New short course to open at Chester Valley in summer 2025
A new six-hole par-three course designed by Jim Nagle will open in summer 2025 at Chester Valley Golf Club in Malvern, Pennsylvania.
Plans for a short course have been in the works for nearly 30 years, since Forse Design developed a masterplan for the club. A par-three layout was proposed for an area previously occupied by two holes from Chester Valley’s original course routing.
In 2024, the club approved an updated design by Jim Nagle of Nagle Design Works, comprising six holes of between 50 and 125 yards, with an integrated short-game area. Landscapes Unlimited completed the two-month construction in December 2024, and the course is now growing in.
“The holes are routed in a counterclockwise fashion, starting at the lowest point and playing uphill before levelling off for holes three through five and ending with the downhill sixth,” said Nagle. “The course has three bunkerless greens. The greens and surrounds have expansive roll-off areas, creating variety and interest for those missing the green while also allowing for ease in recovery to reinforce the creativity and learning of a deft short game. The bunkers provide challenge but also contain errant shots.”
CapillaryFlow bunker liner systems have been installed in all bunkers.
Nagle said: “The greens are moderately undulating, with slopes allowing for plenty of hole locations while having enough changes in slope to maintain interest for more experienced golfers and not being too flat to complicate putting for inexperienced players.
“The expanse of fine turf allows holes to be played from a variety of angles and distances beyond traditional single-use tees.”
The short-game area allows golfers to practice shots of up to 75 yards. “The green is designed to receive shots from multiple positions, increasing the ability to be used by more than one person at a time,” said Nagle. “There is ample width for coaches to conduct clinics for multiple people.”
Nagle’s design required modifications to accommodate the need for groundwater recharge basins, as required by the local municipality to comply with stormwater management practices. “The recharge basins created forced carries on three holes,” said Nagle. “Luckily, we were able to position the features in a manner that provided an opportunity to play around, or required a short carry over, the basins. Rather than seeing them as a hindrance, the team incorporated them into the course as a feature and was able to expand the use of fine fescue rather than a maintained rough, in some cases.”
For Nagle, attracting new and younger golfers has been the key aim of the project. “Both the six-hole layout and short-game area provide a total learning experience, allowing golfers to hit a multitude of clubs before advancing to the longer 18-hole course,” he said. “The layout provides the opportunity to multiple generations, families and golfers of varied abilities to have an enjoyable golf experience together. A future component is a sand or compacted gravel walk path around the course to allow non-golfers to enjoy the property while family or friends play. This may prove to be an opportunity for that person to gain enough interest to pick up the game!”
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Nagle Design Works
A new six-hole par-three course designed by Jim Nagle will open in summer 2025 at Chester Valley Golf Club in Pennsylvania
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Nagle Design Works
The six holes range from 50 to 125 yards
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