69 we tried to recapture the original corners and then add some fun to the interior contouring. In areas where the greens were unremarkable or where we rerouted, we incorporated some templates, as an ode to Macdonald and Raynor’s influence in the area. Our goal was to give ‘Joe Public’ the chance to experience the fun of the templates, since almost all those greens can only be found on private courses. “We worked hard to make greens visually interesting with a variety of pinnable areas, but still manageable for the novice golfer. The greens really are the centrepiece of Canal Shores and the highlight of the course.” The new putting green in particular is expected to draw a crowd. At 27,500 square feet, it can serve as a putting course, and will also become part of a four-hole junior loop. “We are excited about the potential for this space to be a community gathering spot,” says Quitno. “Besides its value as a place for kids to learn and have fun, there is hope that the green might also be a revenue source and attraction that draws people to the outdoor patio for food and drinks.” While youth development has been a major focus of the Canal Shores project, preserving the course’s history and environment have also been key. “This course has been a part of the community fabric for over 100 years,” says Quitno. “It has always served as a public concert venue, as well as for walking paths, commuter access and a sanctuary of nature in a pretty dense urban area. “All our work has sought to preserve these functions, and where possible improve them. We’ve accounted for safer walking paths – the routing adjustments on the north and south holes considered this aspect. And we have intensely removed invasive buckthorn species and general tree overgrowth. By creating better growing conditions, we will have healthier turf, which will provide more runoff filtering, atmosphere cooling and erosion control.” Myslinski adds: “Our work at Canal Shores has helped create a facility that is environmentally sustainable and enhances the lives of the community around it. Canal Shore will be a blueprint for more facilities like this to be built across the country.” “ Our work at Canal Shores has helped create a facility that is environmentally sustainable and enhances the lives of the community” The area beside the clubhouse, which was previously occupied by the two opening holes, is now home to a large putting green and new first hole, and can also be configured into a four-hole junior loop REPORT Photo: Canal Shores
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=