The new North Course at Shadow Hills Golf Club in California opened on 1 February.

The par three course, designed by architect firm Schmidt-Curley, has been constructed to take advantage of natural plant materials which consume less water and promote ecologically-friendly agronomic practices. Shadow Hills is part of a Del Webb community and is operated by Billy Casper Golf.

Holes ranging from 135-210 yards, with large waste bunkers or lakes protecting every hole. Only around 40 per cent of the course is turfed.

“The North Course is a departure from the typical, California-desert layout,” said architect Brian Curley. “Rather than featuring wall-to-wall manicured turf, it's punctuated by natural waste areas evoking a feel more typically associated with Sonoran Desert, 'target golf' courses.”

“We're thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive response by people who have sneak-previewed the course,” said Bob Paradise, director of land development for Sun City Shadow Hills. “The perfect mix of water-efficiency, diverse play and stunning natural beauty makes this course special.”