INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose

The purpose of this thesis is to explore some of the ramifications of the naturalistic approach to golf course architecture in an attempt to identify the principles and elements which give substance to the concept of naturalistic design. The term naturalism will be discussed within the context of historical precedents established during previous eras of golf course design as well as from literature regarding the development of naturalism in landscape art and architecture during the 18th and l9th centuries. A connection exists between these two closely related movements which this thesis will attempt to clarify. It is the author's belief that clarification of the design principles of the naturalistic approach to golf course architecture in relation to the principles which guide the more generalized field of landscape architecture will contribute to a better understanding and application of design principles to meet the needs of present and future golf course design.

Golf is a game of landscapes, not playing fields. Golf courses are specifically designed landscapes, the purpose of which is to challenge and excite the participant, both physically and emotionally. They are landscapes of the creative imagination of the designer who attempts to blend art and environment into a functional entity on which some 21.7 million people play 487 million rounds of golf per year (Nat. Golf Found. stats., 1988). This thesis will explore the interaction of art and environment via the concept of naturalism.

This thesis postulates that the design concepts behind the discipline of contemporary golf course architecture take root in both the traditional notions of aesthetics espoused and practiced by landscape architects of the l9th century, as well as from the natural landscape it's where golf first appeared, namely in the Low County of Holland, and most importantly, the linkslands of eastern Scotland.

B. Intent

The intent of this thesis is to:

1) explore the sources and definitions of the concept of naturalism as it applies to golf course architecture using historical data (secondary data) as well as interviews with golf course architects (primary data).

2) explore the theoretical basis for the concept of naturalism in order to better understand its qualities and applications for design.

3) illustrate the design principles which embody the naturalistic approach to contemporary golf course design with regard to site planning and detailed design features.

Basic components of golf course architecture were laid out several years ago by Geoffery Cornish and William Robinson in their National Golf Foundation publication entitled, Golf Course Design: an Introduction (Cornish & Robinson, n.d.). In this handbook, they illustrate diagrammatically the three major considerations of golf course design:

function eye appeal

(playability) (pulchritude)

maintenance (practicality)

They believe that an interactive relationship should exist between the components of this triad in order for a course to "be successful." Within the scope of this thesis, naturalism will be explored in terms of its relationship with these three major considerations. In addition, it will explore how a naturalistic approach can present design alternatives may or may not enhance these three major considerations. In addition, it will explore how a naturalistic approach can present design alternatives may or may not enhance these considerations.

C. Comments

The study of naturalistic golf course design is an outgrowth of the functional requirements of the game. The types of design features which are required, i.e. tees, greens, fairways, bunkers, the construction and maintenance techniques, are all very similar, regardless of location. In terms of layout and design, this functional constancy supplies the framework onto which a naturalistic approach manifests itself on the landscape in a wide variety of settings. This study will also address broader questions which may help to clarify and give substance to the concept of naturalism. First, golf courses, as with other types of large scale construction, are subjected to federal, state, or local environmental regulation.

Under these constraints, golf course architects have had to become aware of the impacts that their designs impose. In this sense, one may question whether there are design principles which may become more acceptable to mitigate the impacts on ground water, wildlife, and other natural and cultural resources. Secondly, golf is a game which should be an enjoyable experience for those who participate. For a great number of participants, much of the pleasure of playing the game stems from the landscape context as well as from the quality of the course itself. From a design standpoint, do basic principles of landscape design such as balance, emphasis, and rhythm serve to heighten the aesthetic experience? Third, during the long history of the game of golf, trends in design have been established during various eras in the games' development. How influential have these trends been on contemporary design ideas, and to what extent have past trends served as models for the appropriateness and acceptance of new ideas? Fourth, recently, due to social and economic forces, golf courses have developed, in many instances, within a multi-use context. The vast majority of courses being built today are associated with either residential or resort development. These developments range in size from several hundred to several thousand acres. In these settings, golf courses may also serve as greenbelts, parkland, and in many cases, as backyards. The existence of the golf course adds prestige value, offers alternative recreational opportunities, provides the amenity of open space, and increases property values. Can a naturalistic design approach enhance this multi-use aspect of course design without detracting from the functional needs of the game?

For the golf course architect, the creative possibilities are vast, but certainly not limitless. His efforts are bounded by the functional requirements of the game, the site on which the work is to be done, budgetary constraints, client needs, and his own creative imagination. Naturalistic design of golf courses opens up a wide variety of possibilities. This thesis will explore some of those possibilities and perhaps be able to identify the design ideas and elements which give substance to the concept of naturalistic design. It is hoped that a contribution will be made toward identifying and clarifying a set of design principles which may make a positive contribution to the game of golf.