The 18th green at Moonah Links Open Course, home of the Australian Open, shows how a green with multiple run-o
drainage points can be constructed while also making the green interesting to putt on.
off and
The key is to let nature play a
guiding role in your
inspiration ...
of putting green construction. This tried and laboratory tested technique combines drainage pipes with USGA specified gravel, sand and rootzone mix to create predictable and high quality greens that can be well maintained, and kept open for play more often. Using this method does not mean your green will look like an ‘American-style’ course - that is all down to the design of the individual greens. Other more affordable
greens, like the ‘California method’ greens or German FLL greens, can perform as well, or better, depending on many circumstances - and should always be considered as an alternative.
5 Variety of green surface contours and surrounding hazards
DESIGNING 18 different greens for a new course, especially on a flat site where you are really ‘manufacturing’ the golf course, can be a major challenge - testing the imagination and creativity of the golf course architect. I try to avoid monotony at all costs which helps to keep the golfer interested - facing a variety of challenges. The key is to let nature play a guiding role in your inspiration. I am always looking for peripheral features, such as ridges and natural height differences, which I can incorporate into the green design. A great inspiration for me is the Valley of Sin in front of the 18th green on the Old Course at St Andrews. It is a fantastic feature and, whichever way you look at this green - from down the
fairway playing an approach shot, or trying to putt up its steep slope - it is the defining characteristic of the green and the otherwise flat hole. That is one green (and course) you will never forget playing.
About the author: Philip Christian Spogard is a Danish golf course architect working for the internationally recognised golf course designers, Thomson Perrett & Lobb in Surrey. Philip is currently working on a heathland inspired golf course in Turkey and has previously been involved with projects in Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. For more information log on to
www.tpl.eu.com
ANDY MACKAY, Assistant Head Groundsman at Sussex County Cricket Club A bit of a bore - apparently!
I have been at Sussex CCC for two seasons (during which we have won the County Championship twice - hurrah!). I moved to Sussex with my (now) wife Sarah from Lancashire and we are now no longer allowed back over the border! Spare time is, of course, severely limited during the season. Hobbies include cooking (especially curries and Indian food - at which I think I am rather good!), gardening (I have been growing lots of different chillis this year - got a bit obsessed with them), fishing during the winter - any and all types but especially sea fishing. This winter I intend to try and catch some huge pike from the River Adur which is a short walk from my house. I’m more of an occasional binge drinker than a regular pub goer, instead I prefer cosy evenings in with Sarah (who is my real hobby! sad but true!!!) Over winter last year I got really into going to the gym, but since the season started I have put weight on (must be all the curries) ... any day now I will go back! Oh, and Pitchcare of course!!!! Sarah says that my real hobby is boring people about grass, all the time, incessantly. I, of course, don’t agree.
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