Golf Course Architecture: Issue 57 - July 2019

33 Photo: Mark Alexander Kinloch Golf Club in Richmond, Virginia, has closed this summer as the club implements the second phase of renovations from a 2014 master plan, created by original designers Lester George and Marvin ‘Vinny’ Giles. Construction work is being handled by Landscapes Unlimited. Renovations were initiated by the need to update Kinloch to modern standards of maintenance technologies and sustainability as well as fortifying the structural elements of the course. “The master plan was created to improve strategy, length, bunker modifications, and all the fine details synonymous with Kinloch,” said George. Kinloch is located in a transition zone with cool season bentgrass fairways and bluegrass/fescue roughs. Over the past 20 years, roughs have been contaminated with bermuda and bentgrass. In order to maintain turf quality, 35 acres of contaminated turf will be eradicated and replaced with new varieties of bluegrass/fescue in rough areas and the intermediate cut. “The timing of the closure is being dictated by the most effective manner of eradicating the corrupted turf,” said Kinloch club manager Jonathan Ireland. The club will also renovate 100,000 square feet of bunkers and install a modern bunker liner system. “The length people are hitting the ball now has rendered some of the original bunkers less strategic,” said Giles. “So, Lester and I will be adding several bunkers and removing others to modify and enhance the strategy of certain holes. The greens are better than ever right now and will remain untouched during this renovation. This phase was part of the master plan all along, but it’s great that it happens to coincide with the 2020 USGA Mid- Amateur Championship.” Lester George begins Kinloch renovation Photo: Monty Aerials/Ryan Montgomery clients so we may continue providing the best product, helping show a better economic way to do things and greater recognition for the work of ASGCA members.” ASGCA members discussed practice and short-play areas, reviewing examples of architects working with the land to develop additional playing options for golfers of all skill levels, and potential revenue enhancements for course owners and operators. One of many guest presentations saw Hunki Yun from the United States Golf Association share results of surveys conducted with golfers across the US on their experiences at golf facilities. Members learned what factors help golfers determine a good experience from bad, and impacting if and when players will return for their next round.