Golf Course Architecture: Issue 57 - July 2019

48 rotated regularly to spread traffic and provide different setup options. Gentle slopes are also important around the greens to stave off the concentration of divots. Firm greens are recommended to prevent pitch marks and closing the short game area for a day of rest will speed turf recovery. 5. Location – A conveniently-located practice area that is visible and walkable from the clubhouse is paramount to attract golfers. Remote practice areas won’t be used nearly as much by junior golfers who typically can’t drive carts. Even for those who have access to a cart, the long drive disconnects the experience and puts the facility out of the view and control of the pro shop. We considered several sites at Bay Hill but, in the end, opted for shortening one of our golf holes to keep our short game area close to the clubhouse; and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results. 6. Flexibility – Explore opportunities to build-in flexibility for alternative uses. On our recent project at Balsam Mountain Preserve, we created a driving range that also functions as a par three course. We utilised synthetic turf on the target greens to guard against pitch marks that might compromise the true roll of the greens needed for putting. 7. Space – The best short game areas I’ve seen measure somewhere between two to five acres. A facility with this much space affords the opportunity to safely host short game clinics, wedge fitting sessions, and private lessons without closing off access to other players. Within the two-acre practice area at Bay Hill, we built greens and bunkers of varying sizes and styles, and there’s always room to have a private practice session. 8. Fun – Last but certainly not least is the fun factor. The finest short game areas encourage you to use your imagination and get lost in the improvement process. The best advice I can give to make it fun is this: Don’t be afraid to break some rules. There are things you can build in this setting that you’d never be able to get away with on a regulation golf course. A postage-stamp style green? A massive green with boiling contours? Perhaps an impossibly deep bunker requiring a staircase and a periscope? If you have fun building it there’s a strong chance people will enjoy playing it! GCA Thad Layton is a senior golf architect at Arnold Palmer Design Company Arnold Palmer Design Company created the new practice facility at Bay Hill THAD LAYTON Photo: Arnold Palmer Design Company