Search

The article from Golf Monthly explores the legacy of Harry Colt, a renowned golf course architect whose work has inspired golfers and designers for over 130 years. Colt's design principles focused on creating courses that looked natural and fun to play, with an emphasis on risk and reward. His courses, which can be found throughout the UK, Ireland, and beyond, are highly regarded for their quality and appeal to both elite and regular golfers. Colt's career spanned from the late 19th to mid-20th century, leaving a lasting impact on the world of golf course architecture. [Extracted from the article]

The 2024 Golf Monthly forum fundraising event for Help For Heroes at West Surrey GC was a success despite torrential rain. The event, dating back to 2010, has evolved into a tradition that raises funds and awareness for the charity. Organized by passionate supporters like Rick Garg and current organizer Richard Hart, the event has raised over £180,000 in 15 years, benefiting both participants and the charity. The day includes golf, fundraising, and honoring guests from Battle Back Golf, showcasing the impact of donations on athletes and programs supported by Help For Heroes. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the factors that impact nutrient and algae levels in stormwater ponds. The study reveals that stormwater ponds differ from natural lakes in terms of nutrient and algae response due to various additional variables. The research identifies pond design, vegetation control, and landscape practices as significant predictors of nutrient concentrations in stormwater ponds. The findings emphasize the necessity for pond-specific nutrient models to accurately predict algal blooms and guide management strategies. The study also highlights the importance of implementing site-specific management strategies to mitigate nutrient loading and algal blooms, ultimately improving water quality and ecological balance in stormwater ponds. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the importance of blending historical charm with modern amenities in club renovations, using three case studies as examples. The renovations at Pine Lake Country Club, North Ranch Country Club, and Manufacturers' Golf & Country Club are discussed in detail, including improvements to various areas such as locker rooms, pool areas, outdoor dining spaces, and golf courses. The challenges faced during the renovation process are also mentioned, as well as the positive impact these renovations have had on member satisfaction. The article emphasizes the clubs' focus on sustainability and member engagement throughout the renovation process. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the recognition of ten golf course architects as "Sustainable Golf Champions" by the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation. These architects have been acknowledged for their design solutions that prioritize the environment, operational efficiencies, and local communities. Each architect has taken steps to raise awareness of global issues and find effective, sustainable solutions for golf course sites and their immediate environments. The honorees include architects such as Andy Haggar, Bruce Charlton, Cynthia Dye McGarey, and Martin Ebert, among others. The article also provides specific examples of sustainable projects undertaken by some of these architects, including reducing soil erosion and flash flooding, restoring native habitats, and sourcing materials locally. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the potential extension of copyright protection to golf course design through the proposed Birdie bill currently before Congress. The bill aims to correct an oversight in the 1990 Architectural Works Copyright Protection Act, which excluded landscape architecture, including golf architecture, from copyright protection. The bill would protect entire golf courses designed after December 1, 1990, but not individual features or concepts within the design. The legislation is primarily focused on preventing the unauthorized replication of golf courses in virtual formats, such as video games and simulators. [Extracted from the article]

The Canal Shores Golf Course in Evanston, Illinois, is undergoing a revival thanks to the efforts of the community. The course, which originally opened in 1919, was in need of repair, with its turf and infrastructure in a deteriorated state. The project to revitalize the course involved assembling the right team and securing financial backing from organizations such as the Western Golf Association and the Chicago District Golf Association. The course has been redesigned by architect Todd Quitno, with a focus on preserving its history and environmental sustainability. The revitalized course is set to open in the summer of 2024 and will feature new template greens and a large putting green that can also be used for a four-hole junior loop. The project aims to provide a fun and accessible golfing experience for the community while preserving the course's role as a public space and sanctuary of nature. [Extracted from the article]

Peter Harradine, a Swiss national and part of a four-generation golf design dynasty, has had a long and successful career in golf architecture. His father, Donald Harradine, brought golf to parts of Europe where it was previously unknown. Peter has designed courses all over Europe, as well as in countries like Pakistan, Sudan, and Iran. He values creating courses that are enjoyable for average golfers and believes that golf should be fun. Peter's son, Michael, has joined the family business, ensuring that the Harradine name will continue in golf design. [Extracted from the article]

Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago in the north Atlantic, is not only known for being the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo but also for its stunning golf courses. With three courses designed by renowned architects such as Seve Ballesteros and Robert Trent Jones Snr, Madeira offers a golfing experience in a year-round mild climate. The Palheiro Golf, Clube de Golf Santo da Serra, and Porto Santo Golfe are the main courses on the islands, with plans for a fourth course by Sir Nick Faldo. Visitors can enjoy these courses with the Madeira Golf Passport, which also offers access to other cultural and culinary experiences on the islands. Madeira is also a great destination for hiking, with over 450 trails covering diverse landscapes. Additionally, visitors can indulge in traditional Madeiran cuisine, including dishes like espetada and lapas, and sample the famous Madeira wine. With direct flights from major UK airports, Madeira is easily accessible for a memorable vacation. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Louisiana Life magazine highlights various hotels and lodges in Louisiana that offer stunning views. Some of the featured locations include hotels along the Mississippi River in New Orleans, such as the Hotel Monteleone and the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. The Four Seasons New Orleans, located in the former International Trade Mart, now offers panoramic views of the city and river from its Vue Orleans observation deck. Other accommodations mentioned include the Shadetree Bed & Breakfast in St. Francisville, the Greenwood Plantation Bed & Breakfast, the Grosse Savanne Lodge near Lake Charles, and the Pecan Island School Lodge. Additionally, the article mentions the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, Cypress Bend Resort on Toledo Bend, the Hamilton House Inn in West Monroe, and various casinos in Lake Charles and Shreveport. The Hotel Bentley in Alexandria is also highlighted for its historic charm and views of the Red River. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on factors influencing the spring re-establishment of creeping bentgrass on golf course putting greens after winter damage in the northern U.S. It assesses genetic variability in seedling vigor, considering low temperatures and light conditions typical of early spring. It also explores chemical priming and biostimulant effectiveness.

The Old course at Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton, Florida has undergone a renovation to accommodate both professional golfers and club members. The course, originally designed in 1975 by Joe Lee, had become difficult and punishing for players. The renovation by golf course architects Rees Jones and Bryce Swanson focused on rewarding good shots and providing more options for approach shots. The new design features more restrained bunkering, strategic use of water hazards, and a dramatic finishing hole. The renovated course has been well-received by club members and proved to be a solid test for professional golfers during the TimberTech Championship in 2023. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the discussion on Golf Foundation statistics, Texas ranking fifth in the U.S. Topics include neighbors watching football and others will be hiking, fishing, and hunting on the weekends, often leaving your favorite course; and BlackHorse Ranch community, about thirty miles northwest of downtown Houston.

The article from Golf Magazine features a roundtable discussion with renowned course designers Tom Doak, Bill Coore, Rob Collins, and Andrew Green about the Top 100 Courses in the U.S. list. The designers express ambivalence towards rankings, citing subjectivity and personal preferences in determining the best golf courses. They discuss how rankings influence architectural tastes and trends, with each designer offering their own perspective on what makes a golf course list-worthy. The conversation highlights the complexity of ranking golf courses and the unique qualities that make each course special. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the research on water use and needs of cool-season turfgrass, specifically Agrostis species, compared to other cool-season turfgrasses. It discusses the history of water conservation and quantification methods, reviews research on evapotranspiration and deficit irrigation, and highlights the importance of understanding plant water loss and developing water conservation strategies for improved irrigation efficiency.

The article presents the discussion on managing root zone moisture being critical to both the health and performance. Topics include ensuring adequate water for root uptake while preserving firm and dry surfaces; and collecting samples from sand based research putting greens constructed and managed under representative maintainance practices.

The article "Before you build that golf course..." by Geoffrey S. Cornish, a Golf Course Architect, discusses the surge in golf course construction in North America and the considerations to keep in mind before building a new course. It highlights the importance of adequate financing and addresses concerns about competition from municipal courses. The article provides insights into the profitability of well-designed and well-maintained courses, emphasizing the need for careful planning and realistic expectations for financial returns. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Golf Course Architecture discusses the role of a golf course architect as a project manager. The author emphasizes the importance of skills such as planning, leadership, communication, and quality control in this role. They also highlight their commitment to delivering sustainable golf course design solutions that respect the environment and landscape. The author mentions their involvement in initiatives to promote women's play and improve participation and retention. They explain the process of creating a masterplan, adjusting hazards and tees to accommodate different skill levels, and working with a team of professionals. The author also discusses their role in overseeing the construction phase, ensuring that the contractor follows the plan and specifications. They emphasize the importance of communication, patience, and education in their work as golf course architects. [Extracted from the article]

The Mimosa Plus Golf Course in the Philippines has reopened after a 36-hole renovation overseen by the Nelson & Haworth design firm. The golf complex was built in the mid-1990s on Clark Field, a former US air base that was damaged in 1991 by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo. The course saw little investment or maintenance after a change of ownership in 2016, but a new ownership in 2024 led to improvements in playing conditions and the spread of play over the 36 holes. In other news, the Gold Hill Country Club in South Korea is set to open after construction began in 2019. The course, designed by a local architect, has changed hands a few times and is now being completed by Ramid Group and Troon. Troon International will provide support in various areas, and Troon Golf will manage and operate the club. Lastly, golf course architect Neil Haworth passed away in June 2024. He had a successful career designing courses in various countries, including China, Canada, and Singapore. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents research on efficacy of late-season bermudagrass removal using herbicide combinations. Topics discussed include that the experiment was initiated on October 3, 2013, at the Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center in Manhattan, Kannas; seven herbicide treatments containing glyphosate, fluazifop and mesotrione were arranged in a block design with four replications at each site; and also discussed the result of several treatments done.