26 TEE BOX Drew Rogers is preparing for another phase of renovation work at Plum Hollow Country Club in Southfield, Michigan. In 2023 he will conduct studies of the practice facilities and green surfaces, and continue landscape work that he says “will present the course with heightened colours, textures and long, dramatic views”. This work builds on projects already completed, beginning with f loodplain remediation work in winter 2019 and renovations associated with the impacted holes in spring 2021. Rogers also completed a tee and bunker renovation project in 2021. “Tees were enlarged and rearranged with more varied playing angles,” said Rogers. “The bunker character is quite bold, with features of great scale and depth, more in the character that Hugh Alison likely built. Trees were also removed to open up the playing corridors so that dramatic vistas would be restored throughout the property and fairways could be properly aligned to their intended widths and angles. “Our goal for the overall project was to re-establish playing strategies, improve course conditions and aesthetics and to provide greater balance. Speed of play and overall enjoyment are part of that equation as well.” Work has been well received by the membership. “It has been really pleasing to have members remark about all the playing options that are now in effect that were previously unrealised,” said Zachary Savas, president of Plum Hollow. “Drew has been able to create more variety, especially around the greens with more runoff and bailout areas. The members exude nothing but pride now. New member interest has also seen an uptick, along with our ability to raise the initiation fees.” The cover story of the latest issue of By Design magazine – produced for the American Society of Golf Course Architects by the team responsible for GCA – sees architects discuss the techniques they employ when working on sites with significant elevation change. “It’s important to consider the site’s natural features,” says Kevin Atkinson, who has completed several projects where severe elevation change was a factor. “Distant views play a key role in the memorability of golf holes.” The Winter issue of By Design also includes an interview with new ASGCA president Brit Stenson, thoughts from Todd Quitno on the trade-off between slope and speed when designing greens, and profiles of the five projects recognised in the 2022 ASGCA Environmental Excellence Awards. To download the latest issue and subscribe to By Design, visit www.asgca.org “ It’s important to consider the site’s natural features” GOOD READ BY DESIGN Excellence in Golf Design from the American Society of Golf Course Archite cts IN AT THE STEEP END How do golf course architects cope with the challenges of extreme elevation change? ALSO: // Greens: speed v slope // Environmental Excellence // ASGCA Annual Meeting CRITICAL THINKER ASGCA President Brit Stenson discusses his work around the globe and a focus on sustainability ISSUE 60 // WINTER 2022 Photo: Drew Rogers Rogers gears up for more work at Plum Hollow
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