LATEST NEWS
May 2012
NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- Alcantara (Taormina Sicily) - Development stalled due to funding issues!
- Royal Olympic Golf resort (Romania) - Still waiting confirmation of start date.
- Cliftonhall School (Nr Edinburgh) - This project has been repackaged under the title of "BrainyGolf" retaining the philosophy of developing golf skills in children. Initially this will involve developing targets that kids (and adults) can use to improve their game. The "Brainy" part links in with education via the use of special targets designed to help educate kids while learning golf skills.
- Kuwait - New contract for private course. Construction plans have been issued and are with the client who will take this stage forward.
- Italy - Some potential projects are being considered with clients at present. Finanacial issues remain the main constraint in taking these forward at present.
RE-MODELLING:
Scotland
- Kirkintilloch - Winter work on new bunkers at tee have been completed and are in play. Photos will be posted soon.
- Harburn - 6 new bunkers in play at holes 6, 11 and 17.
- Pitlochry - Planning approval received for extensive improvements to the faciltiies at Pitlochry. These are detailed on their website Pitlochry developments. The initial phase will consist of the practice facilities and the plan is to start these in the summer.
Italy
- Golf Des Iles Borromees (Lake Maggiore) - Client has approved the proposals for course improvements to their 18 hole course. Work has started on new planting (heather), the addition of areas of rough and improvements to views to the Lake. Work to bunkers is expected to start in winter 2012.
Overseas projects are being developed with Italian Architect PierFrancesco De Simone
SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION OF GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS
We now have 9 members and are actively working to help improve the designs of our cousres in Scotland. See website at ScotAGCA
GOLF COURSE DESIGN AND EDUCATION;
Unfortunately there has been little progress in raising any enthusiasm for educational courses in Golf Course Architecture.
INTRODUCTION
The golf course is a golf club's most important asset and the quality of the design and playing surfaces are major factors in attracting members and visitors. There is no doubt that embarking on a programme to upgrade a course design invariably sparks enthusiasm amongst the membership and is a springboard to encouraging more interest in the club.
Upgrading to a more memorable design can be relatively simple to achieve over perhaps 2 or 3 years. The monetary investment need not be large. Relatively simple improvements like the re-location of bunkers, such as those at courses like Kirkintilloch Golf Club, Harburn Golf Club and Hayston Golf club do not require a significant amount of investment. The improvements have been well-received by the membership. Improvements to vegetation cover, e.g. at Helensburgh GC, either by removal (opening up views) or additions (improving habitats and aesthetics) are very cost-effective ways of making an instant impact.
Where more investment is required, for example to re-model a green like the new 7th at Lanark below, the amount involved is relatively insignificant when you consider the longer-term benefits of an exciting design and the prospect of year-round playing surface.
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New 7th green at Lanark Golf Club |
If you are considering upgrading your course please read my philosophy on design and improvements. If you are keen to learn more, I recommend that we have an initial discussion to firstly answer your questions and provide some guidance as to how you could proceed.
