4.0 Architectural Projects

In the last decades the increasing of the equipment for the construction of golf course gave to architects the possibility to change the Landscape with earthworks, that were unthinkable some years before. The power of the designer on shaping the land brought to projects that fight with the natural appearance. I am going to analyze the last the TPC of Sawgrass, Florida, because in my opinion this is an example of a golf course that is not integrated with the natural features of the site.

4.1 Tournament Player Club, Ponte Vedra, Florida

The TPC of Sawgrass is one of the most famous creation of golf architect Pete Dye, it was built in a forested lowland. Drainage was a major hurdle there and the problem was resolved by a network of constructed lakes and canals which meander prominently through the property, providing both drainage and ample irrigation water.
Opened in 1982, the Stadium Course became a sensation and a topic of considerable controversy for its departure from traditional design. It was the first course of its kind, featuring mounds, high banks and earthen amphitheatres specifically designed to accommodate larger crowds.
The first purpose of the architect and the client was, indeed, to create a course that could host a big tournament, with big attendances, television transmission and the integration with nature was not really kept in consideration. In this instance, in my opinion, we can see how golf architecture can go too far in disrespecting the natural features of the land in order to respect the rules of business.

I chose to analyze the last two holes of the TPC as in my opinion they show how golf can explain in a better way what “Architectural golf Courses” can mean.

4.1.1 Hole No. 17

The hole no. 17 at the TPC of Sawgrass is one of the most famous hole all over the world, its fame was gained mainly from TV shots and from the drama that creates during the professional tournaments.

All elements of this hole would not exist if created by Nature, the island green with its wooden walls emerges from the water without a transitional phase, the colors of the water, the wood and the grass make a heavy contrast, not natural at all.
But the biggest surprise of this hole is the other island, with a tree on top of it. The reason why Pete Dye put this feature between the tee and the green still remains a mystery to me. This element does not add character to the hole, and, moreover it is not influent to the strategy of the hole in wind calm condition.