Digital Edition: Issue 84, April 2026

The global journal of golf design and development I SSUE 84 APRIL 2026

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1 WELCOME ADAM LAWRENCE Virtual design Golf course architects have used technology to help them in their work for a long time. Computer aided design (CAD) systems are not universal across the industry – if you are working in natural sand on a property that requires only shaping, rather than actual grading, a CAD system is probably more trouble than it is worth. But when a substantial earthmove is needed, and earthmoving is charged by the cubic metre, CAD can help calculate the earthworks required, ensure that the finished course will drain properly, and make the production of construction drawings much easier. So, designing on a computer is nothing new. Designing for a computer though, is rather different. There have been course design tools available for popular golf computer games for some time. But the launch, a couple of years ago, of the TGL simulator golf league backed by Tiger Woods has raised the profile of ‘virtual’ course design. When designing holes that will likely only ever exist on a computer screen, the practicalities of construction, routing and so on do not exist; the only limitation is the architect’s imagination. TGL holes such as Agustin Piza’s ‘Cenote’, inspired by Yucatan limestone sinkholes and featuring an island green on top of a rock stack, with a large grass ‘funnel’ beyond it, enabling the player either to fire straight onto the green itself, or to play onto the funnel and have the ball release back to the putting surface, could obviously not exist in real life: not least in terms of permitting. Constructing something on that scale would also be financially inconceivable even in today’s crazy golf market. The question is, are there lessons that real-world golf design can take from the virtual environment? One does not have to replicate something to be inspired by it. And if virtual golf encourages architects to create something new and different, rather than just building another Redan, will that be a good thing?

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The Art and Science of Golf Course Architecture Kasugai Country Club, East Course, Japan Photo:Taku Miyamoto USA +1-707-526-7190 • golfplan@golfplan.com • www.golfplan.com Golfplan Host Course 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026

5 Follow Golf Course Architecture: PEFC Certi ed This product is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources www.pefc.org PEFC/16-33-576 Golf Course Architecture is published with the support and guidance of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, the European Institute of Golf Course Architects, and GEO Foundation. Contributing Editor Adam Lawrence News Editor Richard Humphreys Editorial team Rebecca Gibson, Kasturi Datta, Laura Hyde, Alex Smith Contributors Rogelio Abarca, Carl Eberts, Stacie Zinn Roberts Design Bruce Graham, Libby Sidebotham, Dhanika Vansia Publisher Toby Ingleton Publication & Sales Manager Benedict Pask Production Manager Stuart Fairbrother Website Development Chris Jackson Circulation Sophia Brinkley Subscribe www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/ subscribe Photography ASGCA, Jan Bel Jan, Brandon Johnson, Neil Crafter, Curley-Wagner Golf Design, Dainton Golf Club, Delray Beach Golf Club, Joann Dost, FireRock Country Club, Founders Group International, Fry/Straka, Golf Design India, Golfgraffix, Grupo Vidanta, Harris Kalinka, Cheah Kok Aik, John Henebry, Bill Hornstein, Hunter Industries, Huxham Golf Design, Chris King, Pat Koenig, Krause Golf Design, Larry Lambrecht, Landscapes Unlimited, Lawrence Golf Design, Megalodome Golf, Darius Oliver, Plover Cove Golf Club, Rancho San Lucas, Royal St David’s, Evan Schiller, Watermark Golf Design, West Cliffs, WinStar World, Yale Golf Course, Zimbali Lakes Published by Tudor Rose Tudor House, 6 Friar Lane Leicester LE1 5RA Tel: +44 116 222 9900 www.tudor-rose.co.uk ISSN 1745-3585 (print) ISSN 2754-9828 (online) Printed in Great Britain by Micropress Printers. © 2026 Tudor Rose Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be stored or transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any means, including whether by photocopying, scanning, downloading onto computer or otherwise without the prior written permission from Tudor Rose Holdings Ltd. Views expressed in Golf Course Architecture are not necessarily those of the publishers. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply official endorsement of the products or services concerned. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of content, no responsibility can be taken for any errors and/or omissions. Readers should take appropriate professional advice before acting on any issue raised herein. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject advertising material and editorial contributions. The publisher assumes no liability for the return of unsolicited art, photography or manuscripts. It is assumed that any images taken from sources which are widely distributed, such as on the Web, are in the public domain. It is recognised though that since such images tend to be passed freely between sources it is not always possible to track the original source. If copyrighted material has ended up being treated as public domain due to the original source not being identified please contact the publisher, Tudor Rose. Golf Course Architecture (ISSN No: 1745-3585) is published quarterly by Tudor Rose, and distributed in the USA by Asendia USA, 701 Ashland Ave, Folcroft PA. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is pending at Philadelphia, PA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Golf Course Architecture, 701 Ashland Ave, Folcroft, PA. 19032.

www.bycaspar.com caspar@bycaspar.com +45 26 143434 Golf design that inspires By Caspar creates golf courses that are memorable and thought-provoking and will keep golfers coming back for more Past President of the EIGCA, Caspar Grauballe is one of Europe’s most respected golf designers. Designer of Black Water Links and current renovations at Losby Golf Club in Norway and Namchon GC in South Korea among others. Contact Caspar today to inspire your next project Sustainable Economical Unique

8 TEE BOX 10 Our Tee Box section kicks off with news about the reopening of Yale Golf Course in Connecticut, following a restoration by Hanse Golf Design. INSIGHTS 33 Golf architect Rogelio Abarca talks about the leastdisturbance approach that Greg Norman’s design firm has taken for its projects in Mexico. 39 Hunter’s Carl Eberts speaks about Centro Nacional de Golf in Madrid, which revamped its golf course irrigation to meet a sustainability target and enhance playability. FEATURE 42 Not every course can be built on land that is perfectly suited to golf. We ask architects about the most difficult sites of their careers. PROFILED 66 Pete Dye’s iconic Teeth of the Dog design has been restored and rebuilt to withstand the Dominican Republic’s harsh coastal climate. Cover photograph by: Pat Koenig CONTENTS

9 INTERVIEW 50 Adam Lawrence speaks with Jan Bel Jan about her career and her desire to see more women in the golf course architecture industry. REPORTS 72 For the new Plover Cove course in Hong Kong, Fry/Straka, Turfgrass and Flagstick are transforming over 50 hectares of restored landfill. 76 Brian Curley routes a new course over dramatic mountain terrain in the East Java region of Indonesia. 81 Stacie Zinn Roberts reports on a renovation project at casino resort WinStar World, where the golf course is set to reopen with upgraded playing surfaces. HOLING OUT 84 We close the issue by checking out an ambitious plan to build a nine-hole course under a series of huge domes. ON SITE 58 Brandon Johnson has renovated the King’s North course in Myrtle Beach, one of the earliest Arnold Palmer designs.

TEE BOX Hanse completes restoration at Yale Project team makes use of treasure trove of historic materials to ‘capture the genius’ of famed Seth Raynor layout 10

11 Yale Golf Course in New Haven, Connecticut, has reopened following a restoration by Hanse Golf Design. The layout, which first opened in 1926, was designed by Seth Raynor – with Charles Blair Macdonald consulting – and it occupies a rocky, heavily wooded site four miles west of Yale University. “Our primary goal throughout the restoration was to ensure an authentic and accurate revival of Raynor’s original vision,” said Ben Hillard, golf course architect at Hanse Golf Design. “This was a deliberate, research-driven process that guided every step of our work. From the outset, our team approached Yale with a profound respect for Raynor’s architectural philosophy and his work. However, our objective for this project was to identify what exactly Raynor built at Yale and to restore it faithfully.” The restoration began with a holistic assessment of the entire site, considering its historical evolution, current functionality and day-to-day use. The project team made use of an array of historic materials to inform their design decisions, including 1930s aerial photographs, original hole descriptions by Charles Banks (an associate of Raynor on the project), original construction progress reports, plus articles and reviews from the course’s opening. “Insights from former Yale Men’s Golf Team coach Colin Sheehan have been invaluable,” said Hillard. “Colin’s extensive knowledge of the course’s evolution, including personal anecdotes from long-time players, provided context that helped us interpret subtle design features, such as the nuanced contours of the tenth green, which once funnelled wellplayed putts to specific pin locations.” Two resources were especially instrumental in Hanse Golf Design’s efforts: the Yale archives and the course itself. “The archives offered a rich photographic chronicle of the course’s original construction, featuring multiple perspectives of each hole throughout various stages,” said Hillard. “While the Photo:Evan Schiller An archive photo that shows the original Double Punchbowl third green Photo: Yale Golf Course

www.turfgrass.golf HANDS ON. UP CLOSE.

13 course, remarkably preserved beneath decades of superficial alterations, served as an archaeological site. With careful investigation, we uncovered many original features. “Throughout nearly a century of evolution, the course had experienced inevitable changes: overgrown vegetation, reduced fairways and greens, modified or abandoned bunkers, and new or altered tees.” The restoration began with an extensive vegetation management plan, which reopened playing corridors and allowed for the original scale of fairways and greens to be restored, reintroducing lost angles of play. Every green was also expanded, back to its intended dimensions. “Our research revealed that greens on one, five, six, nine, ten, thirteen, seventeen and eighteen had undergone changes over the years,” said Hillard. “Fortunately, since none of the putting surfaces had ever been completely rebuilt, we could look at the distinct soil layers within each green’s profile and identify the original material Raynor used to finish the surfaces in 1925. By carefully excavating the various layers, we traced this foundational layer across the entire green, enabling us to accurately restore the original contours. “Once we confirmed that the restored slopes and potential pin placements would accommodate modern green speeds, we employed 3D mapping technology to scan the greens. This allowed us to reconstruct each green profile and recreate Raynor’s original contours.” One of the biggest changes was on the third, an Alps hole with a Double Punchbowl green. “Several key features of this hole had been changed over time,” said Hillard. “The original green was no longer there. Restoring the Double Punchbowl became a pivotal and exhilarating aspect of our project. We discovered that the newer green had been built three to four feet above the original surface using imported material. Through careful excavation, we uncovered substantial remnants of the original green, along with the bunker situated on the right side. Supplementing these findings, archival photographs taken from multiple angles helped us piece together the original contours and green surrounds. “Raynor had incorporated a section of fairway feeding into the green from over the Alps mound. This fairway, functioning almost like a catcher’s mitt, offered golfers a creative avenue for approach shots and recovery. Over time, however, this fairway was abandoned and became engulfed by tall grasses and dense shrubs. With the fairway now restored the original strategy and design intent of the hole can be seen and the third is a fine example of the Alps-Punchbowl templates Raynor designed elsewhere, notably the fourth at Fishers Island.” On the sixth hole, two ‘inverted’ bunkers – where the sand lies on a mound, rather than in a depression – have been restored, and all bunkers have been lined with Better Billy Bunker. “Yale Golf Course stands as perhaps the boldest example of golf course architecture in the United States, a synergy of Raynor’s daring design and a remarkable landscape,” said Hillard. “Our team’s intent was to ensure that every decision was rooted in historical accuracy and respect for Raynor’s legacy. The result is a course that once again captures the genius of the original, offering players the unique experience Raynor envisioned nearly a century ago.” TEE BOX Photo: Evan Schiller Hanse’s work on the third included reinstating the second fairway area that funnels balls towards the putting surface, and recreating the Double Punchbowl green

14 The Ernie Els Design golf course at Zimbali Lakes on the KwaZuluNatal North Coast, north of Durban, South Africa, has completed its first full season. The golf course is the centrepiece of a huge development, led by IFA Hotels & Resorts and estimated to cost US$500 million, which includes residential property, a resort, a 20-hectare lake, retail facilities and leisure amenities. “The original site consisted largely of rolling coastal terrain with natural vegetation and areas that had previously been used for agriculture,” said Thinus Rosslee, director of golf at Zimbali Lakes. “Rather than heavily reshaping the land, the philosophy was to work with the natural contours to create a course that feels authentic to the landscape of the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. The transformation focused on enhancing the natural undulation, incorporating existing water features, and introducing strategic bunkering and shaping to create visual appeal and playability. The result is a golf course that feels open and inviting yet still provides strategic challenges for golfers of all levels.” Golf Data, a South African-based golf course and landscape company, consulted with Ernie Els and his design partner Greg Letsche on the routing. “The focus was on creating a balanced routing that flows naturally through the property,” said Roslee. “The wider Zimbali Lakes development certainly influenced the routing, particularly in how certain holes frame views toward the lakes, clubhouse and surrounding landscape.” Roslee highlights the eighteenth for its visual impact and strategic design. “It encourages golfers to make a decision off the tee... whether to play conservatively for position or take on a more aggressive line to set up a shorter approach,” he said. “The green complex has been designed with subtle contouring to reward precise approach shots.” A Rain Bird irrigation system, using recycled grey water from utility company Siza Water, ensures efficient Els design at Zimbali Lakes ‘authentic to the landscape’ TEE BOX

15 Photo: Zimbali Lakes water management. Additional water rights to the Tongati River allow the club to adopt an eco-conscious approach to course maintenance, with no potable water used for irrigation. “The main clientele includes real estate residents, tourists as well as golfers from nearby areas like Ballito and Durban,” said Roslee. “The KwaZulu-Natal North Coast has seen tremendous growth in recent years, and the golf course has quickly become one of the region’s key attractions. The number of rounds has steadily increased, and the course is already establishing itself as a must-play destination for golfers visiting the North Coast.” Construction has started on the new Douglas Links golf course on New Zealand’s North Island. The site for the new 18-hole layout is sandy duneland near Waikawa Beach – within the village of Ōhau – around an hour’s drive north of Wellington. “The property has some key features that were essential to include in the final routing, and in many ways these features made the overall layout puzzle less complex,” said Oliver. “Some of the ‘must-have’ holes will seem obvious, specifically the dune and the riverside holes, along with the beachfront area and its multi-green focal point. Others may be a little trickier to identify. For example, the first and sixth holes were essential to keep the layout walkable, while the likes of the second, third, fifth and eleventh were necessary to connect certain sections of the site, and to enable us to create an authentic links golf experience.” Construction is likely to take two years, with opening expected in 2028. Construction begins on Douglas Links in New Zealand Sandy was on Foxy, the legendary fourteenth hole at Royal Dornoch, in our last issue, a place where a great deal of GCA nerds have found their way over the years. By enormous irony, the first out of the hat, golf architect Stuart Rennie, has been a member of the Dornoch club since he was 12. Nevertheless, the hat’s word is law, and we congratulate Stuart on his win. This month, Sandy is in the southern United States, at one of the last flowerings of the Golden Age. The designer of this course really gained attention as the partner of a very famous Scottish architect, but later went on to build many great courses of his own. Quite enough of a clue: if you fancy a sought-after GCA golf shirt, send your entries, as usual, to gopher@golfcoursearchitecture.net. GOPHER WATCH Photo: Darius Oliver

DESIGNED WITH NATURE. DEFINED BY SUSTAINABILITY. Audubon International Certified Cooperative Sanctuary El Camaleón at Maykoba Playa del Carmen, Mexico

17 David Krause completes expansion project for Golf & More Huckingen Krause Golf Design has completed a long-term project that has involved the introduction of 13 new holes at Golf & More Huckingen in Duisburg, Germany. Previously 18 holes, the club has extended to 33 holes (including a six-hole short course) and has a large practice facility with double decker tees. “The expansion was a surgical integration into the existing facility to create a cohesive three-loop system,” said architect David Krause. He has reconfigured the existing 18 and designed three new holes for the North nine, two for the South and eight for the West. “Over the past 30 years of designing golf courses in the country, the local authority’s complex permit and post-permit procedures were like nothing I have experienced for an existing golf facility,” said Krause. Joseph Pötter Golf began construction in August 2024. “We hit a snag with high water after an extremely wet winter in 2024,” said Krause. “For the first time in the 20 years, the riverbed was flooded. A redesign was necessary to raise areas of play and control water.” A new stream – now named David’s Creek – has been created as part of an elaborate drainage system and network of ponds to ensure playability even when water levels are high. The third hole on the West nine is defined by the winding path of the creek. Darryl Spelman, construction supervisor for Joseph Pötter Golf, coordinated the task of constructing holes while golf operations continued on the site. “Just getting around was a real challenge as there are several bottlenecks and public pathways to contend with,” said Krause. Krause expects the driveable parfour seventh hole on the West nine to become a favourite: “It’s protected by a creek on the right and a pond in front. A signature old willow tree on the front-left of the pond makes even the layup shot a test of accuracy.” All construction and seeding were completed in late 2025. The North and South nines are open for play and the West nine is scheduled to open in August 2026. TEE BOX Photo: Krause Golf Design

18 TEE BOX THE BIG PICTURE The par-four seventeenth hole on the new Bone Valley course at the Streamsong Resort in Florida, as photographed by Evan Schiller. The new course, designed by David McLay Kidd, will open for preview play in October 2026 ahead of a grand opening in January 2027. It will be the fifth course at the resort, joining the Red, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw; Blue, by Tom Doak; Black, by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner; and The Chain, a 19-hole short layout by Coore and Crenshaw. Hole seventeen has been built over an area of duneland that also accommodates holes three and four on Streamsong Red. The left side of the hole is dominated by a sandy waste area that reaches into large dunes by the green. Kidd has positioned three fairway bunkers at a distance that will factor into tee shot selection for longer hitters. The green is best approached from the right, to avoid a menacing bunker to the left and take advantage of the ground game option. David McLay Kidd talks about Bone Valley and more in a recent episode of The Greenprint podcast, available on most streaming platforms.

Soluptatis ea ilignie nducid modi odi dolum vendem esciant harumenetUptatia vidit etur, optatem porion et queitius erundae rsperum quostrum que audigenisci si recus Photo: Evan Schiller 19

21 Photo: FireRock Country Club FireRock Country Club in Fountain Hills, Arizona, has reopened its golf course following a regrassing project. In 2019, the club was initially planning to replace the irrigation system, but discussions led to the development of a masterplan to address how the Gary Panks-designed course operates year-round in the desert climate. Architect Gary Brawley was brought in to consult on the project that would ultimately focus on regrassing the course. Stadium Zoysia, developed by Bladerunner Farms and supplied by West Coast Turf, was used on tees, fairways and green surrounds. The regrassing is expected to save FireRock more than 40 million gallons of water each year while also producing firmer and more consistent playing conditions. “Technically the course didn’t change at all,” said general manager Tim Geesey. “Because we installed Stadium Zoysia across the tees, fairways and surrounds, we knew we were defining those surfaces for the foreseeable future.” For years FireRock followed the traditional desert practice of overseeding ryegrass each winter, a system widely used throughout the region to maintain green playing surfaces during cooler months. However, the club’s irrigation water and high salinity levels made it increasingly difficult to maintain consistent turf conditions. “Our water supply was once described as the worst in the southwest,” said Geesey. “We were following the same practices as everyone else, trying to grow ryegrass and provide a good playing surface, but we just couldn’t.” The move to zoysia offered a different path for FireRock – it’s the first layout in Arizona to use Stadium Zoysia across its playing surfaces – and will eliminate the need for seasonal overseeding and allowing the course to remain open year-round except for routine aerification. Two months after reopening in November 2025, the club recorded about 4,700 rounds in January, 700 more than a typical January. “Those are April numbers for us,” said Geesey. Arizona’s FireRock club reopens with refreshed playing surfaces TEE BOX

22 TEE BOX Fifteen holes will drain into the new irrigation lake, enabling the club to recycle almost all runoff The nine-hole False River Golf and Country Club in Ventress, Louisiana, will reopen in autumn 2026 as an 18-hole course with Golden Age styling, designed by Nathan Crace. Located around 30 miles northwest of state capital Baton Rouge, False River has operated as a nine-hole facility since 1963. Local businessman Jim Moore bought the club and some adjacent land in 2023 and appointed in Crace to oversee a renovation and expansion project. “It was a typical nine-hole layout from the 1960s but it was in great condition,” COURSE BLUEPRINT False River G&CC The new parthree third features a Lion’s Mouth bunker For the new fourth hole, Crace has created a double dogleg The long par-four second and parfive sixth both have Biarritz greens The distinctive wedge shape of the course is a result of the French ‘arpent’ system of land division that is evident in Louisiana Holes three to five and ten to fifteen are entirely new, wrapping around the land once occupied by the old nine to create an 18-hole layout 80-foot-tall cypress trees at the back of the fourteenth green have been preserved Image: Watermark Golf | Nathan Crace Design 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

23 said Crace. “Mr Jim called me and said, ‘I’d like you to come look at this golf course I have and the 100 acres of land around it as I would like to make it an 18-holer’. At some point it became evident that money was not a major concern – he just wanted to do something nice for the community and to a high quality.” In September 2025, Crace and Mississippi-based Sports Contractors Unlimited began construction and tree management work. “Mr Jim didn’t want to do just another Louisiana-style golf course. The goal when we are done is for False River to look and feel like we completed a sympathetic restoration of a 110-year-old course that no one knew was hidden here. At False River, because we were essentially starting from scratch, we wanted to incorporate some elements of the Golden Age with some nods to different design theories. There are no true ‘template greens’, but we do have a modified Redan that goes left to right, an Alps hole, a really nice Punchbowl green, a Lion’s mouth and what I believe to be the only course on the planet with two Biarritz greens – on the long par-four second and parfive sixth that back up on one another with a low-cut area of turf in between. It’s a unique spot and fun.” All bunkers are being lined with Better Billy Bunker, irrigation will be Rain Bird, while all the short grass areas, fairways and tee surrounds will feature Laser Zoysia from Bladerunner Farms. Green surfaces will be TifEagle and rough will be TifTuf bermudagrass. The first plays as it was originally routed but with Crace renovating all features and shifting the tees for a new angle. He has lengthened the second hole by building a green in a new location, flipped the direction of the seventh, completely reworked the eighth and moved tees and the green on the ninth, which will play as the eighteenth. “There are only three corridors that still remain,” said Crace. “I almost hate to call it a renovation because we have completely blown the entire place up and created something new.” Read more about the False River project on the GCA website. Above, a visualisation of the new False River course. Left, Crace’s design for two adjacent Biarritz greens. Top, the new par-three third with a Lion’s Mouth bunker fronting the green Images: Golfgraffix

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25 Sanford-Ferris starts Delray Beach project Photo: Landscapes Unlimited Renovation at Carolina CC nears completion Landscapes Unlimited is nearing completion of a golf course renovation at Carolina Country Club, one of North Carolina’s oldest private clubs. Originally opened in 1910 as the Raleigh Country Club, it was renamed to Carolina Country Club in 1918 – it has remained in its original location since 1910. The private golf and country club is located in northern Raleigh. The Landscapes Unlimited on-site team has been led by Chris Kelley and Roberto San Juan, who have been working with architect Greg Muirhead of Rees Jones, Inc., Golf Water, Rain Bird and Turf Drainage Company of America. The project covers greens, bunkers, tees, regrassing, irrigation and drainage, with the aim to reduce maintenance resources while presenting high-quality course conditions. “The team has done a wonderful job improving sustainability and modernising the golf course while preserving the character of the 1930s AW Tillinghast redesign,” said Jack Slaughter, the club’s general manager. Kyle Johnson, the club’s director of grounds, added: “Unveiling an exceptional golf course that preserves traditional and adds contemporary infrastructure and features will make members prouder than ever to call Carolina Country Club home.” Dana Grode, vice president of Landscapes Unlimited, said: “Seeing ear-to-ear grins from members gives us incredible enjoyment and makes the blood, sweat and tears well worth it.” Image: Delray Beach Golf Club Construction is under way on a Sanford-Ferris Golf Design renovation at Delray Beach Golf Club in Florida. With nine holes laid out by Donald Ross and nine by Dick Wilson, architects John Sanford and David Ferris are working with NMP Golf Construction, Toro, Soleno and Golf Agronomics to unite the layout, while maintaining characteristics of the original designers. “Our plan is to peel back the layers to unearth the original Ross green perimeters and contours,” said Sanford. The architects have referenced original Ross plans and notes, and historic aerials of both nines. “Golfers will experience two different design styles and expanded practice facilities,” said Ferris. “All new infrastructure will allow the course to be maintained at a higher level.”

TEE BOX Q&A with Vijit Nandrajog “ The course feels like a natural extension of the valley” Vijit Nandrajog has designed a new golf course for Kharghar Valley near Mumbai, India. Kharghar Valley Golf Course in Maharashtra, India, has reopened as an 18-hole layout following a comprehensive project by Vijit Nandrajog of Golf Design India. Formerly a nine-hole layout, Kharghar Valley is in Navi Mumbai, one of India’s fastest growing cities. The golf course expansion is being led by the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO) – a government agency that plans and develops residential, industrial and social infrastructure projects – and was made possible by new land made available by CIDCO. What were your initial thoughts on the new land? The site is extremely picturesque and provides a beautiful setting for golf. During the design process of the project, restrictions in the use of some portion of the additional land led to a complete rerouting of the existing nine too. In effect, the layout is almost a completely new golf course. Could you describe your design approach at Kharghar? We moved away from the usual parkland style of courses built near Photo: Golf Design India 26

Indian cities and have opted to maximise the site’s dramatic ridges, valleys and rocky outcrops. The course feels like a natural extension of the valley, featuring undulating greens and rolling fairways that mirror the movement of the surrounding hills. At Kharghar, we have let the natural terrain lead the way in sculpting the layout – it has undulating playing surfaces, which is a welcome change from the usual urban courses in the region. It was our design intent to ensure that golfers get varied lies on every shot and can enjoy a shotmaking challenge. What were the key considerations on this project? We encountered a considerable amount of rock at Kharghar Valley, leading me to tweak my design in the field. This challenge resulted in the creation of one of the most fun and interesting holes on the course – a 290yard driveable par four that provides various options for play, mainly due to the hillside that could not be excavated due to the rock. In addition to rock, water was also a key consideration on the project as Mumbai gets an average annual rainfall of 2,000-3,000 millimetres. The heavy rainfall that the region gets during the monsoon season, plus the fact that the site sits as a bowl with a large catchment for water runoff from the surrounding hills, was a key factor in our design. To counter this, I carefully studied the natural hydrology of the site and exposed several natural water channels of varied scale where immense quantities of water flows across the site. Our design ensured that not only were all such natural channels retained, but they also governed how the golf course would be routed through the site whilst using these streams as hazards. By keeping the natural hydrology and patterns in mind, we retained and created drainage channels that don’t just move water, they add a layer of strategy that golfers must navigate thoughtfully. Water comes in to play on nine holes – the par-five fourteenth and par-four fifteenth are good examples of how the streams create risk-reward options. Drainage has also played a key role in the design of the course. Right from the start, one of the main objectives was to ensure that the course remains playable despite the heavy monsoons. To achieve this, the contouring of the land was carefully designed so that the natural ground contours are incorporated as much as possible and new landforms enhance the flow of water. Underground drainage pipes and large ponds were also added to collect and store the immense rainwater to irrigate the course. Vijit Nandrajog has extended Kharghar Valley from nine to 18 holes Photo: Golf Design India 27

29 GEO Foundation reveals its ‘Sustainable Golf Champions’ for 2026 GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf has recognised five golf industry professionals as ‘Sustainable Golf Champions’ for 2026. The programme celebrates those who advocate for sustainable and responsible design and construction decisions, and embedding sustainability into the development process. The five champions of 2026 include Jeremy Slessor of European Golf Design, Mark Adams of Faldo Design, Matthias Nemes of NCM Network, Dave Mathews of Dragon Golf Developments and Benjamin Silva of ProGolf. “We’re just very thankful for those who put their hands up to encourage their new clients on a sustainability journey with us in their projects,” said Sam Thomas of GEO Foundation. “We’re impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment that those in the field show towards a sustainable approach to construct golf courses.” Read more about the ‘Sustainable Golf Champions’ on the GCA website. Photo: West Cliffs TEE BOX Royal St David’s Golf Club in Harlech, Wales, has reopened its fifteenth hole following a redesign by Mackenzie & Ebert to combat consistent water damage from a high water table. “As a links course we are trying to promote firm, fast surfaces and this was proving impossible with the hole being in the water table,” said Rhys Butler, links manager at Royal St David’s. “During extreme conditions the hole could be closed for weeks at a time.” This project is the latest of a series of changes that have been completed at Royal St David’s. In November 2022, Toro’s Lynx Control System with LSM technology was installed along with Flex and T5 sprinklers. Read more about Mackenzie & Ebert’s work at the club on the GCA website. Mackenzie & Ebert redesigns fifteenth hole at Royal St David’s The construction of West Cliffs in Portugal was overseen by Benjamim Silva, one of GEO Foundation’s Sustainable Golf Champions for 2026 Photo: Royal St David’s

AMERICA’S MOST RESILIENT GRASS TOLERANCE AND SURFACE PLAYABILITY OF SELECTED BERMUDAGRASS OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY’S EVALUATION OF FALL TRAFFIC IN TRAFFIC TOLERANCE AND TENSILE STRENGTH “BIMINI® is the last grass to show any signs of cold weather and the first one that’s back to 100%.” MIKE HENDRIX IMPERIAL GOLF CLUB INC. NAPLES FL www.biminibermuda.com FIND BIMINI NEAR YOU @ PHOTOGRAPHED AT

31 Photo: Lawrence Golf Design TEE BOX Jeff Lawrence is leading a comprehensive renovation and redesign of the golf course at Holly Tree Country Club, in his home town of Greenville, South Carolina. The course was laid out by George Cobb in 1973 and has seen few changes since. Lawrence is overseeing the redesign of every green complex, bunker reconstruction, tee work, the reshaping of three holes, regrassing, drainage upgrades and the installation of a new Toro irrigation system. “The club has made a significant commitment to undertake a comprehensive redesign project aimed at modernising the golf course and reinforcing its position within the competitive Greenville golf market,” said Lawrence. “This renovation ensures the course maintains a competitive edge while elevating the overall playing experience to meet modern expectations. “Each hole will possess its own distinct design character and strategic identity, offering a wide variety of playable attributes. This is essentially an enhanced look and feel that maximises the property’s natural elements while incorporating impactful architectural features that elevate both strategy and enjoyment.” Greens are a key focus of the project. Each will be significantly expanded to offer a wider range of pin positions and thought-provoking strategy. “Every green site has been uniquely designed to provide variety, intrigue and multiple strategic options for all skill levels,” said Lawrence. “These newly crafted putting surfaces introduce greater creativity and nuance, requiring thoughtful course management and rewarding wellexecuted approach shots in ways not previously experienced.” Surrounding the greens, new tightly mown collection areas are being introduced to expand recovery shot options, allowing players to use any club in the bag, and to add visual interest. “Bunkers will be more intentional and strategically positioned, adding visual interest while reinforcing shot values throughout the course,” said Lawrence. They will also feature liner from Better Billy Bunker. Duininck Golf is responsible for construction, KDC Irrigation is installing the Toro system, Golf Agronomics is providing the gravel and greens mix, and New Life Turf is providing Tahoma 31, 419 bermuda sod and TifEagle sprigs. “With the installation of a new irrigation system, upgraded turf varieties and high-quality construction practices, the overall conditioning will reach an elevated level of consistency and performance,” said Lawrence. “The result will be firmer, faster playing conditions that complement the architectural enhancements and provide a transformative golf experience for Holly Tree.” Jeff Lawrence oversees first major renovation of Holly Tree CC

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33 ROGELIO ABARCA INSIGHT Greg Norman Golf Course Design’s first project in Mexico was El Camaleón at Mayakoba, completed in 2004, followed by Playa Mujeres in 2005. These early designs introduced us to the extraordinary ecological richness of the region, where dense jungle, mangroves and coastal ecosystems demanded a thoughtful and restrained approach to design. From the outset, our ‘least disturbance’ design philosophy guided the work. In environments like Riviera Maya where El Camaleón was built, the goal was not to impose a golf course onto the landscape, but to carefully shape the course within it. Many natural elements had to be preserved while working with the terrain and surrounding biodiversity. That approach ultimately contributed to the layout being certified by Audubon International, reflecting a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship. Over the years, we have completed many more projects across Mexico, but our focus has remained consistent: respecting the natural environment while creating memorable golf experiences that reflect the unique character of each landscape in which we work. Mexico offers an extraordinary range of landscapes, and we have had the privilege of designing courses across many of them. In Riviera Maya, the terrain is defined by dense jungle, cenotes and natural waterways, where the richness of the ecosystem requires a thoughtful approach that carefully works within the existing environment. The ecosystems of Los Cabos, where we have projects like Solmar Golf Links, are characterised by a unique mix of desert, mountains, the Pacific Ocean and coral reefs of high biodiversity. The design embraces the natural contours, arroyos and coastal vistas, allowing the course to look like it has been part of the landscape for generations. Along Mexico’s Pacific coast, the Norman course at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta presented a very different setting, where expansive beaches meet the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. A least-disturbance approach to design in Mexico has delivered distinctive playing experiences within natural settings. Where diverse landscapes define great golf

35 In this landscape, the design balances oceanfront character with the broader natural backdrop of mountains, vegetation and coastal ecosystems. We have also worked in a completely different context in Mexico City, at Club de Golf Chapultepec, located within one of the world’s largest and most dynamic metropolitan areas. There, the design responds to an established historic setting, preserving the distinctive character of the landscape. Across all these environments, our approach remains consistent. We allow the landscape to guide the design, integrating the golf course into the natural character of each site. The goal is always to create courses that feel inseparable from their surroundings. Golf courses often play a central role in the success of resort and residential developments because they help define the identity of a destination. A welldesigned course becomes far more than an amenity; it becomes a focal point that attracts visitors, encourages tourism and enhances the long-term value of the surrounding development. In Mexico, many of our projects have contributed to the growth of golf tourism by offering distinctive playing experiences within natural settings. While we do not fundamentally design differently for these projects, each course is shaped by two key factors: the natural characteristics of the site and the objectives of the client. When golf is thoughtfully integrated into a project, it can become a powerful catalyst for growth. A compelling course can elevate the global profile of a destination, support higher hotel occupancy and room rates, and enhance the value of surrounding real estate. It also creates opportunities to host professional tournaments and marquee events, which further strengthen the visibility and reputation of the destination within the global golf community. Our courses in Mexico have hosted events on the PGA Tour, LIV Golf and LPGA Tour, helping to establish their regions as world-class golf destinations. While championship courses continue to play this role at the highest level, the evolution of resort destinations has also created demand for more flexible and accessible golf experiences. Short courses are playing an increasingly important role in the continued growth of golf in Mexico because they introduce a strong social and recreational dimension to the game. In many resort destinations, short courses also respond to how visitors want to experience golf while travelling. In locations such as Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, we have been involved in developing short course concepts at Playa Mujeres, Mandarina and the upcoming Tezcalame Photo: Rancho San Lucas Solmar Golf Links at the Rancho San Lucas community in Los Cabos embraces the site’s natural contours, arroyos and coastal views

37 INSIGHT development. In these destinations, short courses offer a flexible alternative to an 18-hole round, allowing guests to enjoy a high-quality golf experience in a shorter timeframe, often in a more social setting that can even extend into evening play. They also provide an attractive option for new resort and residential developments that may not have the land or scale required for a full championship layout. In these cases, a well-designed short course can deliver a compelling golf experience while requiring a smaller footprint and lower construction and maintenance investment. For developers, this creates an opportunity to enhance the value and appeal of a destination while introducing golf to a broader audience. Latin America is one of the most vibrant and dynamic markets for golf development. We continue to see strong demand for projects that range from new championship courses to renovations of historic clubs and the introduction of shorter formats that broaden the appeal of the game. Across the region, we are currently working on several new championship courses that reflect the diversity of landscapes and destinations where golf continues to grow. At the same time, we are also engaged in renovation work at some of the region’s most established clubs with these projects focus on modernising the courses while preserving their character and strengthening the overall playing experience. In addition, we are developing short format and nine-hole courses that reflect the evolving ways people engage with golf today. Projects like Tezcalame are designed to provide high-quality golf experiences in a more flexible format that complements resort destinations and emerging developments. There is a great diversity of golf developments across Latin America and there is continued momentum within the region as a global golf destination. Rogelio Abarca is a golf course architect at Greg Norman Golf Course Design Photo: Grupo Vidanta The Vidanta Vallarta course lies alongside the Ameca River, where the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range meet the Pacific Ocean “ Latin America is one of the most vibrant and dynamic markets for golf development”

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39 CARL EBERTS INSIGHT When the Royal Spanish Golf Federation established Centro Nacional de Golf in 2006, the goal was clear: create a world-renowned, beautifully designed golf course dedicated to advancing the game. The Madrid club has long been recognised for embracing innovative technologies that improve operations while ensuring playability. But as expectations around sustainability, water stewardship and championshiplevel conditioning increased over time, its previous irrigation system – built around complex wiring and dozens of controllers managing 50 stations each – limited flexibility and made precise water management difficult. Water efficiency required constant manual oversight, adjustments were timeconsuming and strategic improvements were constrained. Centro Nacional embraced a transformative upgrade to meet its long-term goals. It adopted the Hunter Pilot Control Network in 2022, which created a fundamental shift in approach to irrigation control. Pilot Command Centre Software (CCS) is a central control platform engineered to simplify complex irrigation demands while delivering flexibility and performance. Designed for both conventional and two-wire installations, it allows superintendents to manage every sprinkler and station according to their own management style and course needs. Pilot CCS consolidates daily operations into one intuitive interface, allowing the agronomy team to adjust irrigation run times or leverage evapotranspiration-based scheduling for weather-driven precision. Flowbalancing capabilities optimise irrigation cycles based on daily turf needs, while hydraulic modelling accounts for pipe diameter to ensure precise water distribution throughout the course. By optimising water windows and preventing pressure spikes, the club has reduced water waste while improving distribution uniformity. In an arid region like Madrid, where conservation is critical, the precision of the Pilot network supports environmental Centro Nacional de Golf in Madrid revamped its golf course irrigation to meet a sustainability target and enhance playability. Protecting a course’s design integrity

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