31 these areas the membership has almost fully embraced the concept. The tree removal was also contentious at the early stages but now the membership enjoys the expansive views throughout the property. “The reduction in primary rough has improved our maintenance practices by allowing us to spend less time cutting rough and a reduction in fertiliser and pesticide usage in the rough. Even with the ever-rising costs of plant protectants and fertiliser, our budget has remained the same due to lower inputs in these areas. Our staff can continue with detailed items throughout the property instead of simply mowing over 100 acres of primary rough.” In August 2022 work turned to tees, fairways, bunkers and greens, and is expected to be complete in November. “The work on fairways and bunkers would not produce nearly the same effect if not for all the pre-planning and ultimate reset of the landscape,” said Rogers. “The before and after photos stand to tell the stunning story as well as anything we can possibly say or write… those images will speak for themselves.” Previously, fairways were a mixture of six different turf varieties. The regrassing will produce a slightly different alignment on several holes to accomplish Rogers’ design intent, while bunker work and the remodelling of two greens are being completed to better ref lect an original Alison design aesthetic. “The initial course prep step is one that is often disregarded or skipped entirely,” said Rogers. “After all, tree removal can be rather controversial. But when the site isn’t properly treated to accommodate the design, then all the elements will ultimately be in conf lict and the desirable opportunities to do the right thing will be missed. The golf course work is more the ‘given’ in terms of expected scope, but the site work is every bit as important if we are to achieve a proper balance.” The cover story of the latest issue of By Design magazine – produced for the American Society of Golf Course Architects by the team responsible for GCA – sees architects discuss projects to rebuild golf courses that suffered from storm damage. “The flood created new landforms and dramatic, eroded inlets near the coastline,” says Kyle Phillips, who rebuilt both courses at Verdura Resort in Sicily, Italy, following a flood that damaged 14 holes. Other subjects covered in the Fall issue of By Design include the impact Frederick Law Olmsted had on golf course architects, a regrassing project at Columbia CC, and what makes a good partnership between architects and constructors. To download the latest issue and subscribe to By Design, visit www.asgca.org “ The flood created new landforms and dramatic, eroded inlets near the coastline” GOOD READ Rogers carried out tree removal and landscape work to set the stage for renovations of golf course features (eighth hole, pictured) Photo: Andy Johnson/The Fried Egg
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