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 Discovery and Transformation...           the Art of Golf Course Architecture                                                                      By Barry L. Jordan, Golf Course Architect

A golf course that exhibits sound design principles, compositional beauty, and thrilling golf, is the product of an Architect’s ability to arrange it's features and forms in both an artistic and functional manner. This requires a specific design philosophy, as well as technical competency, to achieve.

I approach the design of a golf course as an art which solves technical problems while sculpting compositions for players of all levels to enjoy. The ultimate success of each design is achieved by creating a harmonious resolution which satisfies specific goals and objectives of a project while also taking into account the characteristics of a site. This art must be practiced responsibly by stewards of the natural environment. It requires a knowledge of ecology and an understanding of the consequences associated with the manipulation of the landscape. A conscious effort to "follow the requests" of both client and existing landscape is essential.

Simply put, my design approach is two-fold. First, to discover and route natural golf holes to maximize the potential of the existing site and minimize unnecessary costs. And secondly, when necessary, to transform the landscape, creating character and beauty while linking the remaining golf holes. This balanced approach insures that a site is fully utilized and enables me to focus upon targeted areas where the most benefit will result from the investment.

My aim is to produce golf courses with memorable images. This is accomplished by developing a specific concept for each project which helps to generate it’s features and forms. These concepts are produced by abstracting and blending a combination of the following inspirations:

• The Original Links The timeless and rugged links courses are filled with brilliantly conceived golf holes that take full advantage of existing topography and environmental conditions. I capture and integrate a "sense of place" from these courses.

• Natural Processes Golf was originally played over topography formed through erosion by wind and water. By studying these natural processes through photography, drawing, and writing, I have developed a palette of images to assist in form generation.

• The Existing Site Often an existing site provides much beauty and character which can be incorporated into new forms and features producing golf course compositions which appear "completely natural".

• Other Arts The rhythm of music; the sequence of dance; the principles of architecture; the philosophies of garden design; and the beauty of sculpture, are all potential sources of inspiration which can help establish the aesthetic character of the golf course.