RICHARD A. BARIL: "2011 MADRID MASTERS" TO SHOWCASE NEW "EL ENCIN" GOLF COURSE

May 4, 2011

El Encin is an ambitious project sponsored by the Community of Madrid and developed under a '50 year land concession' by Desprosa. The intention was to create a venue worthy of hosting the Madrid Masters and a worthy golf venue for the capital of Spain. Even though the golf course is yet to open, the Madrid Masters has been scheduled for October 2011 - about 5 months from now! (I really hope the golf course will be ready.)

El Encin has been constructed over the past few years in near secrecy.  Desprosa has really stifled any publicity about the project.  In fact, if you are reading this, you are likely receivng a very rare and unique glimpse of the new course. There is no 'official' gag order or veil of secrecy  - but there has been an apparent effort to suppress any press coverage of the project.....  Perhaps this is related to the 'environmental questions' associated with this project.

GOLF AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Since I am first a 'Landscape Architect' before being a Golf Architect, I have always been interested in the responsible development and stewardship of land. I am an absolute advocate for sustainability and preservation.  Having said this, I am also keenly aware, having worked with land owners over the past 30 years, of the real cost of land conservatorship. I think many people would be surprised how conscientious landowners and developers are about land issues. I can say that every landowner I have worked with clearly understands they do not 'own' the land. They know they are conservators, for a short time. And, each one has expressed the desire to leave the land better than they inherited it.

I relate the above becuase I have been asked, "As a Landscape Architect, how can you support this type of development of large land parcels?" I reconcile the development of these projects by knowing these landowners are more meticulous and rational about envioronmental stewardship and duty than most people comprehend.  The cost of land preservation and maintenance is more costly than the public understands, and usually is willing to support.  It is these landowners that bear the cost of land maintenance and preservation, when others can't and won't.

The 'environmental' banner is often waved irrationally, as a way to discourage 'development'. When there is an outcry to prevent a project or land development, because it will harm the land or harm the environment, it's important to evaluate whether this is a rational declaration or an emotional one. Then ask yourself, if we don't allow a means for generating income to maintain these large land parcels, are we going to pay for the maintenance and preservation? There are many who would stop these developments. Let's see how many step forward to pay the cost to maintain and preserve these land parcels!

In reality, a golf course (like EL ENCIN) occupies the land for a time.  It's a temporary use. The fact is, this golf course protects this parcel of land from being 'developed' with buildings (which is much more permanent).

As it exists today, it can easily be returned to what it was previously; a dry, vacant field that produces nothing and provides no beneficial purpose, other than an open space devoid of plant and animal life. BUT, there is still a cost to maintain it, even in that condition. Are you going to pay or should we be happy someone else is willing to bear this responsibility, this risk and this cost?

I'm happy to show these recent photos and hope you enjoy these images of this new golf course (free of charge!)....