"We Didn't Come to Paint!"

Dear GRG Client,

Welcome to the latest installment of the Staples Golf Design Quarterly! As we look forward to the fall, we’re excited to share with you some most recent thoughts, happenings and lessons learned.

To begin, we’ll take a look at the fascinating Dairy Creek Golf Course in San Luis Obispo, CA; they’re facing a significant water shortage issue, and we’ve been called in to asses and provide some solutions. Second, we'll share our thoughts on golf at the Rio Olympics, and what we think are the important take-aways in preparation for the 2020 games. And lastly, we've all but wrapped up the Meadowbrook Country Club renovation in Northville, MI, and have some final thoughts as opening day in June 2017 rapidly approaches!

“We didn’t come to paint. We came to win the game!”

-Ex- Razorback football coach Bobby Petrino when asked why he went for it on 4th down with 3 yards to go while winning 21-20 against LSU in the 4th quarter of a Championship Series determining game in 2011 (they won 31-21).

Hearing about water being a precious limited resource for golf courses is certainly not something new for us, but laying our eyes on the Dairy Creek Golf Course gave us a very clear understanding of just how drastic the water situation is getting in San Luis Obispo County of California. Because their water source is reclaimed from the area’s prison, dwindling numbers of inmates means less water for fairways and roughs.

Hard decisions are just beginning to be vetted, as the most desired solution of applying more water, isn’t even an option the owner, San Luis Obispo County, can consider. At this time, two ideas have somewhat shaken themselves out as the likely answers; the most obvious choice is to reduce the number of holes (or irrigated turf) to something less than 18. Six holes, nine holes, possibly 12 holes are being discussed. Or second, rely mostly on rainwater that’s consistent from November to March, and just have a seasonal “winter” golf course. This would essentially reduce the course to only irrigating greens and select tees in the summer while the rest of the turf would wither and die.

Whatever the outcome happens to be, we’ll fill you in as developments occur. In the end, Dairy Creek will win, and the golf course will again be shown to be a prime example of just how sustainable golf can be, while remaining an integral part of the community.

"I have never been so proud of a third-place finish in my life.”

-Matt Kuchar after winning the bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil.

The last round of Olympic play was dramatic enough to at least be worth the price of admission. Congrats to Rose (GB), Stenson (SWE), and Kuchar (US!) for doing their countries proud on what was likely golf’s biggest stage, ever, in history. With that said, we can’t help but feel a little disappointment surrounding what should have been a much more exciting event.

It’s tough to put our finger on exactly what made the first Olympic golf event in over 100 years feel less than extraordinary, but we think we may have some ideas; no "buzz," no story, no team event.

Aside from seeing a great new course, the fact that watching Olympic golf felt a lot like watching the Web.Com tour was a bit unsatisfying. Where was the buy-in?! Where was the excitement!? We think a team event would have been much more dramatic to watch as well; much like the Ryder or President’s Cup. How about a shot clock, or a speed round? Even a hybrid version of a relay race much like an alternate shot format. All we can do is hope that maybe they we’re taking notes in Japan, and that golf in 2020 will have much more “x-factor” (and no Zika!).

“This is better than going to the movies!”

-92 year-old Ms. Betty VonGruben (a member since 1954!) after touring Meadowbrook’s renovation for the first time.

This was a direct quote on the work we accomplished this year in Detroit. We love this quote!! If we can get the thumbs up from what should be the most heavily respected demographic in the world, we’re feeling pretty good!

Upon reflection now that the majority of the work is done, knowing that all the meetings and time spent with the committee, and the hours spent in the field working with our shapers and finishers, was all worth it. It certainly was better than going to the movies!

Ultimately, nailing down the variety of teeing grounds and overall yardages at MCC was probably one of the more rewarding parts of the entire project. The idea being to get the course to adapt to you based on your swing speed (thanks Arthur!) for a more enjoyable play, rather than the other way around. We certainly hope it becomes one of the most welcomed additions of the entire new course. We can’t wait for opening day in less than a year! (Hole 1 pictured)

Rest In Peace, Bob Cupp (1939-2016)

In closing, we wanted to tip our hats to Bob Cupp, ASGCA member and former society President. Bob certainly was an incredible influence on our industry. He was a charismatic and well-liked golf architect, and our sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends. He is and will be missed.

Until next time, we hope you enjoyed this edition and look forward to our rapidly approaching and crowd favorite edition of the Staples Golf Design Quarterly; the Holiday Edition!

Take Care,

Andy Staples, ASGCA

PS- If you haven't gotten a chance to see our latest renovation update video, you can check it out here! We fly over, 3,6 and 7; three different holes, three high energy songs!