putting course design Archives - THE GOLF PARK

Enchanted Woods: Quadra Island Miniature Golf

Scott McCartney — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 04:51:21 +0000

A modern, West Coast style miniature golf. Enchanted Woods Quadra Island Miniature Golf immerses itself in a forest grove nestled below the clubhouse, adjacent the first tee.

With the Island population at around 2400 people this project was not an easy investment decision but, the goal for the owners of Quadra Island Golf Club was to bring the non-golfer out to the course. 1. For the miniature golf experience itself 2. To increase food and beverage revenues and, 3. To introduce non-golfers and kids to the larger game. As golfers we all recall our first memory of the game…. Here, I bring the golfer from the 9th hole over to the 10th with a long, natural walk toward the first tee of the larger golf course. I envisioned an AHA moment when a young kid sees and hears the crack of a drive down the first hole. Perhaps that gets them to the driving range? On to the course? My personal introduction to the game came in much the same way.

This project was a total joy from start to finish. From exploring potential locations on-site right through to the last piece of turf to be installed, I enjoyed every minute. Below is a list of contributions that Golf Park Co. made to the project:

1. Consultation

a. Project Concept

b. Cost/Budget Analysis

c. Location Analysis

2. Site Mapping

a. Surveying/Elevations

b. Measurements

c. Course Routing

d. Feature Identification

e. Theme Development

f. Conceptual Design Strategies

3. Design

4. Project Costing

5. Land Preparation

a. Tree clearing

b. Drainage

c.. Design Alterations

6. Earthwork

a. Soil removal

b. Base construction

c. Contouring

d. Boulder/Feature Placement

7. Concrete Work

a. Forming

b. Placement

c. Advisement on finishing

8. Supply and Installation of synthetic turf surfaces

9. Supply of Miniature Golf Putters and Balls

10. Landscaping consultation and management

11. Brand, theme and marketing creation

a. Signage

b. Scorecards

c. Storyboards

d. Rack Cards

e. Theme

12. Community Promotions (hotels, resorts, campgrounds, etc…)

13. Maintenance Plan Development

14. Operational Consulting

The Ownership group were a total pleasure to work with, as was Chad Doolittle from Quadra Landscape. All parties involved sought to create something special that the Island could enjoy for decades to come. With permission from the Ownership group, I snagged a few of their comments/testimonials from email exchanges along the way and have posted them below:

“We are thrilled to share our experience working with Scott McCartney and The Golf Park Company who designed and installed our miniature golf course. From the initial consultation to the final touches, their professionalism and creativity were evident in every step. They took our vision and elevated it, creating a fun and engaging course that has become a highlight for our golf course members and visitors. The attention to detail in the design and construction, combined with the high-quality materials used, ensures durability and a visually appealing experience. We couldn’t be happier with the results and highly recommend their services to anyone looking to create a memorable miniature golf attraction.”

– Official Testimonial

“The Island was crying for this.”

– Local Resident

“Overall, it was a great year for us, ENCHANTED WOODS led the way with 7000 paying golfers so far. This greatly exceeded our expectations and it was so gratifying to see how incredibly well received it was by members, Quadra residents, their guests and the visiting tourists. We had the kindergarten class, two grade school classes, several company functions and we even incorporated it into our major tournament renamed the the “Dual Challenge where teams played 18 holes of golf and 18 holes of mini golf. The kids just loved it but it was the seniors that contributed the most. They were so appreciative that it was there and there were many repeat customers. It completely changed the dynamics of the golf course, there was always lots of people around and just a great place to be. So once again, we just have to express how much we appreciate what you created for us, it is an absolute gem.”

– Leslie Rombough

With each course that I design, I work to bring an external element into the course that you wouldn’t normally see; something that distracts from the miniature golf experience and gives a moment of wonder and reflection to the golfer. In this instance I discovered local driftwood artist Alex Whitcomb of Drifted Creations. He had a few pieces displayed at the hotel where I was staying and I knew immediately that I had to implement these pieces into the course. With total support from the late Bill Pirie we implemented 4 unique pieces that led to the theme of the course and the name of Enchanted Woods.

You’ll have to visit the course of you would like to read the storyboards and experience the “adventure” of Enchanted Woods but, I will give you a peak of these fascinating pieces by the talented Alex Whitcomb.

This Blog Post and the project itself are dedicated to the late Bill Pirie who was the majority owner of Quadra Island Golf Club. Bill had the courage to listen to his instincts and invest in an idea that would open the game of golf up to everyone on Quadra Island – to make everyone on the Island a part of the same great golf community. Bill passed shortly after the miniature golf course opened. He assisted the whole way through and was able to see a few successful weekends in that first month the course was open. My hope is that the course paid for itself the first time he listened to the gut bursting laughter from a few of its patrons.

Thank you, Bill for your vision and courage. It was honour to work with you, Sir.

Rest in Peace.

A special thanks goes to a member of the ownership group, Les “Ronnie” Rombough who was my main contact, motivator, budget keeper and co-visionary on the project. Battling hip surgery, Ronnie put 100% of himself into this project, thinking everything through to the nth degree so that we might achieve the best possible outcome – and I think we did. The walk from 9 to 10 I have named “Ronnies Walk” where it is my hope that one day we see a statue, made of driftwood or not, of Ronnie leaning on his walking stick putter and telling the kids to enjoy the back nine!

Another special thanks goes to Chad Doolittle who’s passion for perfection matched my own. Without Chad’s skills and expertise the project would not have been what it is today. Thank you, Chad for caring so damn much. And thank you for getting me out of my comfort zone to include a few more quirks for the kids! I have worked with hundreds of landscapers through the years and you are without a doubt one of the very best.

To anyone reading, please do yourself a favour and visit this beautiful island. The people, the nature, and the golf course will warm your heart and set your soul right.

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Before The Golf Park Company: 1999 – 2019

Scott McCartney — Sat, 02 Oct 2021 01:31:44 +0000

A CAREER OF DESIGN & BUILDS

It was an “Aha!” moment, the first time I saw a synthetic turf golf green. I was living in Las Vegas as a 20 year old working for a golf tournament organization company. A golf course where I was working had a teaching area with fake turf for a golf green and fringe, and it was beautiful. Within a month my friend Shaun and I were back home in BC building one for my parents in their side yard in exchange for room and board. We built them a golf green that would bring years of fun memories to our home, and that’s how my first company Precision Greens was born.

Working other jobs that would supplement our income, we were able to build 4 greens the following year and 14 greens the year after that. When we hit the 30 project total the following year, we were in heaven and could afford to work solely at building greens. It was so much fun – designing and building every project with our own two hands.

Slowly, what was a golf green only company began to turn into a synthetic grass company, meaning we installed fake lawns as well as golf greens. The lawn side of things really took off, becoming 80% of our installations. As our company grew, golf greens continued to occupy my interest more than anything. I had the privilege to work with Vancouver’s preeminent landscape architects, designers, and developers. I worked with passionate homeowners, celebrities, iconic sports personalities all the way through to Canada’s best golf course architects.

The following is a look at some memorable installations. Notice the progression as time goes on…

My first golf green in 2001 (below). My knowledge of green speed and slope were limited as my Dad putts one off the green. It took all summer to make because we built the brick border ourselves. Scanned from Mom’s printed 6×4 photo – thanks Mom!

It wasn’t long before realizing fringe and rough, made with contrasting heights and complementing colours, makes for a perfect finish. Finding a way to create the perfect radius was also a huge breakthrough.

Earning a reputation for quality work awarded us installations in several Senior Living complexes in BC – a perfect low-impact activity.

My first real “Dream Project” was at TAKaya Golf Centre in North Vancouver in 2008. Two 3500 square foot golf greens (two different technologies – one for holding shots and the other for putting true). Also built an 18 hole minigolf. Hearing the laughter that was coming from the minigolf after it opened is what it’s all about. Thank you to Ernie George for putting your trust in us!

My second great “Dream Project” was in 2009 at a private residence, and one of Canada’s most incredible gardens, in Mission, B.C. Designing and building this 9 hole par 3 course brought me to life and inspired me the whole way through. To this day the course looks and plays wonderfully.

It was a joy to design Islandview Golf Centres World-Class Putting Course.

Eaglequest Coquitlam needed a team to resurface their putting course so we decided to take it on.

2010 to 2018 went by so fast with hundreds of golf projects to keep me busy and feeling creative.

Condominium rooftop golf amenities weren’t uncommon

There were very few “grass only” jobs that I truly admired but, being a part of some of the most impressive residential landscapes in the Country made me appreciate my job. This Paul Sangha design is inspirational.

Below is one of a few residential putting courses that I designed and built. A little 6 hole beauty

I started to become more confident. There was an art to everything I was doing and I started to feel more and more like the person qualified to bring these projects to life.

(Below) Common space golf amenities were becoming more accepted and became a draw for the sale of condos in Vancouver.

I did a few full landscape designs along the way that I can be proud of.

I helped design and bring this golf project to life for Ron Rule Landscape Architects. A project in the beautiful equestrian community of Southlands in Vancouver.

This Client’s inspiration was the Par 3 -12th hole at Augusta. Ray’s Creek in the foreground with pine trees and azaleas growing on the slope behind the green.

One of many Rob Spytz designed landscapes – this one in stunning Deep Cove.

Ocean front paradise. A new employee from Ontario almost lost his mind when a seal came up for a rest on the sea wall.

An incredible 3500 square foot golf green designed by famed Canadian Golf Course Architect Doug Carrick. Walking the property with Mr. Carrick and discussing the project was one of my greatest learning opportunities.

6 tee boxes were placed around the property from 45-105 yards in distance.

It was a dream location and ,at the time, was the largest golf green I had built to date.

I had built a few professional tee lines along the way

The iconic Red Barn and golf out in the Country

Construction of my first ever hand-built sod wall bunker – possibly the happiest I have ever been working! See Sod Wall Blog for more pictures and details. Same Red Barn site

A big one out in Chilliwack for Algra Bros. Construction and another Rob Spytz Landscape.

A breakthrough project at Sam Walker Park in North Vancouver, BC. Dave Turner, retired Parks Manager designs a golf green for public use. Hopefully this is the first of many “Golf Parks” to come. See Advocating for Golf in Parks, Golfs many Municipal Benefits, and Sam Walker Park – a breakthrough in golf for more on how we can bring golf to everyone!

Dave Turner, Green Designer and Park Section Manager with North Vancouver Mayor, at the time, Darrell Mussatto

This 3000 square foot golf green was inspirational. Nothing less than a World-Class landscape to be apart of.

A 6000 square foot masterpiece with tee boxes all over the property. Inspiration for synthetic “Short Courses” in otherwise hard to grow areas.

Working with professional machine operators – what a difference! Thanks to Mike at MJM.

A 5000 square foot golf green overlooking the beautiful Fraser Valley in Abbotsford. Fire season unfortunately or you would see Mt Baker hanging out in the background.

Below is an 18 hole minigolf/putting course that I designed and built in Lac La Ronge, Saskatchewan. It was great to go back to the Province I was born and do something special. Lac La Ronge Indian Band will be finishing the course off with art displays and features representing their rich culture and heritage.

These massive boulders were originally sitting just off site. I was dying to have something to work around so the Band had them moved into place for me.

It took me a while to finally get the routing down into one that I felt had an “energy and flow” to it. Flat project areas with no real obstacles are likely the most challenging terrain to be creative on.

In the Boreal Rainforest

My Crew. Three of the greatest men I have ever met. Left is me, Roland Ionson, Mike Knutson and his son Scotty.

My own backyard was my little “retirement project” after selling my half of Precision Greens to my old business partner. No crew but plenty of time. It made me relive and appreciate the attention to detail required for a perfect installation – it took everything I had to produce this project, but I am very proud of it. And my daughters are happy about their new “dance stage”. I am particularly proud of the memorial bench for my parents, without whom, my life of building golf greens would have never been possible – Thank You Mom and Dad.

Waiting for gardens to grow and spill over onto the golf green.

R+D on Synthetic Turf Sod Wall Bunker!

Sweet Night Golf Vibes!

Original Sketch Design

Working Design

I learned a lot in those 18 years. I kept learning through the last project I completed and will continue to learn moving forward. Since selling Precision Greens I have spent much time doing research and development projects such as the synthetic turf sod wall bunker on my personal golf green. I have experimented building a Tee Line for a local driving range and have researched proper maintenance protocols on a project that is 13 years old – a 9 hole Par 3 course in Mission called Shiloh Hill (mentioned above).

Most of my reading is in the field of Golf Course Design. There are principles I have adopted in my learning, even since completing my own project in 2020. Now I look forward to using my knowledge and creativity to bring new and unique Golf Projects to Canada and the World. I feel like it is just the beginning.

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The Putting Course

Scott McCartney — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 02:52:22 +0000

GOLF ON A SCALE THAT WE ALL CAN ENJOY

The first putting course was born adjacent to the first ever golf course in St. Andrews, Scotland. The Ladies Putting Club of St. Andrews was born in 1867 and I feel it will one day prove to be the greatest revolution in a sport that has come to outgrow its knickers, if you know what I mean. In a day and age where the hardest hitters in the game can hit the ball over a quarter mile (450 yards), when do we take a step back and suggest there are other ways to play this game – ways that can be accessed by any level of golfer, at any age or ability, and through ways which place an ownness on touch and finesse, strategy and judgement, rather than just power and athleticism. The putting course is one of those ways.

The Putting Course as one large golf green, random hole locations and infinite "course layouts"

There will always be a place for miniature golf – but a putting course is far from the same thing.

There are a couple of different variations of putting courses that are becoming popular today. One includes one large expanse of grass with rollie pollies and dips and doodles all over. Generally, a natural grass surface where the greens keeper can change the hole locations regularly. If the green is large enough, with reasonable elevation changes and those rollie pollies I spoke of, then the options for “course layouts” are almost limitless. Here are some examples of this type of putting course:

The obvious issue with these types of Putting Courses is that they are tied to places that arn’t very accessible. They are larger than life and more fun than you can imagine, but they take a lot of time and money to keep perfect, and for that reason rely on patrons with expendable money to be able to visit their facilities. That being said, if you can get to these places I would be surprised if anyone gave you any grief for utilizing the putting course. They are generally free to use.

Two examples of putting greens in our communitiues are Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, BC and Sam Walker Park in North Vancouver, BC. Stanley Park used to have one as well.

My friend Jeff grew up on the Island and recently brought his kids to putt at Beacon Hill Park. “Four generations of my family have now enjoyed using this golf green.”, he said, fondly remembering his Grandpa taking him there when he was younger.

Sam Walker Park in North Vancouver have trail blazed a path to bringing this fun amenity into their community.

This type of putting course is only beginning to see its day. Golf Course Managers, Municipalities and Developers are all beginning to see the brilliance in this fun, low-cost amenity – and those that get to use them will benefit the most.

The Putting Course as a defined 18 hole layout

The second kind of putting course is like a championship style, full-sized golf course but scaled way down in size to be played purely with a putter and a ball. There will be a natural look and include thoughtful strategy and risk-reward. You will see a beautiful, contoured hole with a short-mown putting surface, a second cut of fringe and a third cut of deep rough. There will be water hazards and sand traps to avoid all while admiring the course surroundings and its natural beauty. It is like playing golf on a smaller scale – a scale that all abilities can try for a fraction of the price of a round of golf. Here are some great examples of this style of putting course:

There are pro’s and con’s to natural grass depending on the size and setting of the putting course. In some instances it makes sense to use synthetic turf.

There is a culture growing around this aspect of the game of golf, for good reason. It is inclusive. It brings the game down in size so that almost anyone can try it, and have fun at it, while breaking down the obvious barriers of time, money, and accessibility.

I have personally designed and built a few smaller putting courses and miniature golf’s but I have been dreaming up a version of a putting course that will be a fun, beautiful and an inclusive place for the entire community go. I hope to one day show it to you.

Thanks for reading,

Scott

If you are interested in going down the rabbit hole of all things putting, The Major Series of Putting (MSOP) is a tell tale sign that putting is beginning to take on a life, and competitiveness, of its own.

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