· Design features such as mounds, free form tees, large sprawling bunkers or overly contoured fairways and greens may look out of place on an older classically styled golf course.


· Scale is also an important consideration in golf course restoration or remodeling of an older golf course. Newly constructed greens, tees, bunkers and / or fairways should be designed in a scale similar to the original features of the golf course, in order for them to look like they belong there.

· Two of the greatest assets that most old golf courses have are maturity and charm. Some of these intrinsic qualities can be lost in an effort to increase yardage, resolve a safety issue, eliminate a shade problem or replace a problem green. Great care must be taken in the execution of a golf course restoration or remodeling project, in order to preserve or incorporate these special qualities: 1. Large mature trees, small subtly contoured greens, intricate bunkering and the rich colour and texture of mature poa annua turf are what give many older golf courses their charm and character. 2. There is also a certain intimate feel to older golf courses where greens, tees and fairways are located close to one another.

· If the quality of poa annua turf on the original greens is good and there is a desire to match a newly constructed green with the original greens on the course, then sprigging the new green with cores taken from the original greens is a very effective way of re-establishing the same colour, texture and playing characteristics on the new green. If the emphasis of the golf course restoration or remodeling project is on rebuilding all of the original greens on the golf course, then re-grassing with one of the newer varieties of creeping bent grass is a more practical option.

· All features on a golf course can deteriorate over time from the wear and tear created through the years of regular play and ongoing maintenance. The two features that seem to show the fastest signs of wear are tees and bunkers. It is not unusual for these features to require restoration every 10 years or so. The restoration or addition of new tees and bunkers can often deliver very good value in terms of improved playing characteristics and aesthetic character of an older golf course.

· The use of water for irrigation purposes is another important issue that is becoming more and more scrutinized with each passing year. Not only have new golf courses been forced to implement water conservation techniques in an effort to meet the ever-increasing restrictions on water use, but older golf courses are also being held to the same stringent standards. Creating adequate storage reservoirs for irrigation water, on older golf courses can often be quite a challenge. Finding adequate space to create a reservoir without impacting the playing and aesthetic characteristics of the course can be very difficult on properties with limited acreage. Projections for future water supply and irrigation requirements should be incorporated into every golf course restoration and golf course remodeling project.

Whether or not a club is contemplating the decision to undertake a sympathetic golf course restoration or an all encompassing renovation, it is important to consult with a qualified golf course architect in order to get an unbiased evaluation of the course’s strengths and weakness as well as a comprehensive and unified approach to the improvements.

By: Doug Carrick

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By Doug Carrick of Carrick Design, International award winning, golf course designers and master / land planners. Please visit www.carrickdesign.com/">Carrick Design to learn more about our golf course design services. To read this full article, or for further golf course design resources, please visit www.carrickdesign.com/resources.html ">Carrick Design Resources Copyright – Doug Carrick. All rights reserved.