Golf Course Architecture - Issue 61, July 2020

41 Golf course architect Jeff Lawrence has helped create 3’s Greenville, a new design concept for the former CrossWinds par three course in Greenville, South Carolina, as part of the facility’s transformation into a new hospitality experience. The course is located directly north of Greenville Downtown Airport and originally opened in 1997, when primary architect John LaFoy brought together par three designs from 18 different architects, including Pete and Alice Dye, Rees Jones, Arnold Palmer and Tom Fazio. Lawrence’s design for the new owner, Davis Sezna, will see the introduction of a newly renovated 12-hole par three course, a 16,500 square foot Himalayas putting course inspired by the original in St Andrews and and six-and-a-half acres set aside for a practice area where players can practice all types of short game shots. “We have respected the design concepts of the original architects while also making a few refinements to enhance the golf experience,” said Lawrence. This has even included greens with different grass species – Diamond zoysia, bentgrass and TifEagle bermuda – so that golfers can practice on a variety of surfaces. The reconfiguration is Lawrence’s first completed project since establishing his own firm, Lawrence Golf Design. Greens are being resurfaced, bunkers rebuilt and one of the existing holes rerouted to accommodate the new layout of the golf course. Lawrence’s design for the putting course sees it wrap around the clubhouse, and the finishing hole features what the owner describes as “the deepest and most challenging bunker in South Carolina”. The entire facility – reopening with the new name 3’s Greenville – will be lighted until 10.30pm with energy saving LED floodlights as well as a newly-constructed terrace and firepits adjacent to the clubhouse, all designed to provide an atmosphere to enjoy great food, music and golf. The final building stage will see the existing clubhouse replaced with a rustic cabin. Throughout, the emphasis will be on delivering an entertaining experience that promotes fun for all with music and video throughout the course. Sezna intends to reproduce his concept in other appropriate locations. “We at 3’s Greenville are excited to introduce a fun and less intimidating golf experience at an extraordinary level of quality and service,” said Sezna. “Our theme will be golf, beer, barbecue and beyond. Thank you Jeff Lawrence, for designing, refining and delivering such an inspiring product. Everyone will enjoy it.” Jeff Lawrence transforms Greenville course Photo: Jeff Lawrence Photo: Facebook/3’s Greenville TEE BOX