Construction has been completed at The Forge, a new 18-hole putting course designed by golf course architect Paul Miller at Palmer Hills golf course in Bettendorf, Iowa.

The course covers 56,500 square feet and has four separate but integrated putting greens, providing flexibility in set up.

“Our goal for the putting course was to have enough panache to intrigue seasoned golfers but also to provide fun for new players with a family-friendly playing experience,” said Miller. “The setting for the putting course at Palmer Hills offers easy access, unique views and connections that link the putting course to the visually stunning landscape of mature oaks, rolling hills and manicured golf course features, accented by naturalised fescue and native plant areas.”

Construction work was done by Landscapes Unlimited and EC Design Group designed the irrigation.

“The few natural grass putting courses that have been built are at upscale resorts,” said Brian Hickey, golf course superintendent. “We are excited to continue, with the city of Bettendorf, the commitment to provide an economically accessible and environmentally sustainable golf course in a great natural setting.”

Jon Waddell, head golf professional, said: “We undertook a visioning process that was meant to move Bettendorf to the forefront of public offerings, not only for the Quad Cities but as a national model for assessable public golf. Beyond that, we wanted to ensure that residents and visitors to Bettendorf could continue to take advantage of a great natural setting, hang out and have fun playing golf with a wide variety of playing options and time commitments.”

The putting course is scheduled to open in May 2021.