Task: Elevate what exists to a higher level.
Masterplan
Here is a brief excerpt from the Master Plan:
"This text document complements the hole sketches and the hole-by-hole comments and addresses areas that are important for creating a master document that follows a desirable 'red thread'.
Brief history
The club was founded in 1925. Stig Broström is the architect of holes 1-9, completed in 1936. These holes are the only ones credited to the talented amateur golfer and lawyer Broström. He was a member at Falsterbo GK and won four Swedish Championships and had his prime in the 1920s and 30s.
John Morrison is the architect of holes 10-18, completed in 1957. Morrison has designed many courses around the world. He was first an assistant and later a partner to H.S Colt (one of the world's most prominent golf course architects). Morrison has also been involved in the construction of Kevinge's course and Stockholm GK in Sweden.
In 2004-2005, all greens were redesigned by Peter Fjällman. I have understood that many are not very satisfied with the greens' renovation. According to information, the contractor who was assigned the job was not familiar with building golf courses. Unfortunately, this is evident.
All the forest that is currently deciduous trees was once a spruce forest. The spruce was planted by the defense to provide shelter for the shooting range. Most of the spruce forest was felled during the storms of 1965 and 1969. Deciduous trees were planted instead; this was done in the early 1970s. Most of the trees that border the course today are approximately fifty years old.
Average handicap and Average age
For men, the average handicap is 19.9, and for women, it's 29.5. The average age is 51 for men and 58 for women. These facts have been taken into account in the proposed adjustments. A golf course should be enjoyable for all categories of players. Elite play accounts for a tiny fraction of the game played on your course. For elite players, the course can still be considered a good test of golf skills. However, for recreational players, seniors, and high-handicappers, the course, in its current layout, is far too challenging. There is too much rough near the fairway, and some holes are unnecessarily long. I have also considered these factors in the proposed changes.
Players First and the Swedish Golf Index
I have reviewed surveys conducted by the aforementioned entities. There is a lot of negative feedback regarding the course's condition and rough areas. I understand that these surveys are far from comprehensive, but they provide some guidance. Successful businesses listen to their customers, analyze feedback, and take action in a way that promotes their interests. In your case, your interests are your members, guests, and sponsors. You want to retain your members for as long as possible. They should not leave because the course is too difficult. You want to attract new members, and you want green fee players to speak highly of your facility and return. More or higher-paying sponsors are also beneficial for most clubs. Having a facility that everyone enjoys and appreciates increases that possibility. The course is the most critical part of a golf club, and club management and the board need to stay connected to the needs and desires of the players.
Before |
After |
Iconic hole 16 after the changes. Now without the bunker on the left side, replaced with a foregreen. The green has also been reduced by 1.5 meters on the right side to make way for a wider foregreen, preventing more shots from rolling into the water. Time-saving.
