67 in Nova Scotia, Canada, came along. “This was the first time that all three of us [WAC principals Rod, Dave and Keith Cutten] were on the same job,” says Axland. “Rod is an incredible talent, whether routing golf holes or developing features – he might be the most underrated architect in the business and would have it no other way. I was also impressed by Keith’s leadership and ability to develop interesting features with minimal inputs. Our partnership was solidified when Rod invited me to co-design the par-three course there, The Nest. As we continued to collaborate, it became evident that forming WAC would allow us to channel our shared vision and complementing strengths into a successful design firm.” One of the firm’s first newbuilds was the Shorty’s course at the Bandon Dunes resort. “The layout was built in-house with a team that we have known since the construction of Bandon Trails,” says Axland. “One of the first Bandon employees was Ken Nice. He, along with local construction legend Tony Russell and the Bandon maintenance staff, were key for success and enjoying the job. Mike and Chris Keiser asked that we develop par-three holes in the 75- to 140-yard range. The idea was that you could grab three clubs and get around with great fun and the sense of adventure.” Currently, Axland is assisting Whitman at Cabot Revelstoke in British Columbia, with 2025 expected to be a major year for construction. He, Whitman and Cutten are also working at Hillsdale in Montreal. “The Hillsdale property has two distinct types of terrain: one end being lower and rolling, with heavier soils, whereas the other half is on higher ground with sandy soils,” says Axland. “The entire property has some wonderful contour, trees and other natural features. Last year we focused on the lower ground. That decision should help us tremendously this year as we will be working on the higher, well drained, sandy soils. “With three partners active in shaping, we at WAC approach design by designating certain holes to one of us and rough-in a basic concept. Once DAVE AXLAND Rod Whitman, Dave Axland and Keith Cutten first worked together on Cabot Links in Nova Scotia Photo: Evan Schiller “ Through a process of design refinement, we ensure that ideas that might be different from any preconceived notion are allowed time to live or die”
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