GOLF’S ENCORE: A 19TH THAT OFFERS ENTERTAINMENT AND SUBSTANCE

From parkland to links, Scotland to the Middle East, and tee to green, golf courses around the world pride themselves on their own unique character to deliver a memorable experience. However, no matter where you are playing, the 19th hole (more commonly known as the clubhouse) is a constant feature. It is the singular concept almost all clubs share and is universally recognised as the place to find refuge after your round. We all look forward to a refreshment after playing and discussing the ups-and-downs we have experienced on the course.

However, the idea for courses to create an actual, playable, 19th hole is rather unique. It has often been toyed with by golf course architects to provide added x-factor but some golfers have been quick to disregard them as a novelty. To some extent, if not done with the relevant care and attention as the rest of the course, they are.

The ‘19th hole’ concept was recently utilised at Tiger Woods’ emphatic Payne Valley design. Framed by the limestone outcrop and waterfalls with the clubhouse sitting atop to watch the scenes unfold it is a memorable stage to say the least, and if nothing else, it adds a bit of fun!

With creativity and commercial thinking, a 19th hole can be used as an abstract solution for architects looking to add flexibility into their designs. Also, and importantly from a practical standpoint, it offers an innovative way for golf course managers to balance maintenance and playability. In short, they don’t have to be a novelty but a valuable and alternative solution for a myriad of different reasons.

We recently worked with Laguna Lang Co, Vietnam, to create an additional hole at its Sir Nick Faldo Signature Course. Within its first decade of operations, the course has proved popular and footfall has been increasing significantly over the years – catalysing on the thriving golf scene in Vietnam. The increase in rounds played there has led to added attention being required to high traffic areas on the course. This inspired some unique concepts and developments to address the concerns, especially after Sir Nick’s post-round strategic musings of how the existing proposition could be enhanced.

The challenge for the team became…’how can we make modifications without compromising what is already a world-class 18-hole experience’. Thus a 19th was conjured…

Yes, the decision to curate a new hole was underpinned by the notion of creating flexibility for the maintenance team, but in no way could the solution become a mere ‘Plan B’ routing system whilst the course is enhanced elsewhere. Therefore, the strategy quickly became one focussed on developing a memorable feature hole that capitalised on the course’s distinctive and idyllic natural surroundings with flair and drama at its core.

Playing parallel to the picturesque coastline, the new 155-yard par-3 is set on a stage framed by panoramic views of the course’s neighbouring beach and mountainous backdrop. Naturally, the location invites onshore winds which creates a strategic three-club challenge depending on the conditions and pin location. Additionally, the dwarf dunes, mounds and swales provide visual deception whilst a Biarritz-style swale feature splits the green on the left side to define the front and back segments. It is a solution that is as beautiful as it is strategic and innovative – far from a novelty for pure entertainment purposes.

Of course, there is a luxury of resources at Laguna Lang Co. It is not often golf clubs have the room to build a new hole, let alone one gifted with the settings unique to Vietnam, and on a course already recognised as one of the best in Asia. We are blessed to have had the opportunity to create the hole we have in the location it is but with such high expectations you really do feel a duty to deliver something befitting.

Ultimately the biggest takeaway from this project is how the benefits of increased flexibility cannot be underestimated – from a playability and a maintenance standpoint. All golfers value diversity and we would also be amazed to find a supervisor that wouldn’t want the ability to undertake their projects without adding disruption to the players’ experiences.

We encourage all clubs and developers to be creative and explore different concepts – it can only benefit the game and its players. Golf is a game of unique experiences and is the stronger for it; no course is the same and as architects our role is to be imaginative in our designs to create memorable golf features that help them stand apart from their competition.