Is Golf Course Restoration A Legitimate Endeavor

The past decade has brought a new golf industry buzzword to the forefront. The word is “restoration” and like all hot buzzwords, it is a controversial term that is both utilized and criticized in interchangeable fashion. On Tuesday, November 15th, Richard led an educational seminar at the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association Annual Meeting entitled Is Golf Course Restoration A Legitimate Endeavor? to specifically answer that question. Following a brief introduction, the first half of the seminar was an introduction to the history of golf course architecture from its origins to today. Introducing the concept of period design, Richard reviewed the Utilitarian Design Period, Functional Design Period, the Golden Age, Large Scale Period, the Residential Influence, The Age of Excess, and a Return to Minimalism.

Armed with the understanding of the history of golf course architecture, the seminar attendee learned how a golf course fits into the historical perspective, and if a golf course is a candidate for Historical Compassionate Renovation. Richard defined this as renovation of a golf course without changing its overall strategy or character. In Historical Compassionate Renovation, one does not inject foreign design or aesthetic elements into the layout.

The second half of the seminar began with an overall discussion of golf course renovation. We explored reasons golf courses undergo renovation and defined often confusing terms such as restoration, renovation, and remodeling. Richard then discussed the concept of golf course restoration and the group discussed the merits of such a term as it related to today’s maintenance practices, technological advances in the game(regarding playing equipment and balls), and golf course management. Pros and cons regarding restoration were evaluated and the question regarding the ability to perform a “true” restoration was debated. Richard shared his approach to Historical Compassionate Renovation, how it relates to master planning, and reviewed specific renovation case studies. The following morning, Richard presented his views on Where The Game Of Golf Is Heading? as part of a General Session to all attendees.