Features
AND WHICH HOLE
No. 9 at the Gary Player Country Club is
spectacular. There are plans to change the
course and make this hole No. 18 so it can
be the finishing hole of the Nedbank Golf
Challenge which I am proud to host.
that takes 6 hours to complete, it makes
playing difficult for amateurs to enjoy.
WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT/
CHALLENGING THING ABOUT
DESIGNING A GOLF COURSE?
Technology has vastly improved and brought
new efficiencies to the actual design process.
We used to do everything by hand, and
now we digitize grading plans so that the
delivery as well as any modifications along
the way, are instantaneous. Finding the right
developer to work with is key.
WHICH TYPE OF DESIGNS DO YOU
LIKE BEST? LINKS/WOODLAND/
WATER/ETC.
The Links style of golf course is my absolute
favourite. Golf began on this style of course
so I’m thrilled when that is the developer’s
preference.
IS THERE A CERTAIN
CHARACTERISTIC WHICH YOU CAN
RECOGNISE YOUR DESIGNS BY?
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR
INSPIRATION?
Look around at this beautiful earth! When
you get to 81, every day is a good day and
waking up in the morning in good health is all
the motivation and inspiration I need.
WHAT MAKES A GOLF COURSE
GOOD?
In my opinion the best courses are the ones
that take the environment into account when
they are designed and built. I am a farmer at
heart. Wasting water by making courses too
long is never ideal. When you have a round
Our goal is to make a course that is
environmentally friendly and aesthetically
pleasing. Using the contrast of natural grasses
and indigenous plants can no doubt enhance
the overall appeal. But of course, we design
our courses to be playable for all levels of
golfers and to what developers demand.
IS THERE A COURSE YOU HAVE
DESIGNED THAT WOULD YOU LIKE
TO DO OVER? WHY?
At some point, every course needs some sort
of redesign or updating as it ages. Whether it
is putting in new grass varietals, bunkers, tee
boxes, etc.
Golf Industry Central I Spring 2017
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