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

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...

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?

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...

 

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

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

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

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?

1. widen fairways
2. reduce green speeds
3. shorter golf courses
4. 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

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

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

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!

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

C

In response to the above message from C:

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,

C

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,

H

 

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