overall score, length of course, or number of holes played.” Even when played over a traditional 18 holes, match play can be significantly quicker because the necessity for every player to complete every hole is removed. Gil Hanse, ASGCA, created a course specifically for match play at Ohoopee Match Club in Georgia and Staples has a new layout called ‘The Match’ opening in September 2021 at PGA National Resort & Spa in Florida. “The goal of a course designed specifically for match play is to harness the emotion of true risk and reward on a hole-by-hole basis, played within a more relaxed, user-defined framework of competition,” says Staples. “In the end, the game will be viewed with increased enjoyment, and provide players a greater sense of comradery and connection to the environment, the course, and their playing partners.” 3. Golf clubs are open to creative thinking Building on the previous point that changing lifestyles will challenge existing norms, those clubs that embrace creativity in the design of their golf facilities can appeal to a broader market. “Thankfully, there has been a freeing of golf course architects to design outside of the traditional marketplace constraints,” says Jason Straka, ASGCA, of Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design. “One of the catalysts is newer generations craving informality. Those same groups are also used to fast-paced technological advancements and the lifestyle changes they bring. Many times, ‘different’ is good simply Photo: Landscapes Unlimited (Forest King) Night golf at 3's Greenville in South Carolina, created by Jeff Lawrence, ASGCA