Introduction to Golf Course Architecture

By William Carlson

When you ask a golfer who has little knowledge of golf architecture about their opinions of a course, you will generally receive one of two responses. One is the player’s response, where someone judges a course solely on how they played; if they played well they will say they liked it, and if they played poorly they’ll likely say they hate it. This phenomena is even shown by tour professionals, who will grumble about a course when they don’t shoot their usual low score. The second unfortunate judgement is that many golfers will assume a good course must be in pristine maintained conditions, and not think about a course’s true qualities of strategy, interest, and beauty. 

The opinion of the golfer is generally the standard at which a course is judged, for obvious reasons. And the greatest success of a course is if the golfer enjoyed the course and his round. But, in no way does this mean that the course should be designed exactly to the likings of golfers themselves. For if one were built in such a way it would likely be a boring course, with relatively easy simple shots on benign holes. While the opinions of players are important when making bold moves in a design, so they don’t end up being too disliked, there are many instances where the will of the golfer must be disregarded to achieve in creating a compelling course. 

What does all of this mean for the golfer? It means that a course should be built with the pure intent of the compelling enjoyment for the player. As the architect Donald Ross said; “Golf should be a pleasure not a penance.” This is best accomplished by a course that is beautiful by blending with nature, has strategic interest and challenge, and has unique features that create interesting shots. All of these factors are important to the player for multiple reasons, whether they consciously or subconsciously know it. Beauty through nature can be done in a multitude of ways, either by preserving and integrating existing natural features into the design. Or by imitating nature in man-made features. A beautiful composition of the course and the landscape can make a round a more serendipitous experience. Strategy in a course, which can either be deliberately dictated by harsh hazards, or in more hidden ways which take years to fully understand make a course more intriguing for the player. Where they must fully plan out specific shots to shoot a low score. Courses also must not be made benign by lacking some unusual features. Like unique green slopes, mounding, or bunkering. 

The principles and ideals of good architecture are in place to bring the game to its greatest potential. Varied rounds and shots, which make the game enthralling and enjoyable for every golfer. Along with creating a visceral environment in which to enjoy the game alongside nature.