A Sense of Place

But what of a site that is featureless? How does one create a “sense of place” in an environment that is essentially lacking anything of note? Of course one could argue that a flat featureless site may not be ideal for golf in the first place. In fact I recall the late Architect William Flynn - who would design one of the most identifiable golf courses in Shinnecock Hills - writing that “to have a satisfactory golf course you must first secure a suitable piece of land over which to lay it out”.

There is truth in that but I am still convinced you can create an identifiable and unique golf course, with a sense of belonging, on a very ordinary parcel of land. One great example of this is Old Memorial in Florida. What was essentially a flat somewhat featureless site (bisected by a power-line) was transformed into a spectacular golfing oasis that looks like it was carved out of the Florida everglades. It is memorable and strategic golf in every way, even if it is situated in the suburbs. Architect Steve Smyers worked tirelessly on the detail to ensure that the character of the course conformed to the landscape you find in Florida. Old Memorial is a great example how a golf course can enhance its landscape immeasurably.

There is no question that my favourite golf courses are those that have a sense of belonging. I enjoy strategic golf very much but am just as infatuated by a golf journey being a sense of discovery and adventure. If I am to remember a hole then it needs to be a strategic feast or carry a feature or features that are memorable to me and complement its environment.

To use a couple of examples: it’s hard to forget the rail line that divide some of the holes at the Royal Colombo Golf Club in Sri Lanka or the temples that watch over some of the course at the old Delhi Golf Club. I clearly remember the walk from the 16th green at Danang Golf Club, which passes an Indochina War-era bunker, and the rickety clubhouse at the unique Royal West Norfolk Golf Club in England will live long in the memory.

Even the entrance drive has an ability to set the tone and create a sense of belonging, as is the case at the Royal Golf Club de Belgique or Utrecht De Pan in the Low Countries. What of the outstanding views from the clubhouse at Shinnecock Hills or from the 17th green at Crystal Downs? Add who can forget the noises that steam out of the bush at Leopard Creek or even Sun City in South Africa? Would Royal County Down be as identifiable without its maram grass-clad bunkers and would Walton Heath be as good without all that heather grass?

It’s no secret that a good number of golf courses simply exist with little (if any) relationship with their surroundings. These courses often lack memorability - and they are difficult to play because there is nothing to discover or arouse our senses. Moving forward we need more golf courses that complement their space and carry features that enhance the experience. A sense of place is important in every form of architecture, especially golf course architecture.