The Synergistic Impact of
Improved Tee / Bunker / Fairway Limit Line Relationships BY RAYMOND HEARN, ASGCA
T
he great game of golf has been a bright spot during the pandemic, allowing many to enjoy something in a social setting, refresh minds, relax and exercise in beautiful surrounds while other activities were shut down. As a result, the game enjoyed a surge in both participants and rounds and that put a renewed emphasis on what Raymond Hearn Golf Course Designs believes – the golf courses are and remain a club’s number one asset. In the past, many public and private clubs lost site of the importance of that number one asset. Clubhouses, pools, tennis courts, etc. are all important to private and some public clubs but a well-maintained course that is fun and strategic to play will serve as the main attraction and source of satisfaction for new members (private) or new players (public). That means keeping a golf course relevant is of great importance, and our firm believes the golf course design principles of shot value, strategy, playability, and memorability are paramount in order to achieve maximum golfer satisfaction. Great golf course architecture melted down to the most basic elements is about strategic angles and play options. Many board and committee members we meet with often agree with this assessment but portray their club’s potential with a defeatist attitude. I often hear comments indicating a course is too tight or the fairways too narrow to implement more strategic play angles and thus options for golfers. Also, another significant negative take is that creating more angles and options sound great but it is not affordable.
Course Conditions
| Issue #52 - Q3 2021
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