"Don't Shoot Your Eye Out!"

Dear GRG Client,
‍
Welcome to our Christmas Edition of the Staples Quarterly! I write this cozied up to the fire in my man-sized, pink bunny jumper, sipping eggnog with The Christmas Story on in the background! Ha! Just kidding. I'm still at the office weathering 50 degree temps here in Phoenix, but this bunny suit is still pretty cozy!

It was this time last year we were asking "Is Golf Dead? Or Just Mostly Dead?" I think we can agree that Golf is NOT dead! Its alive and well; and most importantly, we’re having a little fun again! So, as tribute to the fun we're having with this great game, here are some of our insights and lessons learned in 2015!

Grandma Got Run Over (well, buzzed really) by a Drone!

There's quite a buzz in our industry about drones and the value they provide golf courses. From aerial photography, to moisture mapping, to assisting in site visits and field adjustments, we believe they’re here to stay. A special thanks to all of our partners for helping us stay in front of this technology in order to make our designs better, and everyone’s job a little easier!

Take a look at the video below for some of our footage of ongoing construction at Meadowbrook in Detroit. No need to bundle up; this footage was taken just prior to snow fall!

O Little Town of South Jor-dan

While Bethlehem and the birth of Christ come to mind for many of us this time of year, we'd like to carol on briefly about the nativity of our newest project; Staples Golf is now working with the City of South Jordan, Utah, to improve their golf facility! We're pretty excited about this one because it involves our efforts to expand the principals of Community Links even further. Being very early in the project, what I can tell you is that we're exploring ways for their golf course to take a lead role in the development of the city's new outdoor recreational center which will incorporate a series of outdoor activities along the Jordan River, which borders the property.

On the topic of Community Links, stay tuned as we intend to release our very own White Paper on the subject in early 2016. We're learning whatever we can, however we can, to keep the idea rolling; Feliz Not-gonna-stop!

First design charrette meeting with the South Jordan team.Santa Came Early for Staples Golf

I’m thrilled to see the great pub Rockwind Community Links is generating for us and the City of Hobbs – the perfect gift for a golf course architect! But, this project couldn't have been done without an entire team of amazing individuals, including one visionary city manager, coming together and making this project so successful. We're proud and humbled to announce two significant awards for Rockwind: First, Golf Digest ranked Rockwind for their "Best New" of 2015, and second, the coveted Design Excellence Award from the American Society of Golf Course Architects. We're doing everything we can to make sure that our momentum continues to build in 2016!

You're a Kean One, Mr. Sinek

Speaking about teamwork and leadership, I'm reminded of a TEDx Talk given by Simon Sinek called "Start with Why- How Great Leaders Inspire Action." For those of you who don't know Sinek, he's a very successful corporate marketer and best-selling author on the topic of leadership. This video is one of those “go to” motivators for me regarding the untapped potential of golf, and how we can all play a part in realizing that potential; I give it five golden rings!

Three! ... Two! ... One! ...

As 2016 rapidly approaches, it’s a time to look back and recall those moments throughout the year that sparked an idea, provided insight, reinforced current relationships, or taught me something new.

Thanks for reading and of course, have a Holly Jolly Christmas, and a Fantastic New Year!
Sincerely,  

-Andy Staples

It was a great day at Rockwind's opening.

Study tour of Oakmont with the Meadowbrook crew.

Heather, hillocks, and sandy hazards at Walton Heath in London.

Under the Oak Tree at Augusta with the Arkansas boys.

Scotty and I congratulating Edge on his retirement after 43 years!‍