Golf Course Architecture - Issue 62: October 2020

The approach to the par-five thirteenth hole at PGA National Czech Republic 17 Work has been done to create, preserve and enhance forest, wetlands and habitat areas. “We are currently improving all the existing forests by replacing the larch and spruce which are infected with bark beetle to an oak and hornbeam stand which is native to the region,” said Fairweather. “Three main waterways through the course were rejuvenated before construction began and a pond management programme put in place. Additional created habitat areas include snake walls, frog ponds and an insect sanctuary, and two bio corridors run through the site.” Phillips reflected on his first visit to the site: “The historic landscape near the main house had been completely abandoned. Many invader tree species had voluntarily sprung up, adversely affecting the health of the historic predominantly oak trees. Almost all of the remaining parts of the golf course site were rolling open farmlands, devoid of all vegetation. “Since we started work in 2006, we have worked closely with the development team on master planning the property. It was vital that the golf course be fully integrated with the residential and recreation facilities and planning constraints. There were well over two dozen concepts studied during Photo: Oaks Prague