Recently the University of Texas Golf Club (“Golf Club”) decided to make some modifications to the golf course. Renovations on a four year old golf course are, for most, unusual, particularly when that course has been very well received and is considered to be resistant to low scores by the better player and yet very playable by golfers of all skill levels. In light of such positive reviews, why then would the Golf Club decide to make changes so soon after the opening?

 

The decision to renovate most golf courses typically comes from the changes that an individual course will undergo over time. Like most natural environments that are exposed to the elements, a golf course will evolve over time.  All features on a golf course have a natural life expectancy. Typically greens get smaller as they compact and bunker faces and lips enlarge as sand is hit out of the trap.

 

An increasingly important factor in the decision to renovate is the changing technology of the game of golf. Over the last decade, driving distances have increased significantly. As driving distances have increased, many courses have found that the strategy of the golf course has been obliterated as certain hazards become irrelevant to a player’s strategy.

 

Contrary to popular believe, University of Texas (“UT”) is not the owner of the Golf Club. During the original construction process, the owners of the Golf Club focused on providing a playable golf course to the members that would play the course on a daily basis, and while the Golf Club was always intended to be the home for the UT golf teams, it was uncertain what the actual presence the UT golf teams would actually have at the Golf Club. To everyone’s excitement, the UT golf teams have enthusiastically taken to their new home, and the result is that the Golf Club, unlike most courses, must be set up on almost a daily basis to flex between a tournament championship course and a membership friendly course. Changes in the Golf Club, which are being done with our help, are being made precisely to accommodate the UT players driving distances, while at the same time, not compromising the playability of the course for the average player.

 

 

In addition, the Golf Club current clubhouse renovation project and upcoming membership drive is driving the desire to refresh the Golf Club. In order not to forget about their members, in several locations, it has been decided that additional playable areas would benefit the average players without detracting from the strategy of the course. These additional changes will hopefully add interest for the members and guests and make the course more enjoyable to play on a daily basis.

 

In the final analysis, updating a golf course over time will keep it fresh and maintain its playing characteristics and often keep it competitive in the golf market. In the case of the Golf Club, as with any course played competitively on a regular basis, it is my belief that regular and routine modifications can only enhance the overall character of the golf course and the ability for it to keep up with the times and the technology.