Golf courses are gems. Abundant greens, steadfast trees, water features, and glimpses of wildlife, Golf is invigorating and satisfying. In addition to exercise, players experience a sense of social and psychological well-being. Inasmuch as players reap a wealth of benefits at the course, golf courses have been disappearing for years. The causes are many. However, an important lesson to be learned is that massive overly managed vegetation is neither environmentally prudent nor accessible to all. Perhaps it’s time for a mulligan.

When developing unused spaces or re-purposing current courses, draw from an environmentally friendly multi-purpose perspective. Although we all like championship golf courses we need to rethink our strategy for 18-hole courses, it’s not for everyone geographically speaking. We should be thinking of reducing, reordering, redesigning and reevaluating conventional courses into multi-purpose golf courses.

Traditional 18-hole courses require a considerable amount of land. Let’s use part of it to consider some aspects of a multifunctional project and the manner in which cost is minimized while innovatively improving usability and the environment, smaller, less-intimidating and flexible footprint that can adapt to nature, embellish it and lure “non golfing” clients.

By featuring existing landscapes, courses shape experiences while respectfully acknowledging sustainably and environmental impact. Native wildlife needn’t fear crossing the fairway when they’ve a natural path instead. Likewise, topography’s character can be woven into planning whereby natural clearings create hazards, bunkers and green locations or fairway landings. Resetting natural topography lowers cost, an improvement over changing the landscape in order to create overly-expensive and contrived courses. Multi-use/multi-functional and sustainable course amenities are as individual as their sites. Such projects also attract and benefit a broader range of visitors in both age and interests. You don’t have to have a lot of space to adequate your exiting golf course and you can also think of Re-routing the existing golf course to open space for innovative development:

A pitch and putt hailed as ‘the most wonderful way to introduce people to playing golf’ by Jack Nicklaus, is an appealing destination for several reasons. Though similar in holes (18), time and distances are lessened, driving the ball is eliminated, players only need three clubs, and the rules are similar. Cost is lessened by reducing area and creates a separate income. This can be achieved inside or in the surroundings of a driving range, which serves all—young to old, novice to pro—and provides essential practice of golf: driving, chipping, and putting. Ranges are usually boring in aesthetics and functionality but they don’t have to be.

An innovative outdoor golf lounge creates beautiful functional design: the multi-purpose space might include a free-form putting green, sand hazards, a fire pit, and central bunker. Daytime pleasures range from shots to putting (and children’s sandbox play), while nighttime lighting reveals relaxation and conversation, beauty, and perhaps a little extra putting. This inclusive area can be used for individual or group play while enjoying each fire pit bay and keeping your F&B department busy.

A golf course that includes elements of Wellness Golf creatively caters to all clientele. Wellness is achieved by connecting with nature; the natural elements of a naturally beautiful course encourages spiritual, emotional, and environmental connections. Why not play barefoot and connect with nature on a multi-model course?

Youth and adults alike delight in diverse offerings that come with multi-use and multifunctional innovative designs. The concept can include open-space preservation (passive parkland recreation areas) for walking, biking and hiking. Enhance existing courses with a multi-purpose sports field to satisfy the exercise and sports enthusiasts’ needs for sports diversity that conveniently sparks interest among all ages. Include park space for family picnicking that’s smartly intertwined within the golf course project. Appeal to all; they will come.

Golf is growing in popularity across many countries and in others, it needs to adapt. The key is creating thoughtfully designed courses with intelligent investment that appeal to diverse groups of athletes, sports fans, learners, and wellness enthusiasts. You’ll help others recognize golf’s values of discipline, perseverance, and companionship as you appeal to diverse groups. This is as courses should be; each individual player adding personality to the sport. Such is the nature of the courses that should be reflective of their natural surroundings, embracing sustainability and diversity of offerings—creatively contributing unique experiences—where learning and growth, fun and play, and the development of exquisite human experience is open to all.

Golf is a game for life and no matter what sport or professional career you practice, most likely you'll end up playing golf at some point.

About Agustín Pizá

Agustín Pizá is an architect with a masters degree in Golf course architecture from the University of Edinburgh. Member of the American Society and European Institute of Golf Course Architects. Pizá Golf is an award- winning golf design firm.

Visit: www.pizagolf.com

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