Continuity leads to consistency during club's reconstruction

Editor's note: This article it the first in a series that addresses the long-range planning and implementation of a reconstruction program at Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart, Fla. The course is an 18-hole residential facility that was owned and operated by a development company and then turned over to the membership after 10 years. The membership has now operated the facility for more than four years but the long-range planning began a few years prior to the takeover. Kevin Downing, CGCS, has been the golf course and landscape manager since the inception of the project and provides valuable insight into initiating their long-range plans.

STUART, Fla. - As Willoughby Golf Club embarks in a full-scale renovation project that will involve closing the course for the next six months, proper long- range planning has been a key organizational advantage. I have headed up the renovation planning process, which began in 1998. Since I have been at the club from the beginning, I have been able to easily identify what steps need to be taken to improve the layout because I understand the course's mission.

In the late 1980s the developers of Willoughby set out to create a golf course that focused on the needs of the average golfer. They wanted to create a stimulating round of golf, but realized that most of the buyers were high-handicap golfers.

The developers originally chose the Arthur Hills design firm because of their ability to work with environmentally sensitive property and because they understood the diverse needs of the eventual homeowners and club membership. I worked closely with their firm and the housing configuration to insure that the course hit the targeted market. The result was a 6,600-yard course that still challenged all levels of golfers.

As courses mature, the design characteristics and landscape materials can alter the playing conditions of the best of layouts. Therefore it is important to observe the course in order to create a fair and competitive golf challenge. Fortunately at Willoughby we have been able to have continuity in staff, which has created an opportunity for continued membership satisfaction.

As the developer finished off sales operations and the membership peaked, long-range planning started in an unofficial capacify. I documented all weaknesses such as tee locations, severely contoured greens and obstacles that hindered the flow of play for future planning and compiled a list of all projects that had been completed over the years.

As membership turnover became an issue, we have created a renovation plan that we will implement this summer. Arthur Hills' firm will be involved with the renovation process, allowing for a continuity in course design.

In next month's issue, I will focus on the components of our planning process that include: identifying priorities, categorizing improvements or modifications, creating membership excitement, and establishing construction time tables.

Copyright United Publications, Inc. May 2002
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