RICHARD A. BARIL

Trump's "Blue Monster" makeover....

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 18:20:00 +0000

I came across this clipping of an article in our archive:

The article is more than 10 years old. I remember when it came out - Mr. Howard Kaskel was not too pleased about it.

Robert's comments were innocent enough. The writer called him, hoping to find a interesting angle to report about the DORAL OPEN (as it was known as back then). Robert was asked some probing questions about the golf course and Robert's connection with it. And, Robert was never timid about saying what was on his mind.

Robert worked with Dick Wilson when Doral was designed originally. According to Robert, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Kaskel did not get along real well. So, Robert was tasked with alot of the work at Doral - much more than he was ever credited with...

These types of "sticky comments" tend to ruffle feathers. It was no secret Doral needed a good facelift - mainly to undo the "renovation" work which compromised it over the years.

I really hate to see Doral completely changed. It feels like we have lost a landmark. Doral was the consummate golf "destination". It came to represent an era - the 1960's. A time, after WWII, when there was a bright new future and we were trying to identify an ideal lifestyle. Doral represented that hope.

I will miss it...

Torregrande clears a hurdle...

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 20:57:00 +0000

We give you a rare glimpse (certainly rare these days) into a prospective new project working to gain entitlements.  It is a truly wonderful opportunity. But, it is also fraught with complex issues, like any large scale project.

The project's incredible site attributes and spectacular location make this project something special.  Torregrande has stylish sand dunes, a forest and beach frontage! Now, any golf guru will tell you this description is pure imagination. Fantasy. But, it's true.

Of course, this type of site does not go unnoticed. So, this project is being scrutinized very closely. Under normal conditions, I would speculate such a site would never be approved for development. But, this site has been compromised from previous petro-chemical operations.  Remediation work is required. So, some "rehabilitation" must occur in any case.

Today, we can see the forest, which is man-made, shows signs of neglect and minimal management. Consequently, the forest is quite poor.

So, what is the future of this property? Last week, local authorities unanimously approved the project. This is one step in the process.

Ahead, there is still the Forestry Police, Regional Authorities, Environmental, etc... It's still a daunting road ahead. But, this week, Torregrande is one step closer to becoming a golf destination!

digital translation of original article (above)

Torregrande resort , golf and luxury villas the Council give its approval.
It 's just before midnight when the green light by the City Council of Oristano in the project of " Ivi Oil " for the construction in the coastal village of Torre Grande of a resort with spa, golf course and sports facilities for a total of at least 700 seats read between hotels and residential facilities .

The resolution , which proposes some important variations to the agreement already signed by the Special Commissioner in 2012 , was approved unanimously.

THE COUNCIL APPROVES - They also voted for the directors of the Democratic Party which, despite being the first party of the center-left majority that supports the council led by Mayor Guido Tendas , had expressed deep concerns about the variant that will allow the Ivi Petroleum to carry over to hotels already planned in the first phase also 27 luxury villas .

It was almost a foregone conclusion , however, the favorable vote of opposition councilors that it arrived on time. Details of the project , which will be built in the former coastal deposit of Sipsa and also invest a big chunk of municipal pine wood , will be presented next week to the citizens during a public meeting .

PHOTOGRAPHY OF THE COMPANY ' - The Ivi oil (ex Sardabitumi ) operates in the field of storage , processing and marketing of chemicals, petroleum bitumen and derivatives. The activity starting in 1976 through the Sipsa srl, storage facilities and processing of crude oils bituminous Torre Grande , which is accompanied by the IVI in 1993 ( Valorizations Entrepreneurial Initiatives ) Ltd. Following the stop of these plants , due to the classification of the area as a tourist , the business was transferred , and where it still operates in the industrial port of S. Right . After the merger of the various group companies active in the sale of petroleum products , has changed its name to IVI Petroleum Srl , and currently operates in the areas of reception , handling, processing and marketing of petroleum products and asphalt and in the receipt , custody and handling chemical products for third parties. In 2007 he assumed the current legal form of joint stock companies.

Is that all you got?

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 17:20:00 +0000

I am always interested to learn, particularly when it pertains to golf and the golf industry. I look forward to receiving updates/newsletters related to golf. One newsletter which holds particular interest for me is the NGF Dashboard. I love their by-line: "Market Intelligence for Golf's Stakeholders", particularly since I feel I'm one of those holding a stake!

Obviously, I'm keen to know what the NGF thinks about the golf industry's present health and future potential. We all are, right?

When the NGF Dashboard newsletter arrived in my email a few days ago, I was hoping to harvest some particularly valuable pearls from NGF's recent article titled: "Will Baby Boomers Go Bust?"

The article waffles back and forth: More boomers means more golfers - good! Lack of confidence in being able to afford (time and money) to play golf - bad! What are we to make of this changing demographic, which the golf industry has been waiting so long to exploit - and help boost the industry? The numbers are confusing. So, the NGF ties it all up with a nice little bow, to help us understand what must happen in order to be successful and grow golf in the future.

The spellbinding summation of the article goes like this: "In order for the industry to sustain success and enjoy future growth, it is vital for golf businesses to focus on increasing frequency of play by current golfers and getting new golfers to play the game.

Are you kidding me? You guys are better than this. I know you are. Maybe your strong suit is delivering the statistics. Based on that summation, it would be better if you let the "holder's of stake" draw their own conclusions. You don't really need to provide a prediction or summation, particularly of this quality.

Please accept it in the best possible sense. There are many smart people in golf, who can draw their own conclusions, based on the facts provided. Clearly the industry understands there is a need, and great benefit, engaging existing golfers and enlisting new golfers. The problem is; nobody seems to possess the absolute answer on "how" to accomplish this. I didn't have it before reading this article. And, I feel any closer to an answer after reading the article. The stats are interesting though...

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 18:52:00 +0000

Robert von Hagge

Quote

“We know we have succeeded in our design if it elicits fervent, borderline fanatical reactions (either positive or negative*).

Nothing could be more disappointing, and we have certainly failed infamously if, upon showcasing a new golf course, the reaction is dispassionate commentary.

Such a reaction would surely mean we achieved something about as exciting as kissing your sister.”

* Robert was encouraged equally by good and bad reactions - as long as there was emotion involved.

Interview 2012 Ecco Tour Championship

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 11:41:00 +0000

I've done some radio, and a couple television, interviews. For me, it is a difficult thing. Perahaps I'm unable to express myself well in sound bites. When asked a question, I immediately feel a 5 to 10 second response is expected. I feel myself rushing through the answer.

Many years ago, I saw an TV interview of Pete Dye, when the Tour was debuting PGA West. On national television, the interviewer gave a glowing overview of this unusual and fantastic new course. He then turned to Pete and asked, "What was your thinking, your philosophy for this design?" At the time, I thought; this is it, a watershed moment for a golf architect to make an absolute defining statement to the golfing world. We were about to recieve true pearls of design wisdom from the master. Petes answer was truly forgettable and uninspiring.

I laughed out loud and thought; 'he just layed an egg on national television'. It took me a long time to understand, on that day Pete Dye provided the answer the network was seeking - not the meaningful, meaty, substantive answer I was interested in hearing. He provided the "sound bite" - the 'sensational' little tidbit suitable for the television audience.

It was a lesson which took a long time for me to comprehend and appreciate. Thanks Pete! Now, if I could only put it into practice....

Interview excerpt from the final round of the 2012 ECCO TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP at Stensballegaard Golf Club

The full video can be found here: 2012 ECCO TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

Stensballegaard video on Viasat

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:09:00 +0000

This short video about Stensballegaard Golf Club is a nice introduction to the golf course, giving you a sense of the landscape and golf...

(MAKE SURE TO WATCH IT IN FULL SCREEN MODE!!)

It is a special place, a special experience...

GOLF'S MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:49:00 +0000

Suffering from insomnia? Try searching the internet to see how many different grow-the-game (GTG) programs/initiatives are being championed these days. That should cure your problem!

Haven't we seen enough “grow the game” initiatives?? I know I have...

The golf industry is panicked to "grow the game".  Many of these initiatives are self-serving, self- sustaining and profit motivated; rather than simply “for the good of the game”.

Okay, enough hysterics...

Golf is a machine, providing a living for wide variety of golf-centric companies, associations and individuals. But, golf is shrinking, and it's a "crisis" (within the larger global economic crisis)!  The golf industry people want the golf machine working again. And, not at half speed. So, the golf industry is hungry to GTG, and working overtime to devise initiatives intended to attract new golfers.

So, what's the deal? Well, the golf "industry" just saw the end of it's 3rd growth spurt: the first was before the great depression, when the US added approx. 6,000 courses. The 2nd was after WWII - another 6,000. And, the 3rd (paralleling the housing boom of the past 20 or so years) just ended, with an additional 6,000. (The 6,000 figure is eerily consistent, becoming a kind of harbinger for bad times ahead.

The mortgage crisis seemed to mark the end of the most recent boom, and the golf dew unexpectedly came off the Lily.  The golf industry sank into a depression, along with the world economy, it seems...

"The golf industry" is essentially a conglomoration of unrelated and loosely related associations, with diverse interests, intentions and agendas. On the surface, it seems like one big happy golf family. But, the reality is; golf is a kitchen full of cooks, working with too many recipes, attempting to revive golf the most recent golf boom.

Golf provides 2 million jobs in the U.S. And, golf's total economic impact in the U.S has been estimated at $195 billion.

But, the true “foot soldiers” in this campaign, are the “golfer’s”. And, at that level, there is no crisis…. The golf industry talks about being “inclusive” but golf clubs and courses still “feel and operate with all the typical trappings associated with exclusivity”. Golf has a unique vocabulary and rituals that surely seem “stuffy” to the initiate.

With "private clubs", unique vocabulary and a steep learning curve, golf is NOT a "friendly" sport. Geez, golf stops just short of having a secret handshake….. But, this isn't stopping us from attempting to paint golf as a wonderfully family friendly past-time, in order to bolster participation and revenue.

There is a distinct disconnect between “industry people”, who are anxious to see growth in the game – and the “golfing public”, which isn't particularly bothered by less crowded golf facilities and more agressive green fee pricing.

Want a tangible example of Golf's multiple personality disorder?

Yesterday, as part of the US OPEN coverage by Golf Channel, there was a segment with representatives from the USGA, talking about their "Pace of Play" initiative. Why? Because slow play is one of the cited obstacles to golf's growth. Here are some of their suggestions (related to management) to speed up play?

widen fairways
reduce green speeds
shorter golf courses
less penal rough

I think there were some other things mentioned. But, I didn't really hear them because my head nearly exploded from the hypocrisy of it all.

The four points mentioned above are the absolute antithesis of made-for-television golf (professional golf). Every week, professional golf and the Golf Channel inform the golfing public about what "golf" is suppose to look like, how it should be played. They do this by the way professional golf and televised golf venues are prepared and presented.

Every week, there is a new or specially prepared venue, which; 1) has been lengthened, 2) fairways narrowed, 3) green speeds maximized, 4) nasty rough, etc. The tour venues are coifed and pampered for months, and sometimes years in advance to accommodate "television golf". And, every Monday morning, thousands of golf course superintendents attempt around the world explain to their members/golfers why "television golf" is unsustainable and unattainable - and, not indicative of "normal" golf. (Yes, I am saying most people conveniently don't listen to the commentators when they thank the host club and the - over 120 greenkeeping volunteers and staff - that got the golf course into tournament condition, over the past weeks, months, years...)

And, to return to the point - "slow play": Television golf might be the most culpable party in this regard. Most golfers tend to emulate the pro's. This is a well know fact.

I could go on and on….
We talk about enticing the younger people to play golf – but, we continue many traditions which make golf uninviting. Want a small example? Clubhouses. For the most part, they still resemble English Pubs or some other uninspiring traditional fashion. To younger people, clubhouses look more like mausoleums, with a similar expectation for proper decorum.

Want another example? Have you seen how kind and welcoming members are to kids at a private club??? How about clubs scheming to provide separate "junior facilities and activities", under the guise of making the club more inclusive. Why do clubs need to make seperate accommodations for the juniors, removed from the general club population. Heaven forbid members should genuinely welcome the juniors, and share the sport, facility, camaraderie....

Don't worry. I have the cure!
Our problem is; we (golf industry types) are talking among ourselves about growing the game. We should really include the golfers in this discussion.

Nearly everyone that plays golf was introduced to the game by a friend or a family member. We simply haven't been able to devise a better recruitment program to attract new golfers. We don't need to tell the club pro’s and club managers how they are expected to grow the game. I think we’ve either forgotten or underestimated our most important ambassadors – the golfers. If we want to see meaningful growth in golf. We need to enlist the golfers. Otherwise, we are simply whistling in the dark.

Sorry, I’m also battling a case of GTGB – (Grow the game burnout)…. And hoping for a quick recovery….

LES BORDES article by Tom Cox

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:00:00 +0000

I just came across this article written several years ago by Tom Cox. In the article, Mr. Cox recounts his first adventure visiting Les Bordes. He conveys, like a member of a secret sect, Les Bordes ineffable charms.

(Below, you will find some excerpts from the article, which can be found in it's entirety HERE If this link does not work - search the article title. It was originally published in Financial Times)

September 6, 2008

The hidden charms of Les Bordes

By Tom Cox

I’ve had some pretty ropey caddies in my time, but I’ve never had a donkey on the bag.
It’s not that I haven’t thought about it: there’s nothing I’d like better than a velvety-muzzled Abyssinian calculating my yardages or a Spotted Ass flopping down on the green beside me and reading the break on a tricky downhill par putt. The truth is simply that, what with my east Midlands upbringing, my long lay-off from golf in my twenties, the foot-and-mouth scare of 2001 and the purchase of my first electric trolley, donkeys and I just never seemed to intersect.

Had I grown up playing golf at Les Bordes, in the Loire valley, it could all have been so different. It was here, during the late 1980s, that razor and pen entrepreneur Baron Marcel Bich, the course’s late owner, held a legendarily avant-garde management training seminar for executives at his Bic corporation.....

Some selected quotes from the article:
"Not long after I visited, I played my first round at St Andrews’ Old Course and broke 80, then went round the King’s Course at Gleneagles in 75. At Les Bordes, I played much, much better and, in two attempts, didn’t even manage to break 90. And I preferred every second of it."

"So why has Les Bordes remained such a secret over the years? One explanation is that Bich, who died in 1994, had a “build it and they will come” philosophy. Another is that everyone who plays here gets selfishly protective about it.... "

"What I did not see was the more insouciant cousin of the Tournament Players’ course at Sawgrass, each of whose 18 rampantly imaginative feats of risk-reward architectural perfectionism would merit the term “signature hole”, were they on virtually any other course. More than any indomitable top pro, Les Bordes is the golfing Terminator: it just keeps coming at you. Needless to say, I’ll be back."

DANSK GOLF MAGAZINE 3 COURSES

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Thu, 02 May 2013 20:24:00 +0000

LYNGBYGAARD #17

Weekend trip…

By: Thomas Vennekilde

During a weekend we played three amazing courses and also went in the footsteps of the Danish nobility….

Some years ago – nostalgically known as "The Good Old Days" - a golf course was something a bunch of enthusiasts got together, found the earth, bought the field and founded a club.

Whether you like it or not, those days long gone. Today, all new courses, area a result of capital and a desire to, as soon as possible, build a golf course.

We've managed a couple of days off, and gone to look at three of these newer courses. Common to them, is they are all built in connection with a manor or an estate.

GYLDENSTEEN

First stop is Gyldensteen near Bogense in Fyn northwestern corner. The course was designed by Danish architect Line Mortensen and was from the beginning of high praise for its link-inspired layout with small pot bunkers, heather grass and a good use of the flat farmland.

Support for the track did not arrive, and the sale of memberships and homes went at a leisurely pace, and in 2009 was the company behind bankrupt. At that time you had to scout long for a buyer to a golf course, and were it not for the tenacious members of the club, the course was enough overgrown subsequently to be dug up. For two years languished the pitch until Finn Gramvad who six years earlier had sold Blåvandshuk Golf, came by and bought the plant.

Finn Gramvad is engaged because we see him when we arrive at the club. He is currently in the clubhouse, but anyway takes time to greet and show around the aristocratic appearance main building and telling a little about the golf. He has no idea who we are, but he shall of course tell about the cheap package deals where you get green fees, breakfast, dinner and overnight in luxury hotel. Yes, business acumen cannot be denied.

Loser’s wash
We thank him nicely for the tour and head to the first tee. The course is fairly open and just a few hundred meters from the Kattegat. Already in the first tee, we get a taste of what awaits us: a half long par 4-hole straight into the wind. Two balloon-slices later and we set course for the rough on the right side. The balls are fortunately found and we press on. The front nine is the long section and places high demands on the driver. But that is changing as we round the clubhouse after 9 hole. The last holes are somewhat shorter and with added whimsy that we did not see on the first loop. Especially the final three holes require you take thinking that promotion. And since our match at the same time is in the balance, it is with light shaking hands, that we're tackling with them. 16th is a long par 5-hole, where the green is tucked in the woods. A long putt for both of us brings today's match all square, and sends us into the forest to one of the runway’s hardest holes.

Dogleg holes are always fun, for you must attack or just play safely? We do like good restaurant reviewers and try one of each – a hook and a slice. When we meet on the putting green, the result is all even. This must be decided on 18th hole. We can rejoice that no one is sitting on the terrace. One of the only lakes on the course is located just in front of the green on this par 3-hole, which is also protected by trees. A tee shot in the lake means that our roads are getting a divorce. The loser goes to the washing station, where the winner's clubs must have a loving treatment. The winner goes to the bar and orders a well-deserved beer.

A half hour later, running down the great avenue we can look back on a great day on the golf course. It is a shame that Bogense is so remote. The relationship between price and quality is really advantageous at Gyldensteen, and many Danish golfers would enjoy a visit here.

STENSBALLEGAARD

It's the next day. After a good night's sleep, I stand now looking at my reflection in my shiny equipment, while I enjoy the view of Horsens and surroundings on the last hole of Stensballegaard.

Prior has gone a whole day at a facility which was voted Best New Course in 2010. Now how some awards are always subjective, but one thing's for sure; Stensballegaard is something special. The 27 holes are laid out on manor lands down to Horsens Fjord and offer something for every golf palette. Here there are long runs, large greens, strategically placed bunkers and much more. The only thing there isn’t, is rakes in bunkers.

Since Stensballegaard opened they got a lot of attention, praise and criticism for their desire that bunkers should be hazards. The architect contention is: bunkers are over-groomed and consequently too easy to get out of. In order to make them more punitive remove the rakes and asked instead people to smooth the sand out with the foot or the iron after a visit. It was not all that was exciting getting into a footprint that had not been raked, and Danish green fee guests have affected the policy. Now, they have introduced a Bunker Shaper, which smooth’s the sand out, without making it too manicured.

Stensballegaard consists of three loops of nine holes. We began the day at Brakør, which is the longest of the three. Here are some good-sized holes where you really have to get up on tiptoe. It is also in this loop you come closest to Horsens Fjord, when at the fifth tee you hit your tee shot directly to the water. Although Brakør was the longest, it proved to be also the most convenient.

For the Elbæk 9 holes, the American architect Rick Baril really decided to bring the wet element in the game. In seven of the holes is water in play, and we managed indeed to have launched a couple of Pro V1's in there, most bitterly on the excellent 9th hole, which runs a river all the way along the right side, to culminate in a lake in front of the green. In honor of the occasion, the green keeper set the flag right up in front of the green, just a few meters from the lake, a so-called “sucker pin”. And, we feel indeed like a couple of fools, when, after a drive in the middle of the fairway, send our approach craftily into the lake.

After such a game it is well to enjoy a solid lunch in the impressive clubhouse. The impressive white building with tall columns looks like something from a Texan country club, but when you sit on the terrace and looking out over the Count Henrik Ahlefeldt-Laurvig course, it's also hard not to feel like a man of the world.

After a delicious beef tartar, we're tackling Guldberg. The first six holes merge into Brakør loop, and have the same character: Long holes in the open landscape. But then making the trip into the woods and up, up, up. On the seventh hole is a 250 meter long dogleg right 4-hole uphill, we experience the rare eagle putt. Although it does not go in, it lifts anyway our energy level.

And so we arrive at today's final hole. On paper it looks like a monster with a length of 535 meters from the yellow and equally dramatic 456 from the red, but we have gradually come up so high that it can only go one way. Down. But before we do, let us gaze over the horizon, and will pronounce it on the spot to be Denmark's best view.

We do not have an altimeter, but guess the fairway falls by 30-40 meters before it flattens out into a lake in front of the green. The joy of beating a drive that hits the fairway, and then just continue to roll is great. Never mind that as we subsequently choked and must cross out the hole. Whether we'd made 27 points, would today's round still have been a great experience.

LYNGBYGAARD

General Rye
With 27 holes in the legs and a great experience in the body, we give ourselves the next day at war with the other Danish course, that Rick Baril designed, Lyngbygaard. It lies just west of Aarhus and can also offer 27 holes. These are divided into a dedicated 18-hole course and a shorter nine-hole course.

Now it is surely appropriate to state, as the jargon is called a disclaimer - a small passage where the author of this article is aware of circumstances that may affect his impartiality. They are closely related to the original initiator, co-owner and director – who also turns out to be my father. This person, however, is no longer associated with the course, and we dare therefore to our integrity, and shall pitch a visit.

The beautiful clubhouse in glass and steel is in sharp contrast to the nearby “Lyngbygaard farm”, with a Copper Beach tree from 1849, planted in memory of General Rye, who spent the night at the farm before the decisive attack on the Schleswig-Holstein army in Frederica.

The first hole was– from architect’s page, intended as an easy start to the round - a bit of a shock when, despite the fact that it's a 5-hole, rated the hardest from the Danish Golf Union. The hole had been index 1. It resolved to be talked about, and today the hole is more appropriately rated #5. We get at least a decent start to the hole, which has a nice wide fairway that falls all the way down to the well-protected green.

The wide fairways quickly prove to be a feature of the course. On most holes, there is plenty of room for a slightly loose driver. It is only in the second battle, you have to be careful. Greens are good, large and even giant in individual cases. But they are also undulating and well protected by sand and water. An example is the second a hole that may be described as signature; a short par-3 over water to a horizontal green where the slope behind it is a large waste area. We look with delight as our balls find their way to the green, and can proceed with a snug par on the score card.

Ryder Cup Course
The front nine is brought into the open and undulating terrain. For people who have seen the Open de France at the upcoming Ryder Cup course Golf National, there will be some similarities, in the form of large lakes and huge bunkers. The similarity is not a coincidence. It is Rick Baril of von Hagge, Smelek & Baril, who has also input in the design of Golf National in Paris.

But then we come to the back nine and here the course completely changes character. Now we come into the woods, and drives get a little more cramped. Sand is still plenty, as well as some holes are waste areas as far as the eye can see. And, then comes something as rare as short par 3-holes. 15th measuring 113/76 meters, while the 17th a petite 78/62 meters. We note our sharpness is not as it should be on the short distances, and we take a walk in the sand.

After having putT out on the 18th we adopt the terrace, where we reminisce on the past three days. There is no doubt we have played three amazing courses each with their own charm. Which is best - is probably a matter of taste, but one thing is certain. We are pleased that farm land on these three estates was converted into golf courses.

THE END

STENSBALLEGAARD BUNKER POLICY PART V

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:33:00 +0000

So, we arrive at "Part V" of this four part series.... Curious right? It was foreseen Part IV would be the final installment, and all updates would be added to that post.

Then, comes an unforeseen development in the story.......

Recently, the owner of Stensballegaard Golf Club (SGC) called to inform me that he and green committee are engaged in talks to "slightly" modify the bunker policy......

The possibility of compromising the Bunker Policy is not surprising, but it is disappointing. Discussions about the policy have been ongoing. There are definitely golfers who don't understand or appreciate the policy. When the European Challenge Tour played at SGC (August 2012), there was hightened concern and focus on the bunkers. Unfortunately, in my opinion, there were concessions made for the Challenge Tour - including "rake-toting bunker senturies" posted throughout the golf course.

email to: H,

When we spoke recemtly, we discussed the bunker policy and the decision to put rakes in the bunker. I said I wanted to revert back to you on this point. I guess I was hoping for some enlightenment, which would provide an indisputable argument for not changing the policy. But, it never arrived.

I do understand your feelings and concerns, which are all rational.

If you remember, when I arrived at Stensballegaard from the Architects Forum in Scotland in 2010, I mentioned my discussion with Ron Whitten, Architecture editor of Golf Digest. He also owned a course where he implemented a similar policy. And, he said he eventually succumbed to player pressure – first with rakes, then with more grooming. For him, the increased bunker maintenance really hurt his operational cost. He really hoped we would be successful.

I realize – at this stage – you are not talking about increasing bunker grooming. But, it is the next logical step (and “slippery slope”) which we discussed previously and which must be considered, if concessions are made and the policy is compromised.

I still focus on the distinction the Bunker Policy has brought Stensballegaard; positive publicity, helping establish SGC on the international golfing map. I worry changing the policy, which brought the course notoriety and which identifies SGC internationally, could also compromise this distinction. Even the Rolex guide highlights this point: “Of specific interest is their bunker policy.” So I worry; when this policy is compromised, we lose an important trait, which identifies SGC.

And, mostly I worry because changing this policy will not:

1. stop golfers from saying negative things about Stensballegaard. In our discussion, you mentioned this is “the only negative point” you hear about SGC. But, if the policy is changed, I think you will find there will be other negative comments. This is simply the nature of things. The bunker policy is an easy target – because it is unique and separates SGC from other courses. But, there will be people who don’t like the golf course. And, negative commentary is always the loudest. Changing this policy will not stop negative commentary about SGC.

2. materially increase revenue.

Having said this, my deepest fear is: Once the compromise is made, there is no way to undo the damage to SGC’s reputation. And, yes, I do feel it will hurt your reputation. I admit my perspective is not the same as yours, since we don’t deal with the daily issues. But, from where I sit, the bunker policy is an identifying trait for SGC, providing SGC with distinction.

SGC is admired for having the courage and veracity – that others lack – taking a stance on this issue. I know you said you can’t carry this weight for the golf industry. But, even on this point, please remember you are in good company – with Pine Valley and remember the USPGA Tour event played at Kiawah 2012 – where they treated the bunkers differently. The tide is turning. And, SGC is the forerunner in this campaign. It would be sad to lose this distinction.

So, that’s my pitch. At least it is food for thought. I really do understand your concerns of economic sustainability – which is the first priority. But, I really question the idea of changing the bunker policy. I just don’t sense this will provide the increase in revenue from green fee players.

Finally, I offer this suggestion: As I don’t really agree with compromising the bunker policy: If you decide to change the policy, please find a way to explain the modification which doesn’t involve our sanction. Perhaps, in this way, if/when you discover the compromise is not rendering the results you seek, we “might” (and this is a BIG might) be able to reinstate the policy. Again, if you decide to compromise, I hope you can think of a way to make it positive – or controversial – either way it needs to bring good publicity for the club. Maybe compromising without our agreement is controversial and can provide interesting publicity….

After you’ve had a chance to read this, perhaps we can talk again. I am available at your convenience.

Best regards,
Rick

Message from Green Committee Chairman "C", in response to a query for his opinion, from his time dealing with the Bunker Policy, and his feeling about the discussions to modify the policy:

Dear Rick,

Thanks for your e-mail. I know H's concern about the reputation of the course as well as of the bunkers. It is a very very difficult subject and frankly speaking I don't think there is any straight forward answer.

The bunker policy is correct, however, many players disagree and they don’t take our instructions about smoothing out their footprints seriously – I think it is like a kind of punishment towards to club/course – to show their disagreement about the no rakes policy. This attitude comes not only from greenfee guests but also from some of our own club members. There is a vocal group who had disagreed about the no rakes policy from the very start and they still keep the negative attitude alive. Then there is all the comments on the web. This is really the most serious part as many of the active golfers who play on green fee tends to participate in the chat on the these web portals. In general few players have created a lot of hype against our course.

If we look at the problem from H’s side, it is a question if he can afford to continue to support the no rake policy.

This year’s turn over in green fee sales was down, quite a lot. The weather has been bad and we “lost” at least two weeks sales due to ECCO and Challenge Tour tournaments. On the other hand if we look at all the other clubs their green fee turnover has also gone down, so it is a general trend all over Denmark. Weather and economy have generate less turnnover in green fee than last year.Anyway, H needs to promote the course best possible and it is correct that there is a general dislike of the no rakes policy from the guests side, however, problem is that we only get the negative news. The guests leave comments like wonderful course, but a pity that the bunkers are un maintained! I don’t think we ever got a positive message like “wonderful bunkers without rakes!”.

Personally I was not very happy with the no rake policy in the beginning, however, today, I don’t find it a problem. When playing, I really do my best to avoid the bunkers! They are fierce hazards – and foot prints, well there are quite a few footprints but in many bunkers the sand has settled and the foot prints is no problem. After all there is also a lot of animal footprints and no one complain about these.

Today I will find it a pity if we put rakes in the bunkers, however, it is my personal feeling – if we ask the green committee I think the majority will vote for rakes in the bunkers!

Another issue is the rating of the course, if we remove the rakes the course will have to be re rated and I am sure that course will be rated as less difficult.
What worries me most is that I am really 98% sure that we will not get any more green fee guest by putting rakes in the bunkers! The problem is that the course in no longer a novelty, most players have visited Stensballegaard and some like the course and some not, meaning that we will not see any major growth in green fee guest just because we announce that from 2013 – now with rakes!

The situation for golf is much more complex than just rakes or no rakes.

Try to think about this small fact app. 3% of the population in Denmark play golf – that is app. 155.000 persons. In the municipality of Horsens there is app. 85.000 inhabitants – 3% of this is app 2500 persons.

We have today 1009 members in Stensballegaard Golf Club, Horsens have app. 1300 members, then there are quite a few still being a member in the old Horsens Golf Club (now Juelsminde) – and some is a member in Odder! We are very close to the statistical number of players in our area – this show, I think why it is so difficult to get more new members – at least it is I my guess! Rakes or no rakes!

Conclusion – personal opinion!

Rakes have very little influence towards the average club member
Mens sections members are very much against no rakes – the better the player, the more opposition towards no rakes
No rakes have created a lot of negative comments on the various internet portals
Some players dislike the visual appearance of bunkers with footprints.

In response to the above message from C:

I have been thinking about the bunker policy these past weeks. And, I want to again thank you for your very thoughtful words (above). I believe you are precisely correct in your assessment.

I spoke with H a couple days ago. Nothing significant. But, I had sent him my thoughts and we just touched base following that. I believe he forwarded my email also to you – at least I hope he did. I expressed my concerns and asked that he please not reference me/vHSB - if/when the policy changes. As you mention, it is not a black and white problem. I certainly understand the need to increase revenue. But, I also believe this is not the proper target.

Even if we have made progress in shedding light on this issue, we have more work to do. So, after much thought, I find it illogical to support and concur with a bunker policy modification.

After re-reading your message, I have the feeling we could have – and should have – done more to create pride about the bunker policy within the membership. After all, the members are the ambassadors and salesmen for the club. Perhaps we overlooked the impact of their opposition to the policy? Perhaps, we could not have changed this. But then again, you being one of our more traveled and most sophisticated members – and, as you say, you were also uncertain about the policy in the beginning.

I am of course saddened by this development. I’m not sure if this feeling is for Stensballegaard, for me or for golf in general– or all three. I hate that we will end up like many others that have made similar attempts. I had really hoped we would be successful and Stensballegaard would rightfully claim it made a significant impact, resurrecting some of the original spirit of golf.

In many ways, this debate is indicative of the state of golf today. The golf industry, over the past 20 years, established a standard and golfer expectation which is unaffordable – unsustainable. The problem is, golfers don’t realize this. The industry does, but now we can’t figure out how to inform the golfing public that we really can’t provide the perfectly manicured golf courses they have come to expect. So, most of the industry is struggling to figure out how to change golfers expectations. In the meantime, the various professional tours are still advocating the same imagery of perfectly maintained golf courses – blissfully neglecting to divulge the true cost of this image.

The bunker policy parallels this. Golfers have come to expect perfect bunker conditions. Why not – it’s all they see every week on TV – in magazines…it must be the right way… When will it stop?

Okay, actually I didn’t start this – thinking to get on my soapbox again….

Hope this message finds you well.

Rick

And, C's response:

Dear Rick,

Thanks your e-mail, first of all I haven’t seen your mail to H, however, we had a lengthy discussion about the rakes or no rakes in the green committee.

I think the final conclusion will be that “a tool” will be supplied to help the player smoothen his foot prints – it’s not a rake – and I find this point important. We will still have no rakes, however, we will provide a more suitable tool to make a more even surface than what can be made with a club or a shoe. I hope this initiative will keep the no rakes policy alive as well as maybe, if we are really lucky, close the discussion about rakes!

I agree with you that maybe we did not work hard enough on making the club members our ambassadors, however, on the other hand most professional and also many golf magazines was against the idea from the start. I totally agree with you that maintaining the quality of course which is seen on television from big PGA or Euro Tour events is unrealistic so is the quality of the bunkers, even I, being a rather average player find it simply to make a bunker shot from these bunkers where you have exactly ¾” sand on top of a very hard bottom. But if you have this kind of “hazard” is it then really a hazard?

I love highly maintained courses, however, I think links type and more natural golf courses will be the future. Having the environment and the green thinking in mind, there seems to be no other way in the long run!

Regarding hickory play – I hope that you and Chris will be in Denmark again next year on the 31^st. August, as we will play the Danish Open Hickory Championship at the oldest golf course in Denmark – at Copenhagen Golf Course – right next to the queens hunting castle and a lot of deers.

Best regards,

This message arrives from our client:

Hej Rick.

The following is not official yet, but this is what we might end up with:

Revised Bunker Policy at Stensballegaard Golf

The bunker policy at Stensballegaard Golf has caused a lot of discussions among members and greenfee guests, as well as in the press, both national and international.

Chief Architect Rick Baril designed the golf course to be played strategically and avoid the bunkers: which should be viewed as natural hazards and not as safe, well kept landing areas.

Positively, this concept has caused discussion in the world press, among others: “The Rolex World Top 1000 Golf Courses” has attached importance to the idea, that the bunkers should be hazards, not to be raked. Golf Inc. also commented on our bunkers, when the course was elected ”The Worlds best new course in 2010”.

The negative has been; it turned out to be very difficult to make the golf players level their footprints with their foot or their golf iron, and therefore several deep footprints are left in the bunkers. This is certainly not fair to the following players, landing in these footprints. At the same time, this made the course look neglected.

We have therefore decided to introduce the “Stensballegaard Bunker Shaper”.

The Bunker Shaper is a tool to level foot prints in the bunker. But, it is important to make it clear, the bunker still shall present itself as a natural hazard and hereby be a challenge the golf player should avoid.

It will therefore as always be up to the golf player to act sportsmanlike, and of course make sure the footprints one has made in the bunker is leveled with the “ Bunker Shaper”.

I have done my best to translate, hope it makes sense.

I think I am as disappointed as you, but I am sorry to say so, we are the only two and N.

Best regards,

And, my response:

Greetings H,

I have read the notice (above) and made some small edits.

I’m obviously interested to see the “bunker shaper”….

As you know, I worry this step will not provide the solution or answer you seek, on this point. In fact, I worry this concession will encourage even more discussion, dissent and criticism related to the bunkers. I sincerely hope I am wrong.

In the social “golf” media, I am seeing more commentary related to the disconnect between golf course maintenance and golfer’s expectations. As an owner, you are keenly aware of this issue: Mostly unaware of the increased costs and dwindling resources confronting golf, the average golfer continues to expect better golf course conditions and more grooming. Certainly, the poor global economy is bringing more awareness to this issue. But, the golf industry seems to segmented to truly provide the cohesive message, which is truly needed to influence golfer expectations. It is likely the necessary change in golfer’s expectations will not occur until it is literally forced on them…. And this, in a nutshell, is what we have experienced with the “bunker policy”.

I am proud of the statement we made with the “Bunker Policy”. Even if we haven’t been successful, we did the right thing. And, in the process, we caused golfers to think, re-think and consider this issue. Hopefully, we’ve brought this problem one step closer to a rational evolution and solution.

Hope Spring comes early in Denmark! All the best to you and the family…

Regards,

Rick

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:03:00 +0000

GolfInc Development of the Year 2012

This is my second year to judge GolfInc’s Development of the Year. I like this award. It recognizes the “team effort” and creativity of the project participants.

It is not a "beauty contest" or an attempt to identify the “the best new course of the year” (sadly, this is the typical misconception). The DOY award is intended to celebrate the creative collaboration, competence and unique problem solving flair, employed by the project development team.

Judging this “contest” is not simple. The projects are incredibly diverse. For example; on the “modest end” - a half million dollar 9 hole course in a developing country is compared with an “extravagant” project in China, which includes ten – 18 hole golf courses, with a million dollar-a-hole budget. These projects must be compared side by side and a determination made about: 1) which team best addressed the project specific issues, 2) which team defined and achieved it's goals, 3) which project is the most significant accomplishment (considering the project specific elements; site, budget, restrictions, environmental concerns, etc)…

Since it is impossible to visit each project, the merit of each entrant is judged solely on the information provided by the project representatives (normally the architect). This information (should) include; 1) project/golf course masterplan, 2) project description and 3) representative photos of the project/golf course. The information is diverse; some entrants provide comprehensive details, while others are vague.

The judges are instructed to evaluate the entrants solely on the information provided by the entrant and included in the DOY package. I can say the quality and comprehensiveness of the submittal information is crucial, since it is truly the basis on which all entrants are judged.

The judging process is “blind” – each judge independently assesses all the entrants and scores each entrant on a 1 to 10 scale according to the following criteria:

50% - did the team accomplish the project’s “vision” statement

25% - golf course routing

25% - aesthetics

The judges also write a brief comment about each entrant, which is used in the DOY article, when the results are made public.

The judge’s scores are tallied by GolfInc. We (the judges) learn the results (and who the other judges are) along with the rest of the world - when the results are published in the magazine.

It is an interesting and worthy award. It recognizes the efforts of the entire development team. It strips away the marketing hype, ignores publicity and disregards the glitzy propaganda. The DOY recognizes and celebrates excellence in our profession. And, that’s a good thing!

Congratulations to everyone involved with the recognized projects!!

GC Review - Courson Monteloup

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 13:34:00 +0000

Original review by: Denys Lemery

(This is a google translation of original article in French)

Without a doubt, within the grounds of Castle of Courson, the promised land of golf were an architect's dream: 110 hectares moderately hilly, almost treeless, is a vast blank page to draw 36 large holes golf.

Nature? Natural Golf? What does it take nature preserve so-called or self respect here? The true nature of Courson domain was the forest, centuries ago. Since then, everything has been cleared to make room for crops. Briefly, Bob Von Hagge, architect of the Stade Francais, executes those who invoke the "preservation of nature" to excuse their lack of imagination, audacity, he claimed responsibility for the architect to create a "nature" calculated to inspire the practice of golf, and a real test of the game, visually appealing.

An impressive and elegant aesthetic.

Capturing the spirit of Courson, is to afford visual impact, as can offer them one evening in summer or autumn, when for the clubhouse, the view offers the green in the foreground of 5 Black , then the amount of fog waters between 8, 5 and 9 of course Black and 9 Orange, which arise dozens of mounds, is emerging as the Alpine peaks above the clouds. In the background of this picture worthy of Turner, the wall wooded Vaugrigneuse like a stage set. Some people describe as "lunar" this set of four times nine holes for countless craters and mounds of grass that dot the field, but that isolate each fairway, his neighbor, to shake, to sculpt a landscape otherwise well Sad. And moreover, has not yet put its finality: little by little groves of trees, bushes, broom come landscape, decorate, enrich visually. The different heights of grass clippings will give him a stronger character, especially the long weeds, such as abandoned, swaying in the wind atop the mounds. Courson is a work in progress ", a work in constant evolution, worked square meter per square meter.

En volume et en lumière. Volume and light.

Strong supporter of artistic architecture (a good course is also a good test), the director of this ensemble, Robert von Hagge, is also a master of light. At that point all his works with a projector models simulating the "path of the sun" in order to study changes in lighting. Just look at Courson morning or late afternoon to complete the refinement of shadows and light, giving life is an extraordinary relief to the course, but also often misleading appearance of holes that we thought familiar. When the 617 grass bunkers become caverns of darkness, when the hills cast long shadows on the fairways, it is difficult to resist the temptation to escape the shadow, seeking light in the symphony in green and black. We guess so, given these violent or mild forms of their rate in contrast with long stretches of water, there is something left in the Texan Von Hagge's ancestors Austrian masters ornate architecture of the Age Baroque ...

A golf course architect is a sculptor of the earth. A great architect not only offers a "challenge" unique to the player, despite the constraints of tradition, the conventional form of a golf course, but it imposes a style, a way. The Stade Francais is unmistakably French, the "leg" of von Hagge, culture, golf and his love of plastic beauty, with a rigor without any inspiration which is confusing. The designers may speak of cosmopolitan flair, as this course can be disorienting, you move from Florida ( on 8 Lilas ) to Ireland (on 8 Orange). But in today's architecture as in automobile design, "schools" are not as compartmentalized as before, culture has become an international golfing, aesthetics mingle happily, the architect brings its own references cultural, and enriches all the more land he previously lacked character. For von Hagge, surprising the player is first to surprise his eye: 7, Lilac , and he dares to perch a bunker completely flat to 2 m above the green. This kind of detail is also baroque personality of a journey ...

Mixing, animating, then polish and smooth 110 hectares of land originally without relief, it was the scope of a landscape rather imaginative. Still had to make it a "great journey", technically speaking. For a great golf is there is not enough to be a landscape artist, a master volume, rhythm lights, must still be knowledgeable in golf ...

36 holes, to know on the fingertips.

Typed necessarily aesthetically Stade Francais is not free. Mounds, water hazards have specific functions. The first define the fairways, ensure the safety of the game, they provide benchmarks or alignment, but also particular difficulties when one has the misfortune to lodge the ball. To raise these mounds, the land has been recovered in a conventional manner, by digging water hazards, which in turn provided the elements of play

We found the most striking example of the use of water at 5 Green , a par 5 of fairly standard form or strategy poses little problem, except in case of favorable wind: then attack the green on the second shot becomes a temptation all the greater as the flag is placed in the right side of this green, moving like a bow in the water hazard, seemingly so close and yet so far. Here, we must know its distance to the nearest meter: distance to the flag, of course, but also the distance that you can play with your particular club. Courson members must learn to master this aspect of modern golf arithmetic, learn about their range of ball, determine their distance. Question of choosing the "deemed", as in many courses. If they are having some difficulties at first, their game will never look better then that. This course will advance the players.

Un vrai parcours de club. A true journey of the club.

Stade Francais is a French club, a golf membership, and not a commercial path. The distinction is not literary: a golf "club" must offer appropriate challenges at different levels of play of its members, the scratch player to the player in its infancy, but it must also, because it will be played dozens of times each year, to be constantly different offer delight of endless gameplay, its configuration, its relief, the game obstacles, the profile of bunkers and greens, investments flag, shaping the fairways and roughs. On this side, players are served and if they did not have all the golf shots in their bag, they quickly learn to play with the ball in all possible positions relative to the feet ... Unless they place their ball in the normal areas of arrival of drive, where they will be generally flat: just reward to those who do not play recklessly the driver when a 3-wood far enough ... Because this course is perfect for a franchise, at least for 35 holes!

The 36th is the most enigmatic 8 Green (always a hole on a course like this, as von Hagge), where the green is almost hidden behind a set of front and no mounds reveals a tiny tongue, followed by a huge bunker. There he will run to the green to find out where the hell the ball ended his race.

On other holes, viewing the perfect shot is never distorted, if not by the play of shadows, elevated greens, the many optical illusions. It will rely on distance, not on impressions, not forgetting to consider a wind often now, he will be humble with his game, namely to avoid losing a blow to lose five, in short, it will tame this course, fun to play, as to avoid the pitfalls.

For the Stade Francais is anything but boring, anything can happen depending on the state of his form, his technique, depending on the issue, in the form of the game to negotiate solid in stroke play, where to enjoy the easiest holes (there is not a monster) to balance the more difficult it is exciting to play in match play. And I do not even speak of "unions" of late Sunday afternoon as they are not under the rules of the game there is, inevitably!

An ideal set to learn all the shots.

According to Von Hagge, a golf course must provide a large number of tactical examinations golfer can test his knowledge and how to apply them, particularly without favoring any particular type of player. Carrying the ball or roll, work the ball in a draw or fade, out of the bunkers in various ways, to all types of approaches, placing his ball on a target smaller and smaller as the club is open . Thus, the greens will appear Courson tortured at first sight. Yet even when they are heckled, they still offer cozy areas several meters in diameter, where it is possible to putt without going crazy. The problem is just to send his ball on the right shelf. Make a correct score at Courson does not fall exclusively on chance on the greens or putting contest. In fact, the biggest coup here on by 4 or by 5 (sometimes on the par 3) is the second one that will put you in the best position to save par or birdie attempt. At Courson, regardless of the hole, and if you missed the green, there is always a safe area which does not save too many disasters as if the day is average. Similarly, the obstacles are mainly most dangerous for players in the game for higher levels (the hitters who play in hook for example).

Quatre 9 trous pour six 18 trous. Four 9-hole 18 for six holes.

Finally, this course does not hide anything from the player's strengths and weaknesses, it is even a developer in this area. These routes should be said, but this set is so consistent and varied that it's hard to distinguish each one of nine holes rather than another. Unlike most sets of 36 holes, there are no holes for a 18 "good" and another for "other". In fact, the four 9 holes are perfectly combined to form six possible combinations, just as exciting. If the logic and practice, impose a "North" (Lilac and Green) and "South" (Black and Orange), nothing prevents the different formulas. Looks like the Lilac is the easiest, but ... on 3, 7 and 8! Or Orange, with its sequence of short holes and techniques 2 to 5 ... but 6, 7 and 9!

Members of Stade Francais are very happy to have an entire class, which will soon entered the club of leading French routes. If there is one regret that is felt around the clubhouse, the golfer too soon have to store the clubs. But the beauty of a sunset at Courson is a consolation, and an invitation to come back quickly, even if only to build on what we have understood today ...

Les Bordes begins it's second life

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 18:15:00 +0000

....a recent article about Les Bordes in LE FIGARO,
by Alyette DEBRAY-MAUDUY.

November 9, 2012
This is a link to the original article

SCREEN CAPTURE OF THE ARTICLE

Google translation of the original article:

Since it closed its doors in 2008, the wildest rumors ran on the legendary golf nestled in the heart of the Sologne forest. Exclusive, "Le Figaro" tells you the real story.

What has become of the Baron Bich golf? This little gem for five years ranked best course in Continental Europe by Golf World magazine. This route to the U.S., by Robert Von Hagge, who competes regularly in place of the most beautiful golf with French Chantilly Morfontaine. In 2008, we learn - through word-of-mouth - it closed its doors to visitors, reserving its fairways to a handful of members. It was then fashionable to tell the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea football club, had offered this gem into a resort Pharaohs. Finished his clubhouse charming, small cottages scattered in the forest ... It's a huge hotel and hypermodern a major building program.

If this rumor fueled conversations evenings, especially in Paris, is that this magical place has marked the minds of golfers who had the chance to play. Can not forget a visit to Bordes, its enchanting, immense putting green 3600 m² - the largest in Europe, with its deer cross a fairway turns his hunting trophies on the walls of the club house, decorated with taste and passion by Baroness Laurence Bich, the crackling fireplace in the bar, gourmet cuisine washed down with fine wines ...

Since its opening in 1987, Les Bordes has the buzz. At the time, the Baron Bich was the first boss to offer a course on his hunting grounds ... Better a small masterpiece by an architect in sight, which would soon become the most beautiful course Europe. His partner and friend Japanese Yoshiaki Sakurai (already owns fifteen courses in the world) had appealed to Robert Von Hagge. With the king of pen, the contact is immediately past the designer was given carte blanche. He brought his American touch to this stretch of oaks, broom, ferns, with mounds along fairways, fourteen acres of lakes (in play on 12 holes) set with Berlin, large sandy beaches ... "This property is gorgeous and the course remains a benchmark for all, says the French champion Jean Van de Velde, whose "Bic" was the first sponsor. Here, everything is fine, no hole is throwing despite the evolution of hardware (drivers and balls in particular), it remains hypersélectif and competitive. '

For the CEO of M6, Nicolas de Tavernost, another aficionado, "is the only golf course in the world where there is no noise, no cars, no planes, no trains. We feel that this magical place has been created by an enthusiast who is 100% invested in the venture, with unparalleled attention to detail. Baron Bich and his wife were able to marry here luxury, elegance and authenticity. "Even those who do not know the field speak with envy, as an impossible dream, a must play at least once in his life.

Soon 36-hole ...
What about today? The rumors still but the reality is quite different. First, it is not Roman Abramovic who took over the club, but a group of European investors led by businessman Kevin Cash, a real estate mogul. It was enough to cross the grid Bordes to understand its magic and potential. "Today, a site as wonderful, as preserved from all harm, it is unique in the world, he says Le Figaro. Ostentatious luxury is has been. The upscale clientele looking for the quiet, the terroir, the historical impact. "More than just golf, it has decided to launch an ambitious project, translate the creation of an area of exceptional charm and with a second course re-signed Von Hagge. When he speaks, Kevin Cash has the eye that shines. Without a doubt, it is already a fan of the site. "My goal is to perpetuate the lifestyle initiated by Baron Bich. I wish that the development of the field is done in the same spirit, one who has made the reputation of the club. '

End of 2010, a few months before his death, the American architect, to whom we also owe the golf Seignosse, returned to spend a few days in the Loire Valley. He made some changes to current route (drawing bunkers, fairways redefining the way ...) and outlined the plan "Bordes II," a track that will take place on the "fire" 36-holes Ganay. "Les Bordes is my masterpiece, I would like to finish my career," he had then confessed.

The 18-hole "posthumous" looks as enchanting as manicured as its predecessor but even more selective. "It will stretch over 100 hectares with over 9 acres of water hazards - a hallmark of American designer Mark says Vickery, Director of Development Bordes. Between pines, heather and broom, length of 7000 meters. As in Augusta, all greens are equipped with a "sub-air", translate, heating in winter and air conditioning in summer ... The ultimate. '

At his feet, around the twelfth century priory to house the clubhouse, will run a village Sologne old stone with a 5-star hotel managed by the Orient Express group, a spa, a fitness center (opening in 2014) ... Finally, add to this a "boutique hotel" in the nineteenth century castle of Bel Air, an area of the CIC group, adjoining the lands of Baron Bich in 2008 and sold to shareholders Bordes. For now this charming converted by Peter Phan, a highly rated designer in London, serves as a showcase for the curious ...! Of the 610 hectares of the area, we can also enjoy horseback riding, tennis, hiking ... green side, "Les Bordes II" will be open to all (from 2015), and his eldest remain exclusively reserved for hotel guests and owners apartments and villas on the golf ...

A major challenge
In its announcement, such a project had every reason to scare the municipality of Saint-Laurent-Nouan, even if economic issues are daunting. There are currently no upscale hotel around the castles of the Loire, though considered one of the most popular tourist regions of the hexagon (the castle of Chambord is the third most visited site of France).

Employment, the opening of the resort should lead nearly 500 jobs, is six times more than what is created around today. But how to ensure that nature is not jeopardized? That small footpaths, so popular for picking mushrooms and daffodils, are not destroyed? That the attractions of the Sologne forest are preserved? "To reassure local officials, the new owners have ordered an inventory of fauna and flora, before measuring the impact of these titanic works of nature, explains Isabelle Sautenet, Director of Bordes. They are also committed to conserve and manage paths reserved for walkers and respect a strict water management. '

Today, in the "business center" installed in the buildings of the clubhouse, seven people working full time on this project, fraught with pitfalls. Obtain all approvals noted administrative obstacle course, the image of the site Merovingian discovered on 13 hectares of field Ganay, following archaeological imposed by the State. Discovery of heavy consequence: the forced closure of the golf de Ganay in 2010, and the obligation to complete the excavation - at the expense of the owners - to validate all permits. "Ultimately, we have accumulated at least a year late, says Mark Vickery. This is thanks to the enthusiasm, tenacity - but also the financial strength - our shareholders that this was possible. "Last week, Les Bordes has finally got its latest initial authorizations and pickaxes are planned for 2013. Architects and contractors are now on a war footing. To be continued ...

The Atchafalaya at Idlewild - Into the Heart of Darkness

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 01:04:00 +0000

GOLF COURSE REVIEW:

The Atchafalaya atIdlewild-Into the Heart of Darkness

by Derek Duncan

The perimeter mounding at double green are out of style for a course built in 2006, but The Atchafalaya isn't shy about anything.

I admire what the architects did with this course. I believe if you’re stuck with a crap property and have to manufacture everything from the ground up, go ahead and turn the design loose.

The Atchafalaya at Idlewild is a little severe and anachronistic for when it was built—perimeter mounds, bulkheads lining water hazards, pot bunkers, a double green—but there’s no way to make this place look soft and old and heathery unless you’ve got an extra $10 or $20 million. There’s a reason why Coore and Crenshaw are so particular about the sites they work–they wouldn’t touch this with your bulldozer.

The property is shoehorned lengthwise between two dense bayous and a city park on the north on some of the only arable land in the immediate vicinity (it was formerly planted to…cotton? Soybeans? Sugarcane? I can’t remember). I’m told there are 175 acres underfoot but I’d be surprised if there are more than 125, and there isn’t much more than a foot of elevation change across most the site.

The design, especially the first nine holes, is as dark and murky as the surrounding Atchafalaya Basin, a massive swamp wilderness roughly 20 by 150 miles long vivisected by lakes, marshes, levees, canals, bayous, deltas, Cajuns, alligators, blood-sucking animals and of course the deep Atchafalaya River. This part of southern Louisiana is engaged in a perpetual war between the forces of such eerie, inhospitable nature and man’s attempts to engineer his way through it....

To read the original article click here.(this will open another window an you will be taken to the A POSITION)

The Atchafalaya at Idlewild
Patterson/Lafayette
Architect: Robert von Hagge, Michael Smelek, Richard Baril
Year: 2006

Don't we love good reviews of our golf courses....

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 22:51:00 +0000

Yes, we do!!!

Occasionally and as an occupational hazard, I search for reviews of our golf courses. Until now, I hadn't found a review of Stensballegaard Golf. I was happy to find it - and happy it's positive. So, I'm also happy to share some excerpts below. (You will find a link to the original article at the end.)

REVIEW OF STENSBALLEGAARD GOLF

The course is visited; 20 April 2012

When I started this page, it was amontgother things, to provide an alternative to the usual course reviews, in my view, often painting a little too rosy picture of a visited course.

You know them probably good - something like: Great welcome in the clubhouse, great course, great golf burger and a promise soon to come again.

The problem now is that after playing Stensballegaard, I am at risk of falling into the same clichéd rhetoric. Let me say it right away: The course IS great and so is the clubhouse, service .... and golf burger.

During today's visit we managed to get the game system 3 loops Brakør, Elbæk and Gold Mountain . We played the first Brakør and then Elbæk on our 18-hole round and finally Gold Mountain, to get it all - something, incidentally, I can highly recommend.

The course was designed by the American company Von Hagge, Smelek and Baril , who also Lyngbygaard on his conscience. The task of creating a golf course in the beautiful area down to Horsens Fjord has been completely successful. This despite the fact that the area is a "particular cultural protection area", which means that the terrain can not be adjusted more than one meter in height. (Actually, we were restricted to 50 centimeters - cut or fill.)

But take not only my word that Von Hagge, Smelek and Baril has succeeded in this task. The U.S. magazine Golf Inc awarded Stensballegaard to be Development of the Year in 2010.

It is an honor as Von Hagge, Smelek and Baril received for the first time, despite the fact they have previously designed fine courses like Les Bordes and Golf National in France, Anfi Tauro in Spain and several prominent tracks in the U.S., just to name a few.

The hallmark of Stensballegaard'ts track is plenty of room off the tee and great and inttersting greens. The bunkers also deserve a commmetn, since at Stensballegaard are a lot of them and none of them contains a bunker rake.

I must confess that I was somewhat skeptical in relation to what the many bunker without tears would make the gaming experience, but despite visits to several bunkers, I actually never experienced an extraordinarily bad lie. On the otherhand, I think the many bunkers look rustic and style is carried all the way around the plant. It looks a little like links - and it should be taken as a compliment.

In my review of the holes I will this time picking few and only mention a few holes. Will say that out of the 27 holes for me is only a single hole that stand out negatively.

Hole 7, 8 and 9 at Guldberg loop is isolated and reached a plateau in the woods. The walk up there to make you sweat, but the view from hole 9 is alone worth the effort.

Before that, however just have to navigate through hole 7 which is a short and rather unusual par-4 hole just 251 meters as doglegger 90 degrees to the right after approx. 150 meters.

Comment:

I appreciate the reviewers comment and opinion. And, these comments are intended as further explanation for the reader; and NOT to refute the review or reviewers opinion.

Hole #7 is unique. It was perhaps the most difficult hole to get approved, the most difficult hole to build and the most controversial during design and construction. Hole #7 "connects" the lower portion of the property to the upper portion, and it allowed us to:

accommodate three 9-hole loops, returning to the obligatory clubhouse location, in the upper corner of the property,
provided a chance to enter the forest with golf and
connect to the spectacular (and controversial) Guldberg #9, with it's commanding view of Horsens and the surrounding landscape.

(In fairness, #9 is also a polarizing golf hole, love by some and loathed by others....)

Conclusion:
Stensballegaard is an excellent facility. The design of the course is one of the best I've seen in Denmark and it is difficult to find anything to criticize.

There is for me to see 26 really strong holes on the course andonly hole 7 at Guldberg stand out a little.

There is much strategy built into the layout of the track and there are often several ways to play gaps, which is a clear strength.

The perceived position on the pitch is too great season and I can only imagine that it will be even better when we get into the summer.

Cliche-filled or not - I could easily recommend the course to the future guest and can easily see myself returning in the near future.

Stensballegaard is one of the very best courses I've played to date.

Overall assessement of Stensballegaard Golf:
An Eagle!

If you would like to read the original review, it can be found at Golf Anmeldelser Blog
The original review is in Danish. These excerpts were translated to English with Google translate and some adjustments were made to the translation, where the translation was unclear.

2012 RYDER CUP - NIB's (i.e. Negligible Influence Bunkers)

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:33:00 +0000

During the Ryder Cup broadcasts a few weeks ago, there was ample mention of the "mown rough or lack of rough”. Repeatedly, commentators referred to the short rough. Apparently (according to the announcers) this is a revolutionary concept! Why such a big stink about mown roughs? It certainly wasn't radically innovative. Perhaps it was a revelation for the Tour – which commonly features the trademark “fairway narrowing and deep rough”.

It is sad this maintenance practice provoked such a commotion. It’s a revealing indication of professional golf’s apparent inability to embrace change, diversity and variety. Did the short rough really alter play that much? Why was the "closely mown rough" such a big deal?

A sampling of Medinah's greens....

*For me, the more compelling story was the manner in which the sand bunkers were prepared and maintained for the Ryder Cup. The bunker sand appeared packed and exceptionally smooth. The sand was maintained to a standard of absolute irrelevance - tactical deprivation! During the 3 days of golf, there was not one interesting predicament, one memorable shot or even one significant incident involving a sand bunker. Confused about the "NIB", I checked Google Earth and found the Ryder Cup course – Medinah #3 - has 47 greenside bunkers, or an average of 2.6 bunkers per green! That's impressive!! But, these bunkers were simply ignored, lacking any tactical influence whatsoever.

The greenside bunkering is impressive on this Tom Bendelow designed golf course. As these images reveal, the greens are rife with cunningly handsome hazards.

Medinah's greenside bunkers don’t appear to be fortuitous “window dressing” either. The bunkers present as formidable sentries, defending the greens. So, it is unfortunate they did not feature in the strategy of the golf course - and influence play - during the Ryder Cup.

Tactical deprivation through excessive maintenance.

It's become an epidemic.

Another sampling of Medinah's greens

The greenside bunkers at Medinah should make a significant tactical contibution to the golf course (not simply an aesthetic statement). It would have been nice if the sand bunkers were actually allowed to influence play during the Ryder Cup.

Just my opinion….

*(Disclaimer: I must state openly that I have not played Medinah. So, you will understand the above comments are not based on my experience playing the golf course.)

The Battle for the Soul of the Game Golf....

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:38:00 +0000

I hope Mr. Newport will forgive me for copying his article in its entirety (below). But, I think it is a great synopsis of golf's present predicament. It touches on all the salient issues influencing the game, as well as developments which have transported us to where we are today. It also introduces a few of the countless initiatives being “frantically” rolled out to save the game.

The article, which touches on the contrasting challenges, brings the underlying questions into focus:

Can golf turn this trend around and grow again?
Is innovation the answer? (i.e. developing a new approach to golf – think “snowboarding” and how it helped save the ski industry)
Will “tradition” kill golf? (Are we to think the “i-everything - now” generation, suddenly gravitates to penny loafers and 5 hour leisurely walks in sansabelts; sans-cell phone?)
Will golf courses of the future be affordable/sustainable? Or, does the “Augusta syndrome” version of golf, relentlessly promoted by the the golf industry, represent the future of golf?
“Ball and club technology advances” continue to confound the golf industry. Will golf reconcile this schizophrenic love-hate relationship with technology?

As Mr. Newport points out, the industry has “all hands on deck”, attempting to re-energize and re-populate golf. The situation has even uniting several golf associations which, until recently, felt no pressing inclination to work in concert. Unfortunately, the shear diversity of initiatives and general lack of a unified message is producing a “white noise” which is short in energy and influence.

The golf industry, in attempting to re-make and re-brand itself, is unlikely to find the universal remedy it so desperately wants (and needs). The golf industry wants golf to be a business, instead of a sport. Golf isn’t about clubs, balls, shoes, courses, clubhouses, profit margins, etc. Golf is about having fun - entertainment! Golf is about sharing time and an experiences with others. Golf is a social game.

And, without question, golf has predominantly grown through practitioners introducing newcomers to the sport. The golf industry needs to forget about all the innovative initiatives, and find a way to mobilize golfers to introduce a friend or family member to the game. Otherwise, golf will continue to languish.

When the golf industry realizes this, and returns its focus on the golfer and the game, perhaps golf golf will find its soul again.

I hope you will read:

The Battle for the Soul of the Game Golf May Face Two Options: Change the Game Radically and Grow, or Remain a Niche Sport.

By JOHN PAUL NEWPORT

This is a link to the original WSJ article

From about 1990 to the mid-2000s, the golf industry boomed, overbuilt and overpromised. Now it's paying the price. By a couple of different reckonings, the game is losing one million golfers a year, net.

The promise of the boom was that golf, always a cultural litmus but in numbers never much more than a niche, could break out and become a sport for the masses.

The ramped-up industry still hopes it can. If that's to happen, however, the game at its core may have to change, or at least accommodate some tradition-defying alternatives. The deep question golf is asking itself these days is wherein lies its soul: with the ancient game itself, played as it has been for hundreds of years, or with the modern industry that has grown up around it? Two million U.S. jobs are now tied to golf, according to an industry lobbying consortium called We Are Golf, and those businesses are desperate to reverse their losses and expand.

Golf's leadership is responding to the situation with more urgency than ever. At golf's big annual merchandise show in Orlando, Fla., last month, I sat through several state-of-the-industry hand-wringing sessions. Nobody in golf is complacent. The PGA of America is pushing a new, all-points initiative called Golf 2.0, whose goal is to make the game "more relevant" to lapsed golfers and others, especially women and minorities, it has identified as underserved. At last weekend's annual meeting of the U.S. Golf Association in Houston, the incoming president, Glen Nager, sounded downright radical (by USGA standards) in urging golf to make itself more accessible.

From all this verbiage, one phrase from Nager's speech stood out for me as best representing the predicament for golf's traditionalists. At the end of a list of worthy goals—making golf more enjoyable to play, more affordable and more welcoming—he added that this must be done "without fundamentally changing the game itself." The game itself, of course, is different than the business practices that support the game, many of which (like poor customer tracking and feckless rangers) are indeed hidebound and need to be revamped. But Nager also stressed that the USGA's top priority is to protect golf's core values—to preserve, as he put it, "the true spirit of the game as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions." But it's unclear if that spirit is still viable for an industry that hopes to expand its customer base, as per the Golf 2.0 vision, to 40 million players by 2020 from 26 million players now? Never mind gaining those customers, especially young ones, in an ever more time-squeezed, electronically addicted culture.
Until perhaps 25 years ago, golf more or less contentedly filled its niche. Those who aspired to become golfers basically knew what they were getting in for and accepted the game's demands. "When I was learning to love this game, it was never seen as too hard, or too time-consuming to play, or too expensive, or too frustrating," said Susie Meyers, 51, who later played on the LPGA Tour and now teaches golf in Arizona. The course she played on with her family and friends was short and simple, but in her memories it was heaven.

In the intervening years, the character and challenges of the game changed, Meyers said. "Whose idea was it to make courses so difficult it takes 5½ hours to play?" she asks. "Whose idea was it to say there's a perfect swing and if you come to me I'll show you what's wrong with it and fix it? Whose idea was it that you have to find the perfect club and the perfect ball and play on perfect grass?"

There are many interrelated factors behind golf's transformation, but the housing bubble that caused so many troubles elsewhere played a lead role. It drove demand for thousands of new high-end courses to anchor developments, ratcheting up standards everywhere. The PGA Tour, fueled by big TV contracts and Tiger Woods, became much richer than it had been and more glamorous. Equipment makers poured millions into research and came up with high-price, technologically advanced clubs. Golfers always want the latest thing.

The thrust of the Golf 2.0 initiative is customer service—to give customers more of what they want, or would want if it were actually available: set-aside times and places for families and beginners to play, more leagues and competitions, more accessible instruction, friendlier staff. An allied initiative, begun last summer and co-sponsored (unusually) by the USGA and the PGA, is Tee It Forward, which encourages golfers to play from tees that make courses shorter and more fun. Most of these solutions, and others like them, are an attempt to return golf to simpler, less fancified times—the way Susie Meyers remembers the game.

Could these measures possibly be enough to give the golf industry the growth it desires? Maybe, given enough time and the rewiring of expectations in golfers' brains. But for those who don't think so, more extreme ideas have appeal. Among them: promulgating alternate sets of rules for players with less patience and fewer skills; legalizing clubs and balls that make the game easier; doubling the size of the hole. John Solheim, the chief executive of club maker Ping, recently floated the notion of adding two new types of balls: one that flies much farther for thrill seekers and short hitters, and a ball that is shorter for courses that are also short.

These are the kind of ideas that terrify traditionalists, even if they might introduce more people to the game. They like to think of golf as a single church, with one set of rules and beliefs for all. The analogy may be a stretch, but Christianity faced similar renegade elements in the 16th century, resulting in the Protestant Reformation. That was extremely messy, but in the end, if yielding more net Christians was the goal, all those new, competing denominations had a positive effect. The battle for golf's soul may just be getting under way.

ANFI TAURO GOLF COURSE

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:11:00 +0000

This was originally written in 2010. But, I never got around to posting it. Anfi Tauro golf course is the longest golf construction project I've been involved with; spanning 10 years.

In many ways, it was an extremely complicated and difficult design project, given the site constraints and the ever changing construction process. Not to mention the space restrictions, topography and ROCK.

Mr. von Hagge traveled to Gran Canaria to meet with Sr. Lyng and interview for the design commission. Unfortunately, it was the only time he visited Gran Canaria. I would have particularly enjoyed sharing this design experience with him. Sadly, Mr. von Hagge never returned to Gran Canaria.

Sr. Lyng (left), Jan Syltern and Robert von Hagge

Hole #6 (shown below) now occupies the ridge that is shown right behind these gentlemen.
The peak which remains today, behind #6 green, is right above Sr. Lyng.

circa 2000

Anfi Tauro #6
circa 2006

Also, sadly, Sr. Lyng did not live to see the completion of Anfi Tauro golf course.

Javier Suarez (left) with Sr. Lyng - May 2006. This was the last time I saw Sr. Lyng.
Javier Suarez was instrumental in finally getting the golf course constructed.

The most unique aspect of this project for me was dealing with my evolving design philosophy over the 10 years it took to realize this project. Of course, it was incumbent on me to deliver a "von Hagge" design, which has been my role for all our European designs. But, this project was different. At Anfi Tauro, over the 10 years we dealt with various construction entities, changing managers, changing site constraints and a change in ownership late in the project. And, my design philosophy continued to evolve during this time. I struggled to maintain consistency in the golf course. I fought the desire to modify completed holes, and make sure ongoing work was not a significant departure from the initial work. Each new regime brought changes to the plans. These had to be addressed and incorporated into the golf course. As an example, hole #1 was built and grassed three separate times over the years! It was truly a unique project.

ANFI TAURO

Anfi Tauro is a resort and golf course in Gran Canaria. It is the brainchild of Norwegian industrialist Senor Lyng (as he was known in Gran Canaria).

Bjorn Lyng was diagnosed with heart problems. (At one point, by coincidence, he was referred to the Medical Center in Houston, Texas) His doctors prescribed, among other things, rest and retirement. So, Sr. Lyng "retired" to Gran Canaria, an island he discovered years earlier while sourcing water valves he needed to refurbish a paper mill in Norway.

For a short time, his days were spent fishing. But, ever the restless industrialist, he was interested in much bigger "fish". Growing restless, his mind began fishing for something bigger; something on which he could focus his massive intellect and boundless energy.
He told the following story about his discovery - "Fishing one day, I was admiring the rugged coastline, mesmerized by the mountains entering the ocean. Then, it occurred to me, the particular mountain ridge I was looking at could be cut in half to create a resort. The excavated part of the mountain could be used to create a marina."

Only an extraordinary intellect, dares to dream this big. Sr. Lyng purchased the land and the his fishing vision started to become a reality. And, Anfi del Mar was born; shown below in it's early stages of construction....

ANFI DEL MAR - GRAN CANARIA

Following the success of Anfi Del Mar, Sr. Lyng expand his original dream. 3km up the coast, he envisioned another resort: Anfi Tauro. Every bit as ambitious as Anfi Del Mar, Anfi Tauro would have a golf course, time-share, houses, a marina and commercial center.

ANFI TAURO MASTERPLAN

ANFI TAURO GOLF COURSE

The design for Anfi Tauro is inextricably linked to the unique landscape the golf course occupies. The Tauro valley is a dramatic, varied and expansive desert landscape, with a magnificent and rugged mountain structure. These attributes "set the stage" and frame the golf course. It was obvious that - even if we wanted to - it would be impossible to design a golf course that did not cooperate and respectfully merge into this majestic landscape. Our desire, from the beginning, was to create a golf course that would celebrate and highlight the energy of the landscape.

Early sketch for hole #1

Hole #1 - the two "pot" bunkers on the left were added to provide additional security for the houses on the
left side of this golf hole. Hole #1 was built three times. The rock wall on the right side was moved twice.

Early in the design process, Sr. Lyng expressed an interest in creating a golf course that would showcase several different landscape “themes” i.e. desert, wetlands, forest, etc. We opposed this idea, believing it would compromise the integrity and strength of the natural landscape. In fact, this was likely the sole point where our opinion and intent differed from Sr. Lyng. He conceded this point reluctantly and I believe he finally found logic in our approach.

You will note that only the "play areas" of the golf course are grassed and irrigated. The purpose of this is twofold: 1. It reduces, to the logical minimum, the irrigated area. Of course, this is an important point in any golf project but it is critically important in Gran Canaria. 2. By confining the grass/irrigation only to the play areas, we created a very stark and dramatic color contrast (green) to the adjacent landscape. This creates a very dramatic visual effect, which we felt was important. It is a very clear and pure representation of the struggle between the manicured golf course and the formidable natural landscape – that we wanted to highlight.

Anfi Tauro #17, highlighting the scale of earthmoving required to build the course.

What were the design objectives?
Sr. Lyng asked us to create the best possible golf course possible within the Anfi landscape. It was a simple directive with many mitigating circumstances that spanned many years. Our intention, which is a constant objective, was to create the most memorable, entertaining and fun golf experience possible.

Since Anfi is a “resort” course, it means the golf course must be easily and immediately comprehensible. Since there will likely be many people that only play the course a few times, they must be able to understand the tactical requirements. At the same time, the course cannot be so rudimentary as to be uninspiring. Also important, Anfi is intended to provide a truly memorable visual experience. We want the players to leave with unchallenged, unparalleled memories of a unique and inspiring landscape. Finally, the golf course must engage and challenge the best players and entertain the beginning and average players.

What were the main difficulties and challenges during the execution of the project?
Now this is truly a difficult to question to answer in a brief way..... I only have time to provide a list which I could perhaps elaborate on in the future:

• The site – mostly rock, a limited amount of space, severe topography.

• The construction – limited experience of the construction company, logistical problems, projects delays leading to changes in workers and management and re-learning.

• Water

• Extended time – challenged the cohesiveness of the original design, design process and design philosophy.

• Permitting/authorities

Anfi Tauro #13 green, overlooking Tauro valley.

What makes Anfi Tauro Golf special?
Anfi Tauro is an ambitious dream of one man, that was shared with many and nurtured through many hardships to become a reality. I believe there has not been a more ambitious golf project built in Europe. The obstacles were simply too overwhelming to be overcome by a normal person. Of course, this is a compliment to the dedication and compelling power of Sr. Lyng, and his unwavering conviction to make dreams into reality.

Today, the path which was originally set by Sr. Lyng is now being followed and pursued by Santana-Cazorla. Under the tutelage of Javier Suarez, we believe the golf course will attain international recognition as a golfing destination.

Anfi Tauro golf course is unique in many ways. It is a golf course that resides in an extremely powerful and dramatic landscape. This provides a visual feast unparalleled anywhere. The design provides varied and complete challenges, intended to train and improve golfing skills - while entertaining golfers. The course is maintained at the highest level.

In the next years, as the final landscape touches are complete and the landscape mends and merges with the golf course, Anfi will mature into a truly striking and outstanding experience and hopefully become a recognized international golf venue.

INTERESTING FOLLOW-UP

I found this review (below) recently. Such kind words are rewarding to designers. This review is particularly rewarding for me. I spent nearly 30 years working with Mr. von Hagge and took great pride in my association with him. It was truly an honor for me.

Robert was always concerned about projects like Anfi Tauro, that he didn't visit often. Eventually, his health prevented him from traveling to Europe and visiting our ongoing projects. He would be concerned these projects were not being developed to his standard. He would be happy to see a "von Hagge" admirer felt Anfi Tauro expresses is "maximum creativity". He would also be proud the golf course seems more impossible to play than it is. This was one of Robert's design tenets: to design a golf course that appears more difficult than it is... Robert was an artist and he would have loved the description: "Every hole looks like a painting, from nature and sometimes breathtaking."

"Arizona to Gran Canaria: spectacular"
Jan 6, 2012 A TripAdvisor Member

Von Hagge is the architect of my favorite golf courses. At Anfi Tauro Golf he has expressed his maximum creativity. At first glance, we are faced with a path that seems impossible, then, hole after hole, you become more familiar and fun is guaranteed. I, handicap 19, I've always used the drive without fear and the result was a score below 90 shots. Every hole looks like a painting from nature and sometimes breathtaking. The camp is held in an exemplary manner. Congratulations to the FIFe and especially Von Hagge.

SUSTAINABLE GOLF = 2% GREEN

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 16:35:00 +0000

“Sustainability” was a major theme at the 2010 World Forum of Golf Course Architects (WFGCA) in St. Andrews, Scotland.

After the WFGCA, working my way through Europe, I continued to seek a compelling strategy to promote a “brown is the new green” initiative. One idea finally materialized in Madrid – GOLF IS 2% GREEN..........

During the two day WFGCA, a theme emerged; the need to change golfer’s expectations from picture perfect golf courses (the “Augusta syndrome”), to a more ecologically responsible standard. I remember feeling overwhelmed midway into the second day, contemplating the task of convincing millions of golfers, regardless of what you’ve been told or what you think; “brown is beautiful”.

In fact, in the American Society of Golf Course Architects panel session, I posed (essentially) this question: “How do we (the +/- 150 people sitting in the room), propose to convince millions of golfers that the message the golf industry has so successfully crafted and delivered the past few decades, was the wrong message?” This is a question with no easy answer.

Intuitively, it seems peculiar for the golf industry to promote a “brown” initiative, while the rest of the world focues on “going green”.

Clearly, golfers will not enthusiastically embrace “dry -brown - scruffy” golf courses. Why should they? Every weekend on television, and in glossy monthly golf magazines, golfers see green! Indeed, lush and perfectly coifed courses are relentlessly flaunted as “the best” golf courses.

This is how the golf industry has programmed golfers and marketed golf. We shouldn’t be surprised golfers expect the same perfect conditions on every golf course. One small problem; we forgot to inform the golfing public these lavishly built and extravagantly maintained golf courses are often unsustainable – financially and environmentally.

Visiting clients and projects throughout Europe after the WFGCA, I continued to wonder - and question people about how we could bring more awareness to this issue.

I found;

1) Significant “sustainability” awareness already exists. But, I also perceived a hesitancy or uncertainty about how to assume a leadership role for this initiative - and, "who" should assume this role.

2) I was surprised by a common expectation from those I spoke with, which is: Golf Architects, by virtue of our prominence in the golf industry, should assume a leading role advancing sustainability.

My travels finally put me in Madrid, where we are constructing a 36 hole project in Alcala de Henares. While in Madrid, I also had a meeting scheduled with Royal Spanish Golf Federation President Sr. Gonzaga Escauriaza Barreiro. (I had a chance to meet with President Escauriaza during the WFGCA, where we agreed I would visit him during my visit to Madrid.)

During the meeting at the Centro Nacional in Madrid, discussions soon focused on sustainable golf. President Escauriaza expressed appreciation for the WFGCA’s concern about sustainability, an issue critically important to future golf development.

I remember the odd feeling, sitting in Madrid seamlessly engaged in this discussion concerning salient golf development issues. Golf is truly a small world. These exchanges quickly reveal we all share a love of golf and we share the same concerns about golf’s future.

It’s good to see industry leaders clearly grounded and able to articulate issues quickly and with focus. It wasn’t long before it was suggested; “Golf Architect’s” have the ability and platform to play in vital role in this initiative. Again, I hear the same comment about the role Architects must play in this initiative. And, again, it caused me to pause and wonder; do Architects truly have this power, or significantly more influence than our industry partners?

Our conversation continued, wandering through issues and events. I was happy to learn and wanted to gain understanding from the perspective of a National Golf Federation.

Sr. Julian Zulueta - made a point, which I particularly appreciated (since it is something I have said for years). He said professionals could and should play the same golf courses we play, instead of the perfectly groomed (unsustainable) courses, set up specifically for golf tournaments. He makes a very valid point that golf course owners as well as tournament sponsors, have the ability to dictate tournament venues are not altered, but presented in the "conventional" fashion. And, golf course owners and sponsors are complicent, unless or until they demand tour events are played under normal golf course conditions.

I couldn’t agree more with these comments. Professional golf consistently presents golf courses in the wrong manner in my opinion. Examples of this are obvious and too numerous to mention. Nearly every venue conforms to a pre-tournament preparation protocol. The result is uniform conditions every week. You’ll find very little variety and very few unique venues on the professional tour. Whose fault is this? How does this change?

Sr. Davide Gomez – the Federations Agronomist, made the point: Instead of focusing on equipment advances (clubs and balls), presenting more sustainable golf course conditions, will bring challenge and unpredictability back into the game. A sustainable golf course presents unpredictable conditions which are more challenging, but also more interesting. How often do we see players whining, when they face a less-than-perfect lie?

So, we provide perfect playing conditions. Then, when golfer's aren't sufficiently challenged by the golf course (because we've eliminated any possibility for misfortune) we must add tees, narrow the fairways, speed-up the greens, add bunkers, etc. etc. (which, by the way, all increase cost). Are you seeing the disconnect here?

If you want to see the magic unpredictable golf course conditions can produce, find a video of Tom Watson’s chip in on the 17 hole at Pebble Beach in the final round of the 1982 US Open. Below, is an image of that moment. Notice the "rough" around the green. Try providing these conditions for today's golfers, and see what kind of reaction you get....

And, if you still don't believe golf course maintenance has changed the face of golf, you would be wrong. To prove the point, some revealing historical and present day images of a well known golf course:

#12 GREEN present day version

Recognize this hole? How about the maintenance - does it look familiar? Probably not. Still think maintenance standards and our expectations haven't changed?

President Gonzaga Escauriaza – made a precise and compelling point; Golfers obsess about the condition of the putting surfaces.

For some reason this final point found particularly fertile ground with me. A light went on! It’s true. Golfers fixate on putting surfaces. How often have we heard golfers brag or complain about “the greens”? I can’t remember how many times I’ve asked an opinion about a golf course, only to get a report on putting green conditions. So, why not use this knowledge to our advantage?

Golfers obsess about putting surfaces. Conveniently and notably, putting surfaces occupy less than 2% of the surface area on a typical golf course. That’s the message!

It’s catchy. It’s memorable. It’s truthful. It provokes further inquiry. It’s timely. It speaks of the “green” initiative. It focuses on what’s important to golfers – “green”. Most importantly, it doesn’t say, “No more green golf courses for you Mr. and Mrs. Golfer.” It calls attention to the negligible land area (less than 2% of the area of a typical golf course) which receives intense management on golf courses.

This seems like a better platform to discuss sustainability, focusing on what is important to the golfer; "The greens!" This engages golfers in a cooperative manner, concentrating on their priority, the greens. It provides a basis for golfers to be engaged in the sustainability dialogue: If the priority is good putting surfaces, what are we willing to compromise to maintain good putting surface conditions?

GOLF=2% GREEN also suggests a way forward; golf courses can reduce their carbon footprint and environmental impact; by focusing resources on putting surfaces and allowing the remaining golf course area (98%) to be more natural.

GOLF 2% GREEN

(Now, this is a message which holds promise….)

(Images used in this article are presented solely for edcuational purposes and all ownership rights and copyrights remain with the owners of these images. )

"Will Rio Course be Built in Time for the Olympics?"

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:29:00 +0000

What a headline - right? Not so much!
Maybe this is a shocking headline for somebody. But, for anyone involved in golf development, this isn’t really news. In fact, if you can find a golf project that isn’t delayed for one reason or another, that would be a newsy item! And, lest we forget, we’re talking about Latin America – land of “mañana”!
Now, Latin America is certainly a wonderful mix of diverse cultures and charming customs. But, it is different. To underscore this, allow me a small anecdote:

On a site visit to a golf course we had under construction several years, we discovered the 15th green was under construction in the wrong location. After investigating further, we found the green had been moved because our client sold the original green site. It seems someone showed up and decided the location of the 15th green would be ideal for their home. And, our client, the accommodating soul that he was, sold them part of the golf course.... We were flabbergasted. Our client never understood what the fuss was about. He only knew he had a 'happy customer'....

So, you ask; "Will the Rio course be built in time for the Olympics?" I hope so. But, my practical side isn't so optimistic. (But, I certainly hope it happens and on the selected site, which looks excellent. And, as jealous as I am; I'm sure Mr. Hanse will do an exceptional job.)

Could It Be "All About Golf"?

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:15:00 +0000

I read this article several months ago, and it struck a cord with me. There is no shortage of "grow the game" initiatives. If you don't believe me, try a simple on-line search. The number of initiatives is staggering. In fact, the number and diversity create a "white noise" that is more confusing than it is productive. It's like eating at a restaurant that has too many choices on the menu. You get confused - perhaps even frustrated - and revert to what is convenient and comfortable for you....

When I see the diverse agendas, the diverse campaigns, the diverse initiatives - I think; it's too bad the golf industry can't unite and communicate a simple and enticing message - that might actually engage new players. Instead of trying to sell golf clubs, golf balls, equipment, a lifestyle, a membership, a new approach to golf - maybe someday we'll learn it's; "all about golf"!

Could It Be "All About Golf"?

Mitchell L. Stump, CPA has been challenging Private Golf Clubs about their best customers and why Clubs tend to treat this customer poorly. If a Private Club has a golf course and the Member that pays the highest joining fee and the highest dues, if the Full Equity Golf member, it just may be "All About Golf". So why do we charge our best customer for golf lessons? Why are these not an amenity?

Based upon discussions this past year with my good friend and CMAA Member Mark Nordman, General Manager, Colonial Country Club in Fort Myers, FL, the analysis below represents a response to my hard questioning of why Private Golf Clubs do not provide free golf lessons to Members as a Club amenity. I asked the question "Why must Private Club Members pay for golf lessons?" "After joining a Private Club and paying annual dues, why is it necessary to pay more to the Golf Professional to improve my golf game?" "Why don't we actually pay the Golf Professional a decent salary and then make their primary responsibility improving my golf game?"

In a National Golf Foundation study conducted in 2009, the following was concluded: "While we can't answer the chicken-and-egg question of which came first - the passion or the ability - we can look at the importance of instruction in increasing commitment and growing the game.

Some key observations:
• 95% of Core golfers have a strong desire to improve
• 80% say they are willing to work on their game
• 81% believe they are capable of improving

However:
• Only 23% took a golf lesson in the past 12 months
• And, 40% don't know of a teaching professional they could go to

Conclusion: There are plenty of players who want to improve and believe they can do so with the help of a golf professional. Time and money are barriers to golf instruction, no doubt, but they are surmountable barriers for the majority of golfers...."

So why has a CPA been writing and talking about this radical approach for a number of years now and writing Club "It's All About Golf" Book?

The answer is basic business theory:
• Who is your Private Golf Club's best customer? Is it possibly the Equity Golf Member?
• Get them to come back to the Club more often, and
• Have them use your profitable services such as cart fees, guest fees, buying Pro V-1's and losing them by the third hole, eating at the snack bar and drinking afterwards.

Mark decided to take my challenge and agreed to report back to me regarding the results. Mark verbally reported that he increased the compensation of his Golf Professionals for this two month trial period to cover the estimated lesson income that normally is generated during this period. Here is Mark's report:

*Play Golf Colonial Complimentary Golf Lessons Colonial Country Club Fort Meyers, Florida*

The Challenge
While we all embrace the concept of family amenities, alternative programs, clubs within clubs, lawn bowling, tennis, nature trails, horseshoe pits, lazy river pools, yoga classes, spinning classes and bus trips to the museum as parts of a private club, we also think that golf in these private clubs can still be about golf. There is somewhat of a chain reaction with golf – the easier golf is to play and the better you play, the more fun it is. And if you have fun doing it, then you will be more likely to come back for more and come back more often. In the end, this results in the Clubs doing better financially (or at least stop losing business).

We know from years of experience that active golf members are the ones who create the most net revenue in a private club. In order for people to play more often, and thereby increase revenue, they have to actually enjoy playing. Simply put, our theory was that people would enjoy the game of golf more if they were better at it. We know that many members do not take lessons for a number of different reasons – cost, fear of the unknown, or fear of what others might think if they “admit” they need help with their game. So, if we could remove at least some of these barriers, we figured we could ultimately encourage more people to get out and enjoy the game of golf and do so more often. The easiest way to do this was to offer our members free half-hour lessons, because that’s where the chain reaction begins.

The Promotion
During the month of February, Colonial Country Club offered its members a free golf lesson with Head Golf Professional, Brian Kelley. The promotion was entitled “Play Golf Colonial” and its ultimate goal was to bring more players to the game, especially those who did not play very often. We all know it is easy to get repeat business from the die-hard players, but we saw an opportunity for revenue growth if we could bring more players to the game by tapping into those who only played occasionally….or not at all. We also saw the promotion as an opportunity to provide greater value to our Members.

The promotion had additional goals as well. Typically, increased rounds of golf played lead to increased guest fees, increased merchandise sales, and increased food and beverage sales, and we anticipate seeing those increases as a result of this promotion. We will be tracking the future sales data to determine whether there was, in fact, a correlation amongst these factors. To date, the positive “buzz” from the membership and the perceived results have been amazing. Brian was fully booked on the times he made available for this program and taught 128 free lessons throughout the month of February.

The Marketing
At Colonial Country Club, we utilized 6 main marketing avenues to promote this event which included the Colonial Country Club website, community channel, newsletter, bulletin boards for flyers, cart signs, and a digital picture frame at the golf shop counter. At the start of each lesson, we collected each person’s e-mail address. This enabled us to send each participant a reminder of their “homework” that they should work on to continue improving their golf game. We also utilized their e-mail to send them a friendly reminder to take advantage of discount vouchers to be used throughout other areas of the club (i.e., massage, personal training, etc.) and discounts on future golf club purchases.

The Lesson
During the lesson, there were several factors that were addressed. We began each lesson by uncovering whether there was a certain aspect of the individual’s game they would like to work on. We also reviewed the basic rules of golf to ensure they were comfortable with them. After that, we took the opportunity to educate them on the various leagues at the Club and upcoming events, as well as conducting a club fit. As part of the promotion, if a student decided to purchase clubs as a result of their club fit or at any time during the month of February or March, they were given a 10% discount on their purchase. We also gave them, at the end of their lesson, vouchers for a discount on personal training, couples massage, and facials at our Recreation Center.

The Results
During the month of February, we taught 128 30-minute lessons to the membership at Colonial Country Club. The trends that we noticed within the promotion were as follows: couples signed up together; the majority of participants were beginning women; over 90% of the participants wanted to work on the fundamentals of Posture, Grip, and Alignment for both their long and short games. By being engaged with the members and creating a more personal relationship, we set off the chain reaction - we increased participation in all departments, increased our merchandise sales, and increased our total rounds of golf.

Mark C. Nordman, General Manager, Colonial Country Club Brian P. Kelley, PGA Head Golf Professional, Colonial Country Club

For additional information, please contact:

Mark C. Nordman, General Manager, Colonial Country Club, 9181 Independence Way, Fort Myers, Florida 33913 239-768-7200 mnordman@troongolf.com

EL ENCIN Bankia Madrid Masters, October 6 to 9

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:27:00 +0000

I can't remember where I found this article. But, it is good "reporting", which is nearly a lost art. Today, writers often attempt to "make"news, rather than report it...

New opportunities on a brand new course

The European Tour touches down on Spanish soil a total of seven times this year; after the Open de Andalucia in Malaga and the Open de Espana in Barcelona the Tour passed by Mallorca and Casares and will move on further to Valencia and Sotogrande. This week the players are heading for Spain´s capital city of Madrid, to a brand new venue that celebrates its first great tour event. The Bankia Madrid Masters will be held there from October 6 to 9.

The El Encín Golf Hotel in Alcalá de Henares will host the fourth edition of the Masters, which has a prize money total of € 1 million. The new venue will welcome some golf stars, like Martin Kaymer (2010 winner of the KLM Open in The Netherlands), the Molinari brothers, Luke Donald and more than a handful of Spanish golfers.

Bankia Masters’ fourth year

This is the fourth year of the Madrid Masters; after Luke Donald’s win at the Real Sociedad Hípica Española Club de Campo, the Bankia Madrid Masters now is played at the El Encín. Before, in 2009, it was Ross McGowan who triumphed at Centro Nacional de Golf. South African Charl Schwartzel was crowned champion in the inaugural event in 2008, which was played at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.

Plenty of surprises

El Encín is different in many ways. The Campo Sur course of El Encin, with the Santos de la Humosa hills in the background, has plenty of surprises that can make life difficult for even the most seasoned of golfers. The course was designed and built with an idea to one day host some of the great tournaments of the European Tour. Now that the tour players are actually heading for Madrid, the hotel manager’s dream has come true. Joaquín Molpeceres, President of El Encín Golf Hotel, said: “We are thrilled by the idea of hosting the Bankia Madrid Masters, which was one of our goals when we built this course.”

Superb bunkering

The Campo Sur is a great course, featuring undulating greens and superb bunkering. It is a long championship course, but with six different sets of tees it caters to golfers at every level.

El Encín Golf Hotel, which opened just last March, is located in the outskirts of the historic village of Alcalá de Henares, 34 kilometres north east of Madrid, and overlooks the stunning mountains of the Santos del la Humosa region.

"Fear and Loathing" (the putting surfaces)

Rick Baril, the US-based designer of the course that was opened in April of this year, thinks the course is barely ready for this tournament. Still, Baril is very proud of some distinct features of the course. “The most compelling or unique feature at El Encín will be the putting surfaces, that are very distinct and contorted. There is no doubt many golf professionals will loathe the putting surfaces at El Encin. The greens are complicated, sophisticated, tortured and – at times – even whimsical. Placing a golf ball in the correct position on the green will be critical to a successful round. But, there will also be serendipity introduced by the green complexes and putting surfaces – and this will likely drive some players crazy.”

STIPPLEBERG - GolfInc Development of the Year 2011

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:14:00 +0000

Soon, you will likely hear it announced that "Stippleberg Golf Course" has been rated "the best golf course or the best new golf course"... In fact, Golf Baan Stippleberg, located in the Netherlands has been recognized as GolfInc's 2011 Development of the Year.

Each year GolfInc magazine features it's 'Development of the Year' award, recognizing newly opened golf course projects which have "admirably achieved their development goals". Strangely, it is not widely understood, this is not another "best" list or dumb blonde beautiful golf course contest. The intention of GolfIncs DOY award, although it features the golf project, is truly to recognize the efforts of the development team.

This year (and, I think, by being on the winning team for the 2010 DOY award) I was asked to be one of the judges this. I was honored when we won the award last year because competition was tough and it validated the efforts of our passionate and dedicated development team.

Judging this competition is difficult. The entries are diverse - in location, scope, cost, etc. So, one of the difficulties is 'comparing' projects. How do you compare a 6-hole half million dollar project to a 180 hole project, where each hole cost $1 million dollars? Also, since these are new projects, it was difficult for me to reconcile the "successful" part of the evaluation. For me, being successful must logically include some measure of financial appropriateness and/or success. But, whether or not these new projects will be financially successful, is yet to be determined for most.

Judging is accomplished from materials provided by the development team. The quality of the submission is critical, as judging is supposed to be based solely on this information. And, the information detail varied greatly, from one entrant to another. (Judging is supposed to be blind. But, if you're in the industry, you likely know about most of the entries.) The judging process took much longer than I anticipated.  And, even if it was very interesting and I'm very glad for the opportunity, I've discovered it wasn't as easy or rewarding as I initially thought it might be. I surely prefer being "in the battle", rather than being an evaluator and critic....

The intent of the DOY award is commendable. It really is a validation of the development team's talents and dedication. It's too bad this is not clearly understood. Because this really makes this award unique and significant in our industry.

After being on both sides of this process, it's clear to me the competition is fierce and all the recognized courses, represent truly fine work.  So, whether a course recieves 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th place or honorable mention - the development team should be proud of the accomplishment and recognition.

For this reason, I'm glad GolfInc recognized so many of the entrants.  Some may think this dilutes the prestige of the winners.  But, the fact is, there were a large number of outstanding submissions and it is worthy to distinguish the fine efforts of these development teams.

Bankia Madrid Masters Summary

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:32:00 +0000

I really should have posted this previously. I wrote/compiled it and left it to proof-read before posting. Then, forgot to get back to it....

So, a summary of the 2011 Bankia Madrid Masters - the first time El Encin has hosted the event....

"....treacherously challenging and torturously tricky…" was how the golf course was introduced before the final day of the MADRID MASTERS at EL ENCIN.

EL ENCIN before construction - when the world was flat....

I didn't get to see all the BANKIA MADRID MASTERS but the most common reaction we've recieved is: "it was compelling to watch".

As previously mentioned, the event garnered significantly more attention than any other EUROPEAN TOUR event held on a golf course we designed (even more attention than Luke Donald winning at Real Sociedad Hipica Espagnola Club de Campo last year).

Some player quotes during the tournament:

"I can't really decide which side of the fairway provides the best approach to this green."

"I was too defensive. You can't be defensive on this course."

"I'm just going to hit it at the flag and see what happens."

A couple quotes from player interviews after play:

Thomas Aiken after the tournament: “The golf course has great potential from tee to green.” “The greens are really ‘slopey’. A lot of the modern courses their doing today, they’re overdoing the severity of the slopes. (What? You're kidding right?)

So, you can’t really make the greens as quick as you would like to make them because they’re unplayable if they’re quick. So, it’s a pity from that point of view.” (Thomas - you want to know what the pity really is? It's not accepting golf courses "as they are designed and as they are intended to be played". Why do we need to flatten greens so they can all be uniformly fast? Why can't we have some golf courses with contoured putting greens, which provide a different challenge and experience?

Author's comment: Maybe I'm unique. But, I would like to see the Tour players - play a golf course like the rest of us, without sending in the Tour's team in advance to adjust; the widths of fairways, mowing heights, greens speeds, make all things perfect, etc. How exciting it would be to see a tournament golf played on a golf course using normal maintenance resources and conditions". How about that for a refreshing proposal and a sad commentary about golf - all in one!?

And, yes, I do think professional golf has compromised and distorted golf to such an extent that it will likely never recover it's integrity. And, sadly; "providence" - one of golf's great attributes - will surely never be fully appreciated or embraced again!

Brett Rumford after the 3rd round: “There are a lot of birdies out there. It’s a really fun course to play. It’s seems these greens and this layout, it just seems to be the generation of new golf courses, which I hope there’s going to be more of, because they’re a lot of fun to play.”

Aerial photo of EL ENCIN February 2011

Random quote - from Mike Norman from Betting.Betfair:

"Apologies for the late preview this week folks. I was at the Madrid Masters last week and after taking one look at the severity of the greens at El Encin Golf Hotel my head went into a spin, and I've only just recovered. Believe me, Augusta National has got nothing on that place when it comes to undulating greens."

Interesting incidents:

It was fun (and rewarding) to see players in the same group hitting a variety of clubs from the tee - obviously aiming for different locations in the fairways. More than once, we heard uncertainty about where tee shots should be aimed - to provide the best approach to the flag.
Molinari - "chipping" his ball OFF the putting surface (#17). Now, how often will you see this in professional golf? (I'm really not sure why this didn't garner more attention.)
Saltman winning his weight in Iberico ham with a hole in one!

EL ENCIN GRAND OPENING

At the opening of El Encin (April 2011) the President of Madrid Community: Esperanza Aguirre (shown here with Carlos Molpeceres) announced the 2011 Madrid Masters will be staged on the new golf course in October.

Master plan for EL ENCIN - showing South (tournament) course on the bottom and North (yet to be built) course on the top.

So, for me, it was finally an interesting tournament. There was actually something different to watch. I actually saw, what appeared to me to be, actually thought taking place....instead of grab and smash. It wasn't perfect. And, I will admit some of the putting surfaces are "radical". But, players should learn to accept golf courses as they find them. Take golf courses like you took your spouse - no guarantees!!

UPDATE - August 2012: In a recent press release, it was announed that the Bankia Madrid Masters would not be played this year (2012) due mainly to the financial crisis. I'm sad. I was hoping to see the players wrestle with El Encin again this year. I sincerely hope the European Tour will return to Madrid and El Encin in the near future.

MADRID MASTERS - TEE TIME ARTICLE

noreply@blogger.com (VP von HAGGE, SMELEK & BARIL) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 02:35:00 +0000

EL ENCIN - A DIFFERENT PATH

By Peter Damgaard

(Electronic translation of original Danish text)

Bankia Madrid Masters was played at El Encin Golf Hotel. The track opened in early April this year and had a somewhat different challenge to the pros.

The course was designed by Von Hagge, Baril & Smelek with Rick Baril at the head, and he is in Denmark known for being the architect behind Stensballegaard Golf in Horsens and Lyngbygaard Gulf of Aarhus.

They began to build the track in 2009, and the area was completely flat before the golf course was built, so everything is created from nothing. It's a new track, so players were just a foretaste of how the track is when it has evolved, says Rick Baril to HOTJUG.

. The intention has been to create a course where strategy is not a foregone conclusion - not even for pros, so they were udfodret more than usual, it is usually given when the fairway people prefer to lie. There are wide fairways and big greens, but you have to score low, you need to land the right places on the greens. The greens are very undulating and capricious to such an extent that it is rarely seen.

- Greens are dramatic but playable, and they are definitely not what the tour players are accustomed to. We knew there would be players who grumbled about the greens. The approach shot can be lucky or unlucky and it would be unusual for pros who are used to perfect conditions. But what is golf without coincidence, fate, luck and perhaps even accidentally, asks Rick Baril conductive.

The course is long, 7561 yards, equivalent to 6915 meters, but it is not intended to be played from all the back tees. The architect hoped before the tournament, the European Tour for the challenge would use different tees. It was done, and par-3 fifth hole measured for example193 meter on one day and 135 meters a second.

Rick Baril did not have the opportunity to be in Madrid, but have seen the tournament on TV at home in Houston, USA.

Some players were uttilfredse over greens, while others were enthusiastic. As Henrik Knudsen and Leif Nyholm said at Viasat Golf from Madrid, it was as if the players became more and more positive every day and also Leif Nyholm went from being a little lukewarm to think it was exciting.

One of those players who criticized the greens were Paul McGinley, but his criticism is also a praise:
I would not design a course like this, because the greens are undulating. But they are very similar to what you see at St. Andrews and Augusta National, and they are regarded as masterpieces, so who's right and who is wrong, said Paul McGinley.

Rick Baril has been for many years Von Hagge, Baril & Smelek man in Europe, where he has been deeply involved in the design of all their courses including Les Bordes, Golf World has just re-elected to continental Europe's best track , and Le Golf National, which in 2018 will host the Ryder Cup.

Reactions of course very similar to the way Les Bordes was received and to a lesser extent, Le Golf National. Both were controversial because of their quirky and unique character. Both are now recognized as good tracks and I am hopeful that El Encin will be the same, said Rick Baril who would rather draw a track that evokes emotions than a track that is tedious and trivial.

If the greens were 100 years old or on a links course would seem that they were charming, eccentric and exciting. It's fun to see players worry about some shots, says Rick Baril.