An Ideal Golf Course

Ron Whitten, Bandon Dunes and Don Mahaffey

2012-01-17T09:48:00.000-06:00

Don Mahaffey (pictured above) and I have worked on a several projects and proposals since we created Wolf Point Club together. We have had a lot of chances to compare notes and discuss our ideas about golf and business. While our abilities are very different, our approaches are quite similar.

Recently Ron Whitten wrote a blog post about Bandon Dunes with references to the Steve Job's biography. Don and Ron had somewhat different takes. Here is Don's:

Jobs would have loved the idea of Bandon Dunes. My take is Jobs felt creating something beautiful at the intersection of creativity and technology was the key to good products. He did not focus just on one part of that, beauty was key, but the products had to be highly functional as well. Functionality was very important, but it had to be beautiful as well. After all that, it had to be simple. “Simple is the new sophistication” was his saying and he believed very much that it took great design to marry simplicity, beauty, and functionality together into something successful. Bandon Dunes has the Jobs’ pillars of success in spades.

Bandon was created during an ugly period of excess in golf development. $10+ Million dollar courses with extravagant eye candy and multi-million dollar maintenance requirements was the norm to create a remarkable project. Keiser went against the grain and created something completely different. Jobs would have loved that. Jobs is quoted often in the bio as saying something along the lines of “the consumer doesn’t know what he wants until I give it to him” He didn’t believe in market studies or focus groups. He felt if he designed and built products that were simple, functional, and beautiful, then Apple would be successful.

I have to believe Keiser felt similarly about his development of Bandon Dunes. For sure industry “experts” would have told him to build something more mainstream closer to population centers. But it seems Keiser felt if he built something great (simple, beautiful, functional) on a special piece of land, it might work.

Happy New Year: First round of 2012

2012-01-04T08:37:00.000-06:00

We started off the year strong, playing every day, until the 2nd anyway. Pictured above is an old friend playing the shortish par 4 16th at Wolf Point Club. He lost his tee shot in the creek, not taking my advice and keeping the tee ball right of the flag. The fairway slopes will draw the ball towards the creek.He did win the match on 17 unfortunately.

"Completely original, and more like Scotland than any course I've played in the US." were his comments after the round.

It was the first time I remember playing in a wind that came from the north-east - a 21 mph wind. It made for some interesting differences: I didn't carry the creek on 4, I birdied 5, I drove the 10th with a 4 wood and Jeff hit the longest tee ball on 17 I've seen yet - even with that crazy swing.

Happy New Year

Which golf hole would you rather play? The tees matter...

2011-08-25T10:41:00.001-05:00

Both pictures are of the 13th hole at The Battleground outside Houston. The new tee above is what the player will see vs. the picture below, which is the old view.

They have a scenic lake that was barely visible from the old tee. Now the player can see the whole lake for a better sense of place. The old tee was blocked by the trees, away from the lake and the view was even blocked by the forward tees. We improved the angle a little for more interest based on hole locations. The electric power poles aren't lined up with the green too - this looks better and forces the better player use a less distinct target.

Originally The Battleground's par 3 tees were built way too small, a fraction of what they need for their number of annual players. We will be enlarging the tees and repairing many others, improving maintenance practices and aesthetics. The remainder of the work will happen this winter. We built four alternate tees to keep the course open during the next phase of construction.

The next phase will see a lowering of the forward tee, more tree clearing and a greatly expanded teeing surface.

Updated google earth aerial of Wolf Point Golf Club

2011-07-25T09:51:00.000-05:00

The first time Google earth had captured our work at Wolf Point I was alerted by our crack inspector - my father - who was just as excited to see it from above as I. It was under construction in the satellite image and it showed the different stages of construction.

Recently I checked and found the 3rd iteration of the golf course aerial - see above. This one is recent. I'll need Don to accurately add a date. The course is more mature and grown-in (often it takes a few years).

What pops out for me? The areas that we hardly disturbed look easier to maintain, but those are also the areas along the creek - where water naturally heads anyway.

The file I compiled from Google is very large, large enough so show detailed areas and holes in the coming weeks or months.

Can you see the routing - or identify all the holes? Hint: Start from the building in the middle.

Cheers

An e-mail from a visitor about playing golf at Wolf Point Club

2011-06-06T10:12:00.002-05:00

i think you achieved something truly important out there in those fields i didn't really understand it until we completed the first 18 holes and went around the house to tee off on number one the second time standing there, i saw the hole, which i did not understand the first time i played it, in a new light we are so accustomed to playing, and seeing, courses that are manufactured according to preconceived ideas of what a course should be here's the hole it's defined by trees or hummocks or water on it's sides there are obstacles near where our shots will probably land it ends in that hollow or on the flattened rise hit to position a, then to position b etc

so, teeing off on number one the second time i got it a little this is what it would be like to take a "found" landscape and play golf on it with many, many ways to play the hole, depending on your imagination and skill

i won't do a hole by hole

some things which are indelible
the topsy turvy swale in front of five green the psychedelic green on the long par five 14 the green and surrounds on three never mind there are amazing things on nearly every hole

but...

the subtle green sites on 4 and 13
which feel like someone draped smooths blanket on gentle hillsides sorta like "let's play to over there" to the side of that hill even though "over there" would be flattened by a succession of committees to make it more "fair" on any other golf course two genius green sites more so as you made them up

and the inspired bunkers
on the diagonal ridge in front of the third green and the erosion gully on the left of twelve i know you made these, too but they are the most natural feeling features i've ever seen on any golf course i felt like i was on some primeval landscape for the first time thinking this would make a great place to play a game with some clubs and a ball from here to there what should we call it?

i never had a more enjoyable time playing golf

the variety of shots required
and the variety of shots that were possible strategy blah blah you got that, too

you should be proud for having accomplished something remarkable i think back to places i've played where i was really happy beautiful places where life seemed in balance bandon pebble and wolf point more often than others

thanks

Cameron University's newest golf team member

2011-04-20T08:38:00.020-05:00

Don's son recently committed to go to Cameron University and play on the golf team. They have a very fine team. There are lots of types of fun golf. Playing competitive collegiate golf is certainly one form. It is even more fun if this game helps one get an education.

Ryan spent most of his high school years prepping for football games under the lights. This was one of the reason's that helped Don move to Texas - his son wanted to play Texas high school football. And play football Ryan did! Starting both ways often on the line of scrimmage.

Since football has ended he has poured that same football commitment into his golf game. And boy has it improved over the last year.

Golf is a great game/sport, and it will have a lifelong impact on Ryan and his family.

Congratulations Ryan - have fun!

The Curious Case of Mike Nuzzo - Texas Golfer Magazine April 2011

2011-03-16T09:49:00.001-05:00

This month's Texas Golfer Magazine has an article about me and our work. Carl, the writer, found Wolf Point listed in a somewhat obscure place. Having never heard of this course in his home state, he did some research and found me.
I'm very glad he did.

This is a fun quote from the article:
"To date, 517 humans have traveled into outer space. It would be fair to guess that considerably fewer have played Wolf Point Club."

Here is a link to the article: The Curious Case of Mike Nuzzo
Or a link to the entire issue: Texas Golfer April Issue

p.s.
Please read the article 2 pages later about the great Mr. Jackie Burke Jr. and winning the Golf Writers Association Award. Congratulations Mr. Burke.

And a small plug for the Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/

Tiger's Dubai Desert Project, Al Ruwaya, and first NLE - Part 2

2011-02-02T07:54:00.086-06:00

I remember the copy on Tiger's original design web site. He said he wanted to create amazing golf courses - it has since been edited. The hole pictured (Golf Digest pictures) above is a par 5 with 6! tees. I can imagine it is very windy at times and that might be reason for extra tees, but I doubt it. The 2nd & 5th tees are totally superfluous - who are those for? Some of the best holes and courses in the world have just 2 sets of tees. On to playability: The first shot should stay left of the fairway bunkers - but doesn't look like it matters - because the 2nd shot will just find the fairway too with little advantage for attacking the green - the angles are too narrow. The bunker in front of the green may be a nice touch and give the few people in the world who can reach the green in two some concern. Everyone else will try to hit the fairway twice then the middle of the green. This hole is not memorable - nice - but certainly not memorable - I wouldn't call it amazing, unless spending more money on a golf hole than any other on the planet is part of the criteria. They do get a point for not making lacey edged bunkers that are so in vogue these days - they are clearly Fazio bunkers though - using one of their shapers is my guess.

The previous hole, a par 4, looks like store brand vanilla ice cream. A tee shot between two bunkers to an angled green. That's it.

I'll guess the grass is Paspalum - a warm season grass that does well in high salt environments. The water comes from a desalination plant - this lush vegetation requires a LOT of water. Golf courses do best - look and play - when they blend into the native environment. The course isn't fighting nature and it looks like it fits.

I have one last picture to describe for tomorrow.

Tiger's Desert Project, Al Ruwaya, and first NLE

2011-02-01T07:48:00.004-06:00

Tiger Wood's first golf course design project was being developed in Dubai. As of yesterday it was announced that the project was cancelled. NLE = No Longer Existing, and it is usually the term when an old golf course closes - there have been a few notable modern ones in recent years. I thought it would be interesting to analyze the course architecturally speaking. From Tiger's website: Par 72 championship-quality course. The vision for Al Ruwaya Golf Course is to transform the blank canvas into a unique golf course that rivals any in the world.

Tiger teamed up with a former Fazio associate to create his design firm. (That former associate also has his own firm with no mention of Tiger on their website.) The following are my assumptions.

The project was to sell about $1 Billion dollar's of real estate. With that as the goal you can rationalize almost anything - like a reported $10-20 million design fee - but it is all still a guess for the owners. One of Fazio's most famous and successful golf course designs is Shadow Creek in the desert outside Las Vegas. I believe the cost for construction was over $40 million dollars. I assume this was the model for Al Ruwaya - to create an oasis.

Pictured above is an image of the project from Golf Digest. I see a very densely vegetated area = a lot of water too keep everything alive. There are 5.5 holes constructed with grass. The hole corridors appear to be somewhat wide between holes - there looks like as much to irrigate outside the hole as the hole itself - which translates to at least twice as much maintained area for non-playing surfaces - you can irrigate a lot less around tees until you get to the fairway. That is very expensive and doesn't effect the playability of the hole.

There appears to be some shaping in the fairways - not just surrounding the hole - they get a point for this work. And they get another point for keeping the holes together - not every hole is lined with houses. But they loose that point quickly with the distance between greens and tees - not that anyone will walk here, but there is no need to separate when a good angle will do just fine.

I am thankfully keeping busy with my own work - this post was written during a break - so I'll get to more in the next day or two.
Cheers

A couple of media mentions

2011-01-18T13:06:00.000-06:00

Last week Nuzzo Course Design was mentioned in a couple places:

I was asked to be a judge for Golf Inc Magazine's annual development of the year awards.
Some were nice, but most were still overdone. Some of the best golf courses in the world have been built on practical budgets. I don't think many developments are marketing to players. Pretty pictures will bring someone down once. The golf course had better be really good if you want them to come back.
Here are a few of my comments about the nominations:

At that price I’m not sure how the mission could be achieved. The ride from 9 to 10 is one of the longest I have ever seen. Too much water for the public golfer to enjoy regularly.
Too much water, way spread out, over done bunkering.
Does not blend seamlessly into the native environment – not even close. Lots of water and 11 parallel hole corridors – 8 of them side by side.
The routing appears a bit disjointed with some large separations between holes. Some of the shaping and features are overdone, and some of the bunkering looks really good and original.
Nice to see non-returning 9s, fewer restraints usually leads to a better course.
Some pictures show good restraint and very nice golf holes, others seem to shout look at me.
Would have done better with fewer and less busy looking bunkers.

There was also a brief mention of some of my work at Champions Golf Club in Golf Course Industry Magazine. The picture above is during the range renovation at Champions. In the foreground is a sub-meter GPS measuring device. I can map my designs on to the ground and record what happens in the field as we go - to make sure the irrigation is efficient and in this case to get the tee line oriented perfectly. In the background a laser is used to measure the finish work and helps keep the tee perfectly on plane.

My grandfather introduced me to the game of golf and so much more.

2010-12-29T09:28:00.001-06:00

I can remember my first round of golf ever. It was at a little nearby pitch-n-putt course. It was with my grandpa, Jim, who is furthest to the right above. He and my father introduced me to the game. I am very fortunate that we got to play so many times together over a 30 year period. And so very sad to have lost him Tuesday. He was 86.

He was an Air Force pilot, he ran his own business, he gave me my first stock, and he taught me how to play the game. He had an incredible feel. I can vividly remember him holding my young hands and working on my grip while we would chip heaps of balls to the laundry pole in his back yard.

One day when I was in my 20's, we were playing at his home course, Sunset. The greens there were so fast that he used to say, "On in two, off in three." He watched me putt off a few greens in our times there. We were both on the first green in two, and grandpa was warning me about the putt. The pin was in the back up against the steepest part of the green - actually a nearly impossible place for the flag. He encouraged me keep it below the hole. I was still young, and I sent my ball heading past the cup, but at just a right speed so that it passed by the hole up the slope and rolled back down into the middle of the cup. Birdie! He looked at me half with a wink, half with a wily grin. I think we started playing competitively at that moment. Our games were at a similar level for many years. There was an extended period where for several matches in a row, not only did we tie, but also at the same score.

We last played together a couple years ago. It felt like it was going to be our final round. I soaked in every minute and reveled in seeing him play - he still had a great touch. I was chuffed to hear that later he and my aunt started playing at that very same pitch-n-putt course.

I moved to Texas in 2000 - much less golf together, but more phone calls. Every phone call I would tell grandpa I loved him. He knew what to do if his B-29 was falling out of the sky; it did once. He wasn't used to having someone tell him he loved him over the phone. So after several years of getting used to saying he loved me too, one day he beat me to the punch. His exact words were, "I love you. Ha, I said it first!"

The love was always there, it was just a little easier for him when he made it playful. Just like when we played golf together. There wasn't a moment on, or off, the course that we didn't know that we loved each other.

I love you grandpa.

"Wolf Point is a jewel"

2010-12-13T14:21:00.001-06:00

Pictured above is our 7th green taken just a few days ago. 2010 has been a challenging year for the blog as well as business. I've been working on leads from around the world, and that has slowed down my ability to post and limited what I can comfortably post. In January I will share some near misses, projects in the works and hopefully tales of one course ready for some improvements.

It is still the rare bird that gets to see Wolf Point... and this is what the last visitor/potential client had to say:

"I love your design work. The course is a jewel."

Golf course native areas naturally

2010-11-16T07:28:00.000-06:00

Scott J Morrison from Turfhugger recently found something interesting on my website and asked me a few questions about what we did at Wolf Point. The following is from the Turfhugger blog:

"We let the native areas come back naturally without irrigation. Typically irrigation is installed to establish the perimeter and then abandoned after grow-in. Using the irrigated method causes the grow-in to be thicker than the native environment and is a continual maintenance battle to thin out."

This statement demonstrated 3 things to me...

First, the natural areas in reference were not an afterthought or "filler", nor are they a fancy "look how green we are, our natural areas grow quicker than our turf" statement. I've seen that at a few courses where public opinion of the golf course was not exactly supportive. Of course successful establishment is key to long-term health, but there's a difference between "gardening" and "natural".

Secondly, water conservation is a primary goal even during course grow-in. This is seldom the case in most projects who often rush to have picture perfect conditions of all things on the property right off the starters block.

Third, a management plan considering season and competitive non-native species had to be implemented simultaneously.

So I asked him to expand on this statement with an example, this is what he had to say...

"When Don Mahaffey and I built Wolf Point there was a single mandate, minimize lost balls in long grasses and keep the course challenging and interesting enough to play every day. That translated to 80 acres of fairway and no rough.

We planted Emerald Bermuda on the greens and surrounds and 419 in the fairways. We considered Emerald across the entire course, but decided on 419 in case we ever wanted to grow a rough. The Gulf Coast of Texas gets 45 inches of rain a year on average – sometimes all in one month.

We viewed our irrigation system more as insurance vs. required worst case perfect coverage. Our client could withstand some mottled looks at times. We chose a large rotor spacing and minimized use of part circles. Even around the greens we used full circles – the greens construction was similar to the surrounds there is no reason for ins and outs. We used this approach around the perimeter and outside of the fairway too. As a result the edges get less irrigation than where there is head to head coverage.

Then we transitioned to the native areas where we have no irrigation. It took a little time for any disturbed areas to re-establish, but at no cost. Don spread a wild flower mix in some areas that have grown periodically. Today outside the playing surfaces the area looks natural because it is natural. It is cleared annually and changes with the seasons. "

Tuco Visits Wolf Point Club

2010-10-29T08:00:00.009-05:00

Who is Tuco Ramirez? Tuco is a 3.7 handicap who has been known to make double eagle and an ace in successive rounds. Tuco has seen 80+ of the World's Top 100 Golf courses. He has partied with the Foo Fighters and in 2008 he correctly predicted the rise of Gold and steep fall in the stock market.

What did Tuco think of Wolf Point?

"I've seen most of the top golf courses, modern and classic in the world. And Wolf Point is easily one of the top modern courses ever built in this bandito's humble opinion. Especially if one considers the mandate Nuzzo and Mahaffey were given and the amount of money spent, this isnt a layup or home run, this is a miracle course. For someone who loves links golf like myself, I can only envision the joy the owner of Wolf Point faces on a daily basis. Here he has a course that can play great in any wind, from any direction, not lose a ball yet play shots the way a shepard did across a lunar landscape in Scotland long ago."

"The 14th is perhaps my favorite hole. Again Mike has scattered bunkers through the landing zone on this 530ish par 5. Curiously, he also left a wonderful standout Texas Oak tree to guard the left side of the fairway. What may not be evident from this prospect is that Nuzzo did not build a simple green here for those even approaching with a wedge. The green appears to have taken the contours of the underbelly of a crab's exoskeleton -- it looked mean, nasty and sharp. The owner particularly loves the pin placements on this hole because of the challenge. I also loved putting them as Mahaffey has the surfaces at a perfect stimp for the contours."

"I really had to marvel at this golf course. Wolf Point was a shock to my system. It is beauty in its own way, like a perfectly timed bank robbery."

STGCSA Meeting & stellar golf course superintendent blogs

2010-10-11T07:00:00.003-05:00

2 outlooks on social media:
"Dig your well before you are thirsty"
"I'm doing it, just in case it's true." -- Justin Leonard on why he was seaming the Pro V1

I will be talking to the STGCSA about blogging and social media (twitter, linkedin & facebook)
Here are the survey results regarding what the group would like to learn the most about.

Superintendent’s reasons for a blog and their feedback:

Improved communication
Monitor interest of membership – website traffic
Higher quality info vs. mass e-mail and newsletter paragraph
Timely information vs. monthly newsletter
Less re-writing about the same subject over and over and over
Can send a link vs. e-mailing photos which are often blocked
Prime information source – not pro or green chair or member rumors
Members have a huge appetite to know stuff, but hard to take the time to learn
Blogging has been the best thing I’ve done in a long time!
The members rave about it!
Pictures help members visualization.
Send out a mass e-mail after updating the blog to drive traffic.
Long gone are the days of a member starting a misinformed discussion in the grill room.
If I hear any type of misinformation on any subject I can squelch it in minutes and back it up with facts, pictures, links to articles from industry professionals and universities.
In short, the benefits of the blog have been worth every second I’ve spent on it.

Here are some interesting recent blog posts by superintendents and examples of different ideas to share.

Before & After - Arrowhead Country Club
Invitational - Northland Country Club
Ball Marks – Stockton Golf & Country Club
Bald Eagles – The Minikahda Club
Lightning - Onwentsia Club
Pin locations - Northmoor Country Club
Benefits of Golf – San Luis Obispo County Golf Courses
Results of maintenance – Stockton Golf & Country Club
About the super – Cinnabar Hills Golf Club
Gang Mower - Wolf Point Club
Research & Development – Hawks Landing Golf Club
FAQs - Oakland Hills Country Club
Turfgrass Terminology – Paul Sabino, The Farms Country Club

Forget the Newsletter - write your own blog:
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Lastly, 5 things I couldn’t work without and whole heartedly endorse:
Very own free radio station - Pandora
Music jukebox – Grooveshark – for after I use my monthly free hours of Pandora
Photo + video management & sharing – Picassa
Browser – Chrome
Camera – Canon Powershot

Happy 10th Birthday Nuzzo Course Design

2010-10-06T09:17:00.007-05:00

My firm is 10 years old.
My goal has always been to make any golf course as good and as enjoyable as possible.
Pictured above is #12 at Wolf Point.
I’m thrilled that every golfer who has played Wolf Point thinks it’s as fun as I do.

Some player comments:

“the most natural looking golf course I’ve ever seen”

“the 16th green is probably my favorite on the entire course, which by the way is like trying to pick out your favorite Victoria's Secret model.“

“After MUCH reflection, my round at Wolf Point was probably the greatest round of golf I've ever played. I've only experienced a similar feeling once in my life.”

"Wolf Point looks like Shinneock meets St. Andrews."

“If Scotland is like Wolf Point, I want to go.”

“Wolf Point’s bunker positioning is clever, they look so random, and they aren't.“

“I have a hunch that Wolf Point might just be the biggest undiscovered gem in the entire world.”

Fix Ups Made Simple

2010-08-26T09:37:00.003-05:00

The Summer's Golf Inc issue arrived this week. Inside is an article I wrote with the help of a couple friends. Don Mahaffey, our project superintendent and Ian Andrew a fellow architect from Toronto. Both have had many years of great experiences helping clubs improve - even with practical budgets. I believe we can make any course more fun, often inexpensively.

I wrote the article after hearing anecdotal stories about new owners of bankrupt golf courses who hired architects that subsequently put forward grand plans to make the course get on the top magazine lists. Why waste a million dollars to be the 7th best course in a city? There are better ways to improve a golf course - with both the player and owner in mind - not just to improve the architect's accolade web page.

Here is the link to the Golf Inc. article

A golf course on the ocean.

2010-08-12T09:14:00.003-05:00

I don't like to publicize close calls where we almost got to build a golf course - they could come back - and it is depressing - which was the case with the picture above.

We visited this site twice - they were great visits for a number of reasons.

We could have built a hell of a golf course here.
My fingers are crossed, if not for here for somewhere almost as nice.
Peace

Red Velvet Cow Killer

2010-08-02T10:33:00.003-05:00

These insects would spook me a little each time I saw one. This time I got a little braver to get a good picture - not knowing if the red was a danger warning - or a mimicking warning. Glad I didn't pet it as it gets its nickname, cow killer, for their extremely painful sting.

It is a Mutillidae in the wasp family - also called a Red velvet ant. Pictured above is a female - they thankfully don't fly!
A&M Link

A bunker and its surrounds

2010-07-27T10:08:00.004-05:00

Pictured above are the two bunkers on the 9th hole. Don and crew have been letting the native vegetation creep towards the bunker. It is less detail maintenance work, and from time to time it needs to be cut back. It helps create an irregular (not man made) look and transition back to the native areas. I like it, and it is easier said than done.

There are a few more bunkers around the course that I hope continue to have the surrounds grow towards the outside edges - especially #7. I'll show some examples on other courses that I like, and don't like, next.

Little Linksters!

2010-07-12T09:59:00.004-05:00

I was visiting with Matt and his new superintendent at Swanson's Golf Center. The Little Linksters were getting a lesson and having a core training session. It looked both like a lot of fun and challenging. It would have been impossible to do this at the old facility.

Each area or piece of equipment is a separate station for a golf/fitness exercise.

Next time I'll get a picture of them all in action...

Can your facility teach the game like this?

Update:
This wasn't little linksters but the Junor Golf Academy - a combination of golf and fitness.
For the little linksters they mow one of the target greens down tight and have them play on the range as if it were a par 3 - part of our initial concept for the range.

City of Laredo Golf Course

2010-06-08T10:49:00.001-05:00

The City of Laredo recently selected 5 design/build teams to interview for their planned municipal golf course. Here is the article. Unfortunately we were not selected as one of the finalists.

What was notable about this request for qualifications?
31 teams in total submitted
Each team included a golf course architect and builder - it is a turnkey project including infrastructure and clubhouse.
The initial meeting was standing room only - there were more architects and builders than at the Golf Industry Show.

Above is the aerial of the site on the Rio Grande. The property was donated to the city by a local developer. The water rights are essentially free. The city has $6.6 Million to spend on the project - and that was including the bottled water we were given during the site visit - they had no room for over-spending.

It is a very cool site with lots of features - big arroyos, arid vegetation and good materials to build a course.

When the city announced that the $6.6MM included the clubhouse and infrastructure, there was an audible groan from the attendees. Most, if not all, thought it was way too low.

Our team thought it was more than enough. If I write more about the proposal I'll describe how our team was formed -- I think we were the best team for the city.
I wasn't originally going to submit, because of the difficulty in winning a municipal project -- the team was too good to not submit.

Don on #7

2010-05-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

Don and I had a match recently. I had a 3 up lead until we got to #12. There is definitely a home field advantage. I haven't beaten Don or our client in too long!

I have to settle for good pictures of Don hitting out of our bunkers. At least this was a cool new angle on #7. This is the last hole we built, and it went through several changes - the end result is that it turned out very well - it gets high marks from both of us.

Nice Try!

2010-05-06T22:46:00.002-05:00

I got a nice call today from a gentleman who was traveling to the area of the golf course. He had a bet with his friends that there was a course - they didn't believe him - and he was determined to win his bet, and try and find a great place for them to play. Turns out he won his bet - but won't be getting to play.

If he ever did make it into the clubhouse he'd better watch out for our new friend... see above. He does help keep out the uninvited guests. He is over 12' long.

Don Mahaffey's 7 tips for successful gang mowing

2010-04-20T14:07:00.004-05:00

Don Mahaffey's 7 tips for successful gang mowing

1. Send out a trim mower to edge out features and fairway perimeters. The gang unit will work a lot faster if he’s not trying to mow a perfect edge and the trim mower will help to keep a “high-end” look.

2. Treat the gang units like every other cutting unit. For some reason people think a gang cutting unit is indestructible or can’t go dull. Big reel, small reel, powered or not, they gotta be sharp and well adjusted. No short cuts here.

3. Don’t irrigate the night before you mow.

4. Get the right unit for the application. You can’t mow fairways with a 5 blade unit. 11-blade units are rare so you’ll probably have to buy the reels and install yourself. But you can get an excellent cut with the right unit.

5. Keep the turf lean and don’t let it get puffy. This goes for all mowing, but especially so for gang units because of their weight. They’ll take big ugly bites out of thatchy turf. If that happens, It’s not the mower, it’s your grass.

6. Alter directions just like you would with any other mowing equipment.

7. Use some of the money you save gang mowing to throw a few more crew parties.

Here comes the Gang Mower

2010-04-15T22:53:00.005-05:00

The following is from Don Mahaffey our project and golf course superintendent extraordinaire. Here is his great post from earlier in the year regarding 19 things a golf course can do to lower maintenance costs. The top of his list included something you don't see every day - a Gang Mower - pictured above. He has received several inquiries from around the world once word got out - here Don's take on how it REDUCED THE FAIRWAY MOWING MAN HOURS BY 50%:

When Mike Nuzzo and I started building Wolf Point, we had a few instructions from our client, the owner of the course. Chief among those instructions was he wanted the course outrageously good and he wanted it maintained in a practical manner. Since we were in a very windy area, hard against the South Texas coast, we knew the course needed some width to be playable. The wind blows all the time here. Both Mike and I are huge fans of the Old Course at St. Andrews and we used her as inspiration for a lot of what we did. One of our challenges was to build this big golf course and yet find a way to keep maintenance costs reasonable. One of the ways we decided to do that was design the course so we could cut the fairways with a large pull behind gang mower.

How does mowing equipment like a large gang mower affect design? We made sure any bridges we needed were large enough to handle the tractor and mowing unit. Turned out that with a transport frame a standard 10 ton bridge was fine. Anywhere we had fairway bunkers close together we made sure there was not only room to pull the gang between them, but room enough to alter the path so as not to create permanent tire ruts. This required bunkers being a minimum of 20 feet apart, which was no problem. If we felt they needed to “play” closer together than that we simply shaped the bunkers to gather shots and beefed up the drainage so that they would still be dry if they were gathering water as well as balls. We knew we were going to have dew paths from greens-tees-fairways and we built those paths so the gang unit could mow them as well while traveling from one hole to the next. To create more width we have a number of shared fairways that melded perfectly with the use of a large production mower.

We use a Toro 7-gang (above), wheel driven unit that we found used and refurbished over the winter. We installed 11-blade reels along with going through each unit and adding a new coat of paint. We have the unit set at .500, ½ inch, and we are very pleased with the quality of cut. We took one of our lightweight fairway mowers out of action and converted the cutting units to thatching reels. So now, we have a dedicated fairway verti-cutting machine. We slice the fairways as time allows and right now the plan is too vert-cut every fairway once a month. I believe one of the keys to a high quality of cut with gang units is too keep the grass thinned out. Puffy turf scalps with any mowing equipment but really scalps with a gang unit since there is no front roller. Keep the turf thinned out and not only does it cut better, it plays better as well. We cut our fairways twice a week and apply a growth regulator in conjunction with foliar feed every 21 days.

We maintain Wolf Point’s 80 acres of fwys, 4 acres of greens, and 10 acres of rough, along with other Ranch duties (like bailing hay) with 4 people plus myself. The only way that’s possible is with equipment that can get the job done well and in a practical time frame. Our gang unit helps us do that and I will be surprised if we didn’t see a little more of this approach as golf participation stagnates while maintenance costs continue to increase.

Check back in a few days for Don's tips to a successful gang mowing operation.

Houston Chronicle Names Swanson's Best Practice Facility

2010-04-04T23:57:00.002-05:00

BEST PRACTICE FACILITY
Swanson Golf Center
Matt Swanson’s Golf Center is the one-stop practice facility, with a driving range, short-game practice area, teaching pros and club fitters on hand to take your game to the next level.
It was the clear choice, mainly because it improves and expands so well on the basic concept of a driving range.

The results
1. Swanson Golf Center.....19.3 percent of vote

Insiders say:
Swanson received an even stronger endorsement.

The best golf in Houston and beyond
Golfers are used to making a lot of decisions. Perhaps that’s why so many of them volunteered for the somewhat daunting task of participating in a survey that included choices galore.
Golf Guide 2010 reveals the pulse of the more than 1,000 area golfers who filled out the survey at chron.com.

To compare the thoughts of the average player and those inside the golf industry, we also made a separate version of the survey available to more than 300 club pros, superintendents and others who make a living at golf, a group we’ve dubbed the insiders.
Here is the link to the full article

Golf Architecture Magazine

2010-03-24T08:21:00.003-05:00

I've been busy on many smaller proposals, back to the blog soon.

In working on some new materials, I keep coming back to last years Golf Architecture Magazine article by Adam Lawrence. I get's better each time I read it - click the image above to read for yourself - even if you've read it before. website.

How many 7 year old's can play your golf course?

2010-02-15T21:16:00.004-06:00

How many 7 year old's can play your course?
He does have a hell of a swing.
This is The Old Course at St. Andrews - they even let me play it backwards a few years ago.
There is room for someone who doesn't carry it too high or far to play the course in its entirety -- and have fun!
Notice some of the greens - they are beautiful and over 400 years old - kind of anyway.
I didn't see him lose a ball either.
How many 7 year old's are even allowed on your course?
Check out his video playing the Himalayas too....

When The Saints Go Marching In

2010-02-08T09:41:00.004-06:00

New Orleans is a great city.
This week with the Golf Industry Show in San Diego, I bet they would have rather of been in New Orleans for a great party and Mardi Gras too.

The GIS decided not to return to New Orleans in 2012. Too bad.
I read it was because of the turnout to the show last year.
Hard to believe the small turnout was mostly to blame on the city.

This blog is coming back to life, a busy January - one city proposal amongst several smaller items have kept me away.

Who dat?

Resolution - See Wolf Point more in 2010

2009-12-29T11:04:00.006-06:00

I love playing Wolf Point.
I didn't get down to play enough in 2009.
I hope to change that in 2010.
Prospective clients are welcome to join me.

We had a record drought in 2009 followed by extensive fall rains.
Don Mahaffey continues to do a great job.
I'm excited to think that the course will only get better as it matures past it's first season.

Above I'm escaping the 9th fairway bunker. I hit a great shot to the green, unfortunately it wasn't my first - the bunker is about 7 feet deep from the bottom.

Good luck for a prosperous 2010.
Cheers

19 Suggestions for lower golf course maintenance costs in 2010

2009-12-22T15:48:00.004-06:00

Don Mahaffey is the superintendent of Wolf Point club and was instrumental to its creation. He has been a leader in practical maintenance since he started over 20 years ago. Although he might say "it's just stupid to do it any other way"
Here are his 19 things you can do to improve profitability without impacting the players enjoyment. (In most cases, not all are good for everyone)

Gang mow, believe it or not you can get decent quality as long as you have a lightweight trim everything out.
Never ever edge a bunker again. Use herbicides like round-up at half strength or contacts and train someone to keep the edges burned back. It actually looks good and is a lot more environmentally friendly then it sounds.
get rid of the walk mowers
Don't over seed
No designer fertility programs
Try and get away from constant foliars and go back to the basics using organic greens fertilizers.
Best growth regulator in the world is less N.
Take out trees that require mowing around, trimming around, or spraying around, and especially if they cause you to spend more time trying to keep turf in the shade.
Be diligent with traffic control
Make your own compost and use in divot mix, sod repairs, dressing thin areas
Stagger work hours so your guys are mowing with fewest players on the course...do what ever you can to get work done with out players interrupting.
Question every expense, stop all cash leaks... don't pay $2,500 for computer irrigation support when you can have a spare computer setting there with software already loaded for 1/5th of that.
Do your own pump station PM
Keep a very tight fuel log...it has a way of disappearing
You can buy parts like bearings and bushings at a bearing shop. Find a small shop that will rebuild your starters.
Be honest in employee evaluation. Employees that can do it all are more valuable then the guy that can only rake bunkers. Pay your good guys more and trim the weak.
Don’t be a warehouse. Don’t buy more than you need of anything. Keeping business afloat right now is all about cash flow, you can’t pay the electric bill with bags of fert, spare reel mowers, or extra irrigation parts. Rarely is there a dire emergency that you can’t go without for a day or two.
Shop for bargains and don’t be afraid to ask for a discount and terms.
Look facility wide at labor waste. Way too many courses have cart attendants or other types of employees who sit around half the time. They can be trained to help maintain clubhouse landscaping and such.

Pictured above is the green side bunker on #16.

Conceptual Golf Course Routing

2009-12-07T00:26:00.003-06:00

This week I was hired to create a conceptual routing to help determine the feasibility of a golf course on this specific site. The goal was to have it quick and get a feel for what could fit. The above sketch is my first attempt.

The golf course takes up approximately 150 acres.
The lots cover 40 acres.
Commercial and electric easement occupy 15 acres, with an additional few acres for roads.

What I like about the routing:
The course plays along the creek for two spans at different times in the round.
It finishes with some really good holes along the creek.
A player can play 9 holes - or 5, or 12, or 15 holes and finish at the clubhouse.
The optional configurations are due to the triangulation in the lower portion and how the holes intertwine.

It is a very efficient use of the land - which is sandy and somewhat flat.

It would be relatively inexpensive to build and maintain.

What I'd try on my next attempt:
Having the holes play in different directions along the creek.
An internal clubhouse location so 16 & 18 aren't par 3s and returning nines.

Additional Golf Course Routing Resources:
Here is the evolution of the routing of Wolf Point Club
Here is an article I wrote about my routing processes

The Most Natural Looking Golf Course I've Ever Seen

2009-12-02T00:04:00.006-06:00

This year I haven't had many guests to Wolf Point - I sure do wish there were more. I have a great time playing every time I go down too!

A client/friend came to town to get some help with his master plan - non-golf portion.
We finished up quickly then headed down to play. He grew up outside New York City playing at Quaker Ridge Golf Club - a most excellent Tillinghast golf course, and has seen a lot of great courses since too. He is also a very tough critic.

"This is the most natural looking golf course I've ever seen. You should be very proud."

He can't wait to come back. Next time he should probably stay away from Infierno. I can't wait for him to come back too, I want to play Wolf Point more often this year.

Golf Architecture as Art

2009-11-15T19:00:00.003-06:00

The following quotes are from the artist of the above self portrait. I thought they were most fitting to also describe designing and building a golf course.

"As human beings we don't view the world like a camera does, indiscriminately treating all details the same. A work of art done from life is the result of decisions made moment by moment by an artist. The result of which is an artistic interpretation of the subject based on the time shared between the two.

“Originality and quality are rarely achieved under such pressure (of a photograph). This same pressure has given contemporary portraiture an artificial, contrived and homogenized look.

As with any collaboration, communication is a key part of the process. If you’re having trouble communicating with an artist, search elsewhere. For an artist, to be chosen for a commission is an honor. Many artists understand the collaborative process and are a pleasure to work with. Finding that artist can be the difference between a work of art that you will cherish for years or a painting that ends up in the attic.”

--- Dorian Vallejo

OLYMPIC GOLF COURSE for the MA$$ES

2009-11-10T10:00:00.001-06:00

I am not a fan of the newly decided configuration of golf in the Olympics.

The IOC was not interested in golf unless the stars (Tiger) would be playing.

I would rather watch an amateur team match play event.

The following quotes are from a Golfweek published article
"There’s already discussion about building a facility, and that could lead to PGA Tour Golf Course Properties unveiling a TPC-branded layout in Rio, Golfweek has learned."

Their goes that objective position.

“It (the golf course) won’t be some white elephant that’ll never be used again” Ty Votaw

I do not see how that type of course would help grow the game in Brazil.

Expensive and not built by the local workforce.

“Nicklaus Design would be very interested in creating a Jack Nicklaus Olympic Golf Facility for Brazil”.
It seems odd to place anyone's name before the word that has defined sport for 2,785 years.

This doesn't smell like the best thing for the game either.

At top is my illustrative guess for what will be created for the Olympics.

And a quote from its designer:

"We decided to build five sets of tees so every nation in the world would be able to enjoy the new TPC Olympic venue. We also added a 6th tee to represent the future growth of the game in Antarctica."

I don't think 99% of the world will need the back four tees of any course that gets built.

Te echaré de menos a Lan.

2009-11-07T16:22:00.005-06:00

Lan passed away last night. He was a part of the crew that built Swanson's. We worked hard in the summer Houston heat, and had many ice cold beers together celebrating. The project would not have been the same without Lan.

One small highlight, of an otherwise difficult day, would be giving Lan a hero's cheer after showing a feat of strength. The old Bat Cage used to have 85' tall steel poles with heavy guide wires that were anchored deeply to the ground. The remnants of the anchors would pop up during construction, and had to be removed, unless we wanted to ruin a mower or someones wrist hitting a golf shot. The expression Lan weighed 110 pounds soaking wet, had more meaning while working in this summer's heat, because it was both true and measurable.

We found an immovable old anchor just above the ground. I tried to pull it out, and it wouldn't budge. Someone went to get a shovel and pick while Lan quietly walked over to the protruding piece of steel. He bent over tried to move it a few times, I tried to stop him, but he continued. He worked it a little, then with a firm pull the anchor came out like a fish hook from a Marlin, an Old Man and the Sea sized marlin.

I don't know how he did it. Every time we found an anchor afterwards, there were many, Lan came to the rescue. And every time he pulled an anchor free, he was exalted with a cheer after he put his arms up flexing his two fully loaded guns.

Muchas gracias.
Buen trabajo.
¡Salud!

Why there are so many water features on a golf course?

2009-11-04T00:48:00.006-06:00

Answer: Because they are fun to build.

The above flash slideshow from Swanson's Golf Center is a creek that we built this summer.
First is an image of the old entrance with standard plant beds followed by the sketched water feature after clearing.

Last is the image of the finished creek and waterfall.

The objective was to let every visitor know that they were entering some place different and could enjoy and relax for their stay.

The waterfall used 70 tons of rock, most of which were placed by hands - mine included.

It was great fun.

Especially since it wasn't an artificial one on a golf course - which I do not prefer.

Black Widow Feast for a Happy Halloween

2009-10-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

It was another crazy weather year at Wolf Point. During construction the county saw more rain then in its previous 100 year recorded history. This summer the drought broke all records for least amount of rainfall. Thankfully the rain has come back this fall.

The Black Widow pictured above seemed to be doing ok. There were lots of cracks in the native areas for her to hide and catch some eats.

Green Contours

2009-10-28T00:07:00.003-05:00

This weekend I got a very nice compliment from a visitor to Wolf Point. They thought the greens were excellent and not like so many they've seen before - unusual. Where a green may have flat areas separated by a slope - the greens within a green premise.

Our greens seemed so much more natural with the shapes blending and rolling and it made for so much more fun and imagination.

Subtle rolls and shapes like the ones pictured above, of the 5th green,
keep the strategy alive until the player is in the hole. With flat sections once the player picks a fairway side and hits their approach there is no strategy left.

With subtle movement the strategy applies to the putt or pitch to the hole as there is usually an aggressive and safer line to the hole.

There is no Greatest Golf Course! - Feedback

2009-10-21T11:33:00.006-05:00

Thomas Dunne from Out-and-Back had some very nice comments about my essay here

I was completely chuffed to receive an e-mail from someone who read my essay - in print form from Paul Daley's Book.
Here it is with the club name removed...

I have just read your article in Paul Daley's latest book. At our club we have a MacKenzie course which is rated very highly in the world. Needless to say being a MacKenzie course it fits into the enjoyable category; a sentiment confirmed by Bobby Jones in his forward to "The Spirit of St Andrews". I am a member of the Course Strategy Committee and some on the committee and a number of the club members are saying it is too easy. Of course, when I try to say MacKenzie wrote, "If you cant make a hole more enjoyable don't change it", my remarks are treated as those of an old has been, who can only hit the ball 2/3 the distance of the average single figure marker (if that).

Mike, with your permission I would like to make copies of your article and give each member a copy. With help from your article, I just might be able to save one of the most enjoyable golf courses in the world from suffering the fate of so many other enjoyable courses from the "card and pencil' players.

Thank you very much - I am deeply honored.

As an aside the above letter came from a past club champion -- I hope they listen(d) and continue to do so - he is far to valuable.

Pictured above is the very fun 17th green. I hope you can see that from above it looks like a circle - see here.

Green Theory Notes

2009-10-18T19:00:00.004-05:00

Some notes on our Green Theory and what we created at Wolf Point (2nd green pictured above):

There are no rules - the following are some observations from our work.
Greens fit the client and the business model, including maintenance goals
An open green front for run-up shots – few forced carries
Each green will be original and different from the rest and in the same family or seem related.
Proportional variation - some may look the same but play different.
Fit settings without any conspicuous or artificial mounding
Contours vary from subtle to bold – with no distinct levels or shelfs – more like soft organic folds
Accentuated by micro movement and drainage exit points in multiple locations
Simple circular mow patterns that would ideally blend into the subsequent teeing complex
Start with a minimum of pin settings and area based on amount of play
Rewarding of multiple approach angles based on client – front, left, right, back and multiple - which is generally accomplished with varying tilts and surface biases

(Based on client as a private club may have more greens that run away from the player)
Wolf Point is unique in total rounds will never be over a few thousand – so we designed as fun as possible – the client will be playing every single day – we needed to keep it interesting every day.
Preliminary sketches may look simple – but they are rather complex upon description
Their interest comes from the 3rd dimension
From above the greens appear as circles or ellipses – no squiggly mow lines creating artificial interest – same with the fairways.
Wolf Point greens are Emerald Bermuda – in fitting with the clients maintenance requirements
The immediate surrounds are also Emerald Bermuda – allowing for full circles and uniform water requirements
The greens mix was excavated from on site – at an installation cost of way less than $1 a ton. Morris Brown and an agronomist preferred the native materials over a spec mix.

The roots are currently over 8” long and performing great in this drought year.
The above two items saved approximately $500,000 at Wolf Point and will be a consideration for all my future warm season projects.
Greens should roll at speeds appropriate to the clientele and slope
At Wolf Point they will roll up to a 10+ and are VERY FIRM
Sizes range from 4,500 to 10,000 sft.

Blog Action Day - Walk NO GOLF CARTS!

2009-10-15T14:41:00.002-05:00

I'm not a big fan of the words "Save the Planet" - I'm a fan of saying "Save Ourselves" more.

My 3 recommendations:

Don't build cart paths.
Walk don't ride a golf cart (if you can).
Ignore the USGA's groove change rule - what a waste of good golf clubs.

Cheers

There is no Greatest Golf Course!

2009-10-11T14:33:00.007-05:00

There is no greatest golf course: there are only greatest golf courses
Is the title of my essay in the most recent of Paul Daley's outstanding books: Golf Architecture a Worldwide Perspective Volume V.

Why does the golf course industry segment courses in a way different from the way that people who play golf enjoy the game and its grounds? Why are there such differences between what the magazine rankings and also players consider to be the greatest course?

Please read the essay here for the detailed answers. The short answer is that there are different types of players and golf courses. The world's greatest courses weren't built for everyone, they were crafted for a specific client. It became much easier to express my existing thoughts after viewing Malcolm Gladwell's discussion on spaghetti sauce. Please read the essay and watch the video - it is worth sharing.

Cheers

Swanson's Yardage Chart in Flash

2009-10-05T01:07:00.004-05:00

Want to know the yardages to the 11 target greens at Swanson's Golf Center?
Find the nearest spot, on the 53,000 square foot tee, to the sprinkler in the above flash file.
Click the arrow hands until your spot is highlighted.
Read the measurements to the target greens.

If you have an i-phone give this link a try:
http://www.mnuzzo.com/flash/swanson.swf

Thank you Charlie & LearningEngineer.com

The Bat Cage Before and After

2009-09-20T23:35:00.001-05:00

The Bat Cage was the old range at what is now the Swanson Golf Center.
Every club in your bag would hit a net, unless you were practicing 7 iron stingers.
The satellite dishes did have some sort of appeal - not sure to who.
Here is the short game area that resides over the dead bones of the Bat Cage. The new range is on the other side of the clubhouse.

The Texas Trophy

2009-09-17T22:08:00.004-05:00

Had a fun three days at the Texas Trophy. The annual golf tournament sponsored by the Lone Star Chapter of the GCSAA.
Memorial Park is a very pleasant place to play.
Jason Harsh is the superintendent that keeps everything in order.
The great flags are provided by Gail's Flags in Fort Worth, TX.
I fared a whole lot better in the Sunday teams and all the great camaraderie.

Houston's best golf school!

2009-09-12T18:25:00.001-05:00

Congratulations on the opening Matt.
It sure was a great project.
www.swingpure.com

On the Road Again

2009-09-04T22:56:00.002-05:00

I thought this traveling roadshow was very cool. Swanson's recently had their high tech trailer decked out. If you see them on the road get your clubs tuned - or you can visit them at Matt's new center - almost completely open. http://www.swingpure.com

Come win a million dollars at the Swanson grand opening!

2009-08-26T06:22:00.001-05:00

We are coming to the end of the project. It has turned out as good as I hoped. Some more very nice pictures to come.

2 Days Early

2009-08-09T23:47:00.005-05:00

It has been a busy summer.
We got the driving range opened in time for Matt's soft opening goal. Looking at my original schedule tonight - August 10th was the date I had planned.
We beat it by 2 days.
There is still a bunch to do by the September 12th grand opening. http://www.swansongolfcenter.com/
It looks really good.

The last owner recently commented that he thought it was one of the top ranges in the country.

The previous image was taken in the same location 4 months ago.

Sellinger's

2009-07-21T23:57:00.004-05:00

I wanted to post one more picture of the old course.
Unfortunately? I never did play any of the holes.
The one pictured above was 140 yards - all carry - to a tiny green that slopes away - a bit much for a beginner course. The 8th was a 190 yard carry to a tiny green...
Note the netting protecting those on the tee from the surrounding holes.
Lots of cart path for such a short course.
The lakes are gone too - relocated I should say.

Recently someone told me the new range was the coolest practice facility they'd ever seen - 25 years building golf courses under their belt.

Please read Matt's blog here

My first N.L.E.

2009-07-19T23:39:00.003-05:00

A NLE is a golf course that is No Longer in Existence.
It wasn't my course that went NLE, but the weirdest & hardest par 3 course I've seen in some time. Probably the hardest beginners course ever built. The holes were so compacted and each tee and green needed to be separated by netting.
Fortunately my good friend Matt Swanson purchased the property and had the great idea of transforming the old course into the finest practice facility in Houston - maybe Texas.
Please read Matt's blog here
and keep up here for the next month - I'll be able to chronicle the whole project rather quickly. The results are great.
Happy Open!

Golf Course Architecture Magazine #16

2009-05-08T00:11:00.009-05:00

Golf Course Architecture Magazine has recently launched an updated website. Fortunately they have also featured an article on Wolf Point that is also on the website.

Clearing a "fairway" at Swanson's

2009-05-06T23:41:00.002-05:00

Most ranges have a big tee into a bigger hitting area. We're leaving in many tall pines to create fairway corridors - except for the one above. The above video is more of a test of my new youtube channel. The view is from the Swanson Golf School tee - they have a nice tight fairway.

I'll be back down to Wolf Point soon - I wish they had our rain.

Busy on new summer project

2009-04-26T23:04:00.003-05:00

It has been a busy month getting construction started as soon as possible for a new project. Matt Swanson has purchased an old par 3 golf course that was barely playable. We are transforming it into a new Golf Center - golf school, driving range and short game practice area.
Only 18 miles from my house, I will be spending a lot of time on site. It will also be the best place to practice when finished - I haven't practiced in years - there are no good alternatives. The final location is fantasticly near a great deal of skilled golfers - it is only 2 miles from Champions - the site of last years summer project.

Eagleman2

2009-04-06T23:19:00.002-05:00

It only took one more round to see someone else hole out a shot for an eagle 2 - the last one by Don.
This one our guest hit a 6 iron from the big fairway bunker - pictured above - one hop or two right into the hole. Don and I were witnesses.
Our guests loved the course and sure had fun - even without that incredible shot.

World Golf Village

2009-03-29T00:05:00.001-05:00

We're off to the World Golf Village for the Golf Inc. Spring conference.

Lots more to share

2009-03-23T00:12:00.001-05:00

I have lots more to share in the coming weeks.
I've been running out of time.
The spring flowers are coming in nicely around the clubhouse.

What kind of problem is there?

2009-03-15T22:01:00.006-05:00

Last night at a dinner party I started a golf discussion with a gentleman - he was wearing a Troon North sweater - how could I not. His home course is Sharpstown, a muni in Houston. He plays in a regular foursome. The designated early birds get there at 5:00am so they can get an early tee time on the weekends because it is so busy.

I don't know the business model for the city - I do like Memorial Park quite a bit - but if people show up at your door before you open and you are too busy -- if you aren't successful it isn't the product it is the delivery.

There is a huge problem with the big 3 automakers - but I'll be damned if I don't see a ton of cars on the road. Lots of people driving. Lots of people golfing. Business not so good.

Mabye businesses should focus on why the business has a problem, not the golf.

It is a business problem, not a golf problem.

Pictured above is the first green.

Where can someone go to learn about developing golf?

2009-03-13T00:07:00.004-05:00

I was describing to Will at the recent ULI conference that for the past couple years the developers of resorts have been asking how to develop golf for less. The number that gets bantered around is $14MM for a resort course. So what was the response from the golf architect community? -- design 3-6 hole golf courses!!

"No wonder no one is coming here any more. If all you've ever done is build 14+ million dollar courses and we've proven that model doesn't work, why in the world would we listen to anything that the experts have to say? We should be doing the opposite of what you've done. Your solution is to build 3 hole courses?" -- Will

Last year someone asked me "Why do I need a golf course?" He was told that he needed golf to have a successful resort - but he didn't think it was good value. Where can someone go to learn about developing golf if not here?

Golf is too expensive

Golf is too hard

Golf is only there to sell real estate

Pictured above is the 16th green at Wolf Point. Our answer. We'll be talking more about the questions next week.

Linksy

2009-03-10T23:22:00.003-05:00

The 15th hole still looks docile to the new visitor. When Matt played, pictured above, the front pin looked very inviting. I told him to play a little short, and he wound up making one of his best swings of the day. Unfortunately it was a hair strong and the ball found the swale left of the green. No birdie for you.

A comment from recent visitor:

“… it is very, very linksy in play terms. Huge width. Unbelievably firm and bouncy. Lots of small scale contour that dominates your thinking in play. It is without doubt the most ground-oriented course I have seen in the US, and frankly outside the Old Course I doubt you'd find anything more so. Windy too.”

Eagleman

2009-03-09T00:00:00.003-05:00

We had Don and our client on the ropes in our match. We got to the 10th tee. We were playing a better ball match - remember Wolf Point is a match play course!

The 10th hole is a short reachable par 4 - down wind anyway - into the wind is a little bit of a stretch. The fairway is 70 yards wide. There are no bunkers. The lake protects the right side of the hole. If you play safe or miss away from the lake - where Don lay - the approach to the green is far more difficult than the middle of the fairway - where we lay.

Don would have been to the right of the above image with about 75 yards to the pin which was tucked up closer to the slope than above (the flag would be more towards the viewer/camera).

Basically we are way ahead. Don hits a two hopper that runs up against the green ridge - like a tight rope walker - 6 inches to the left and the ball would boomerang below the pin - 6 inches to the right it would have kicked further right. It falls right into the hole!

An amazing eagle!

Guest Photos

2009-03-02T10:21:00.001-06:00

My friend Steve took these. I like to see the course through others eyes.

You won't see many pics of me here unless someone else takes them - like above.

Talented individuals

2009-02-27T23:19:00.009-06:00

Recently someone asked what can be done in this market to help golf.

I've been very fortunate to have relationships with two outstanding individuals.
Don Mahaffey a world class superintendent and outstanding project manager and Will Ellender an excellent PGA Professional, teacher, salesman - both have a very keen and sophisticated eye when it comes to golf architecture. I was also fortunate to bring the two together at the recent Golf Industry Show for several beers together.

My answer to the initial question above is a paraphrasing of their views:
How does one improve the experience in this market while cutting costs?

Work with a great superintendent.
Great = can work practically and create great (fun) playing conditions.
Have him focus on the playability not the turf.

Make sure your pros love the game.
Get them away from selling shirts and managing F&B.
Let them share their love for the game with the players who visit.

Thank you fellas for your inspiration.

Don is hard to get in a picture - so above is Will and I with Emmy from California.

Bruce + Infierno

2009-02-23T21:49:00.003-06:00

I'll never tire of taking pictures of players in Infierno.

Today's victim is a fine player as was his opponent Matt, who did win 2 up.
The 5th green is in the distance. Bruce did get a little confused thinking it was a par 5.

Bruce really enjoyed being able to choose from lots of options, especially around the greens. He had the honor on the 12th tee. His stance was quite different from his play so far, as was his swing. I was completely blown away by his choice of shot without any coaching. He hit the ideal shot I envisioned during design - that could get to a front pin. He hit a knock down 9 iron short and we watched it bump up over the false front and wind up around 8 feet from the pin. Matt was swearing that he missed it, but Bruce and I knew better.

It was ideal and not perfect as the 9 is a tiny bit too much loft - which is why I hit a soft, low 7 iron that landed just short of his target getting a little more roll past his and It cozied up to 2 ft. Nice birdie thank you very much.

Matt was most psyched to see our work in anticipation of what I could do for him one day soon.

Here they are on 17 green.
They made so many great comments about the course it is hard to remember them all....

Steve + Infierno

2009-02-19T00:15:00.002-06:00

Steve got to meet Infierno first hand during his visit. He hit a great recovery to the right side of the green - the safe spot.

It is the first time I saw dormant grass at Wolf Point. It has been a very dry winter with a few frosts. I used to enjoy playing a local course when it was dormant because it was so much faster than during the summer. Not so here - Don keeps everything fast no matter the season - there wasn't a noticeable difference.

"With no doubt, the best ground game I have been on" - Steve

Thank you buddy.

The 12th Green

2009-02-16T23:05:00.003-06:00

The above image is taken of the 12th green as seen from the middle 13th tee. Just the other day I showed the severe false front. From this angle you can see the flag just behind that front - it is a very hard shot to get close - even from 135 yards - a high wedge will not stay close enough for a birdie put. If you look real close you can see the 11th flag behind the bunker.

A visitor and a regular

2009-02-11T23:18:00.002-06:00

We didn't have time to pose for a picture on the course - we were running out of daylight, but there is always time to hunt down an Armadillo. It was a great afternoon on the course and my guests had a blast:

"It is a spectacular golf course, fun to play and very memorable."

Here's to new friends

2009-02-09T20:31:00.004-06:00

A round of golf (or 3) can help create lasting friendships. Steve and Adam hadn't met before our ride to Wolf Point. I think they will remember their time together for a long time. We had a blast.

Our rounds fit nicely between the PGA Merchandise show and the Golf Industry Show. The latter was the impetus for their coming to the Gulf Region. Adam came all the way from the UK, Steve from Massachusetts.

I hope Wolf Point was their highlight, it was for me.

False Front

2009-01-27T21:33:00.006-06:00

A false front is a forward portion of the green that from the tee looks like green and that the ball can land and stay on the surface, but is too steep to hold a ball.

Don came up short on #12 below the false front. This hole may have squared the match up. I was down by 4 early. He was hoping to get up and down, but my birdie sure did rattle him for my eventual win 2&1.

Some recent comments on Wolf Point from near and afar:

I remember every single hole and shot at Wolf Point.

Playing WP is a fantastic way to spend a day.
I think very highly of Wolf Point and I am blown away that it was your first solo effort. your client was very lucky to have found you and Don.
Like St. Andrews, it does provide a very strong home field advantage.

The fairway and green shaping is 10 out of 10! Can’t wait to see it.

Don will be at the GIS too.

Booth #1862 Golf Industry Show in New Orleans

2009-01-25T14:53:00.004-06:00

Come visit us at booth number 1862 during the Golf Industry Show in New Orleans from Feb. 5th - 7th.

We are located near the Construction project across the aisle from Landscapes Unlimited.
Please click the above image to see a larger version.

I'll be showing lots of images of Wolf Point Club - in book form. Great images of another site a little west of Texas and an interesting new relationship.

Many of my long term consulting relationships started with GPS As-builts. For my superintendent friends, I'll be sharing why that can be a big help when undergoing long term planning work. And I'm still creating the best looking and easiest for the super to utilize - Please ask to see some samples.

"The Cruel Shoes"

2009-01-18T15:47:00.005-06:00

Below is a story by Steve Martin that was also the inspiration for the name of a compilation of essays published called Cruel Shoes. If you are unfamiliar with the story please skip to below.

I recently saw one of the most horrendous golf holes, ever. It looked like the cruel shoe with the razor blades. It was so forced into the property with rediculous shot requirements that no one could ever enjoy playing such a travesty. The green complex was hideous and made my stomach hurt. Why could such a thing happen? The course was designed by the owners who had little understanding of the golf course routing. Creating a golf course is a dream and often even a novice could create a good hole here or there. It is the expert that is required to build an entire course of sufficient quality that people would want to play for generations, and so it can be maintained efficiently so as a business it can survive for just as long.

Cruel Shoes: Youtube version.

173 Tees

2009-01-13T00:48:00.004-06:00

I recently finished GPS mapping all of the grassing areas and features - greens, fairways & tees. When Don and I play a round the winner of the hole chooses where to tee from - usually very close to where we sank our putts. I did win our last match 2&1, but more about that another day.

The philosophy of the courses tees was to have as many different interesting locations to start a hole from, and it only needed to be a small flat spot. They don't look like tees - they aren't raised above the ground like the things elephants stand on at the circus.

It turns out there are 173 big, little, funky, cool spots to start playing from. The main clubhouse is surrounded by tees as represented by the green circles in the above illustration of the GPS'd data. Many of which can be used as tees for either the 1st or 9th hole - depending on your mood, your game and your opponents game.

Different winds and different tees combine for unique angles and strategies every day.

PGA Merchandise Show

2009-01-09T23:13:00.006-06:00

I'm looking forward to attending the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando for the first time, later this month. Say hello if you see me please.

Wordle Proposal

2009-01-06T22:59:00.006-06:00

The above image is a compilation of words from a recent proposal. The more times a word is used the larger it is in the image. It gives a flavor of what is involved in a project - lots of construction and maintenance issues.

Nuzzo is tiny and in the middle of it all.

It was created at Wordle.

Mulligan

2009-01-06T11:33:00.000-06:00

There is a new member of the crew.... meet Mulligan.

GPS: I'm like a giant pencil

2009-01-05T01:29:00.003-06:00

Last week I started GPS mapping the final details of Wolf Point. Fairways, greens, tees, alternate tee locations, bunkers and anything of interest. The irrigation system is already completely mapped and hasn't changed.

The above image is a screen shot of some of the steps to get the data to a final image like the irrigation as-built. The hand held unit communicates with the GPS satellites and records my movements. Picture me as a giant pencil drawing points, lines or shapes. Where ever I go I can record.

Finding all the potential tees is the most challenging part of this exercise, there are a lot of them - note all the dots in the above image. And the nice weather is a draw away from the work. Don and I played a match in the afternoon. I'll share some of the surprising spots he wound up later this week. I played easily with a single ball - I'll break 80 at Wolf Point one day soon - I did birdie 12 - not easy to do.

Happy New Year.

It looks suspiciously like Shinneock meets St. Andrews . . .

2008-12-29T17:26:00.004-06:00

Wow, I love the rolls and folds when the fairway segues perfectly into the putting surfaces. It looks suspiciously like Shinneock meets St. Andrews . . .

This was a comment I received from a friend after he saw the latest pictures from Wolf Point Club. Above is the 4th green looking towards the tee.

"What makes you think you can design a golf course?"

2008-12-28T20:39:00.002-06:00

When I first started my journey from working as an aerospace engineer to golf course architect there were quite a few naysayers, bad advice givers and mostly those that didn't respond to calls or e-mails - all understandably so. And eventually there were many who were more than helpful - thank you.

On Friday a young man from Texas A&M met with me in my office about his potential future in the golf design business. I think some would say "Don't even consider it!" and would probably be accurate - it will be a tough road for anyone for the next few years. But I do think there is certainly room for an excellent project for me, just like I think there would be some opportunities for this young man to find an start. He didn't know what questions to ask yet, but I'm sure glad I was able to offer some suggestions with potential.

Pictured above is proof that even a small bunker can create a big penalty. It is me trying to hit the 2nd green.

Greens have roots!

2008-12-26T00:50:00.003-06:00

Not highly techinical, but one day I asked Don to show me some roots. This picture was taken in September. They are long, and the grass is doing great. Don's practices will ensure that in dry years the grass will be strong and lean - not a whimpy and over watered couch potato that can't handle the heat.

Infierno Got Drainage

2008-12-24T11:20:00.005-06:00

This fall the bunkers were completed. Infierno was the last one - Don saved the best for last. It is big - 11,750 square feet the last time I measured. It is about 20% of the bunker square footage on the course. We have a total of 56,000 sft spread across 61 bunkers, and the average size if far less than those numbers would indicate.

The bunker on #7 is also large, leaving an average size of 600 sft for the remainder of the bunkers. Don and I both prefer a smaller bunker. We have one that is 150 sft that is all the penalty one would need around the 2nd green.

The picture above is of the crew installing drainage pipe throughout the bunker. The pipe is designed to collect the water and get it away from the sand. Bunker drainage is a big issue today, in that there are many different ways to manage the water and maintenance, with nothing that works ideally or practically.

The best way to keep water out of bunkers is by shaping the land to divert the water, and that keeps the balls out too. That method would make an ugly bunker that didnt' come into play. We have none of those!

Holiday Cheer

Playing safe on #5 can cause trouble

2008-12-10T23:18:00.007-06:00

Lou (pictured in the distance) played away from the bunkers on the 5th tee shot - playing safe. From the far left side of the fairway he was forced to try a long low approach to hit the green - a very heroic shot with a high probability of failure. He did not have that shot in his bag at the moment and wound up short and left of the green with an equally difficult last shot to the green. Those swales are bigger than they look from the tee.

*Yes those are carts - I often talk about how much I enjoy walking Wolf Point - sometimes if we only have 2 1/2 hours to play we need to ride. That isn't a rushing 2 1/2 hours either.

Double Green

2008-12-09T20:00:00.003-06:00

I don't think much of double greens outside of St. Andrews. These double greens, 8 & 18, just evolved. I kept shifting the 8th green during the routing process to minimize the walk to 9 tee. You can play to either one from either hole, and with the flag near the swale it is a trick shot. Hitting an approach on 18 can run long to the swale, and a slight pull on the long par 3 8th will also find the swale.

From the other direction:

Deflation at the golf course

2008-12-06T23:06:00.005-06:00

Deflation has spread to Texas. The above chart is the evolution of the golf course construction budget for Wolf Point Club - from initial budget to actual $'s - no numbers attached for now - the decrease is 40%. I hope someday building a course practically can be appreciated.

*Golf Course Construction is generally quoted to include just the golf course:
Irrigation
Earthwork
Shaping
Drainage
Erosion control
Grassing & grow-in
Feature construction - greens, bunkers, tees
Lakes & water features
Clearing

The following is not included:
Clubhouse
Access roads & infrastructure
Maintenance facility and equipment
Utilities - water & electric
Engineering & design fees

When I worked for Lockheed I always beat my weight and schedule budgets.... more important as they had a bigger effect on costs than actual costs.
When Don ran his own golf course - he did too.

Lou!

2008-12-04T00:35:00.003-06:00

We had a great time at the course this week.
The first words Lou uttered (also immediately after the above picture was taken):

"Look at that ball bounce!"

He was very impressed and highly congratulatory of me and Don.

Warm Up hole

2008-11-28T11:56:00.005-06:00

What a great way to start a round at Wolf Point. Walkers get to use the par three 8th as a warm up hole - driver (240) to mid-iron (160) - there are a lot of tees.

If you'd like a larger digital version of this illustration please ask.

Can you see our 4-legged companion?

The new birdie balls are here, the new birdie balls are here.

2008-11-25T15:36:00.004-06:00

If you haven't gotten a birdie ball in the mail before - please ask - the new version is here. It has a nice little picture of the 6th on the side.

This is the modern version of the golf wiffle ball. This one draws, fades and makes a neat sounds when you hit one with your club. Yes they don't break and go about 40 yards in the back yard.

Cheers

Maintenance - Then & Now

2008-11-20T20:44:00.000-06:00

Above is a picture during the 1952 Masters. It is amazing that conditions good enough for Hogan, Burke, Nelson and Palmer aren't close to the demands of today's average golfer. Someone complaining about conditions is like a traveler complaining about the high speed internet not working on a plane. In order for many of today's courses to survive practical maintenance needs to be embraced.

Clubhouse View

2008-11-18T22:59:00.000-06:00

Here is the view from the clubhouse I mentioned yesterday. There are several tees to the 8th & 18th green around the deck just in case after a few beers someone thinks they can have another crack at the day's victor.

Clubhouse Complete

2008-11-17T22:51:00.000-06:00

It has been a year since I Iast posted a picture of the clubhouse (here is the clubhouse label). I would say it is 99% finished - Don has done a great job. He has been responsible for all the vertical architecture and keeps expanding on his responsibilities - not that being the superintendent wasn't demanding enough. Our client very much appreciates his abilities and continues to ask him to do more.

The clubhouse is a great place to have a beer (they taste really good), review the day's round and have a look at the golf course -- tomorrow I'll post a view from the clubhouse.

Juilliard's Golf Program

2008-11-16T18:15:00.001-06:00

I recently got a wonderfully flattering e-mail from a post-graduate student from Juilliard wanting to persue his other passion of golf course design. It is an extremely competitive market for projects and for those that want to enter the business. I've heard many architects tell prospective applicants not to even bother - it is just too hard today - which is very good and accurate advice. I try to be a little more optimistic - doubtful - but still optimistic.

His message was inspiring for me and I'm honored to be its recipeint and better understand how lucky I am to be in the position I am. Thank you.

Pictured above is the 18th green from above. Sometimes the clouds make the picture too.

The Byron Nuzzo

2008-11-12T21:06:00.000-06:00

Pictured above are my father, Uncle Jim & Uncle Dom standing on the 5th green. I was very fortunate to bring them to the course this past week. My client is very gracious.

They had a ball. I'm not sure when, but for a long time whenever it is an outing of all Nuzzo's it automatically becomes a tournament round. It has the moniker of The Byron Nuzzo - out of respect for Lord Byron. My Uncle Jim is the self appointed president for life and defines the rules this way -- our tournaments are more like Boxing. The winner is the Champ - no provisions for past records or performance. I must have been too gracious of a host myself as I wound up trounced. Wolf Point is very challenging if one isn't paying attention.

We had a great time full of new firsts - not the least of which was playing on my first solo course.

They introduced me to this great game and an appreciation for spending time with loved ones - for this I am forever grateful.
Cheers

p.s.
I did regain the title before they got on a plane back home.

Mike and I

2008-11-08T23:17:00.000-06:00

My oldest friend came to visit. We've been playing together for years around the country. We caddied together in High School. We were also 2 of 5 Mikes in our 2nd grade class.

Here were some of his thoughts of the course:

• The rolls and waves of the fairways looked awesome. But deceptive, as I thought I’d have some troublesome lies with a second or third shot. But in actuality I can’t recall the ball being very much above or below my feet more than a couple times in several rounds.

• The visual from the tees are very calming, appealing, and natural looking. Tee shots do not feel intimidating and in essence that probably leads to a false sense of security on the tee. (more deception)

• Options near the green were endless and really made me think. Do I bump and run, chip, pitch, flop, putt, putt a hybrid….. After I would hit a greenside shot, the ‘what-ifs’ enter your head.

• There is a certain aura and peacefulness about the course that made me feel very good. And made me feel that at the time, there was no place I’d rather be.

A busy afternoon

2008-11-06T23:22:00.002-06:00

It was me, Mike and Will and two extra visitors. In other words a busy day for the course.

The crop duster was actually playing a few holes along with us flying from tee to green - I think he loved the extra wide 4th fairway too.

ULI Fall Expo

2008-11-05T23:10:00.001-06:00

I spent last week at the ULI Fall expo in Miami. It was quite the week. I got to hear some great talks from Paul Volker, Christiane Amanpour, Vicente Fox and Sam Zell. In all it was a very worth while trip.

Here is what I learned, we spent too much, we can achieve our goal of stopping enrichment in Iran - but not regime change, the rest of the world admires our freedom - probably even more so this week, some people think we can WIN a drug war and it is possible to be a billionaire and still be way cool.

The expo was impressive too - the picture above was of a house that was built in hours in the convention hall - note the deck on the back right corner.

Newest caddie at the course

2008-11-03T23:13:00.000-06:00

I haven't shown an animal picture in a while.

Here come the players

2008-11-02T23:00:00.002-06:00

Recently I had two visitors to the course. Will pictured above on the back 9th tee thought the course was perfect for our client and one of the better modern courses he's seen - more comments to follow. Incidentally he is hitting towards the 5th green - at the end of the day we hit a few different shots around the course.

The 16th Green

2008-10-26T08:52:00.001-05:00

Above is the 16th green.

With Age Comes Wisdom

2008-10-22T20:42:00.001-05:00

I'm 40 today. So technically a much more experienced architect. Above is the 15th green.