Concept

The key elements of  The Walkers Course have been split into several categories.

General:

  • Par 70 and 6,500 yards from the tips
  • No cart paths
  • Minimal yardage information – 100/150/200 plates and 150 post
  • Short green to tee distances
  • Excellent year round drainage
  • Minimal earth movement in design and minimal irrigation
  • No tree planting will occur on the course, ever
  • No housing

Architectural Style:

  • “Heathland” qualities inspired by Sunningdale Old, Woodhall Spa and Alwoodley
  • Strategic bunkering in and around the fairways and greens, but only what is “necessary”
  • Variety within the design to ensure sustained golfer passion for the course over time
  • Selective use of “proven templates” if appropriate for the land
  • No man-made lakes or ponds
  • Trees may be used if currently onsite but they cannot dictate strategy

Routing:

  • Strategic, not penal, routing where an array of shots and deep thinking is required for success
  • Excellent pacing and flow to the walk
  • A couple of “drivable” two shotters, “long” two shotters, and “reachable” three shotters
  • Variation in distances and topography on one shotters
  • Use of angles from tee to green on several holes to rein in the bomber and reward accuracy

Playing Characteristics:

  • Firm and fast conditions during the summer
  • Adequate room off the tee to enable “exciting” recovery shots
  • Preferred ball placement off the tee required to attack the pin
  • Appropriate undulations in fairways to provide a range of stances throughout the round
  • Driver an option off the tee on two and three shot holes, although not always the best play
  • No long forced carries off the tee or into the greens, except as part of aggressive line strategy

Green Complexes:

  • Interesting green complexes that welcome the bump and run
  • Fair but undulating greens
  • Tightly mown chipping areas
  • Deep bunkering in places

Amenities and Specifics:

  • Pure golf experience that is walking-only unless you have a really good reason
  • 15 minute gaps between tee times
  • Sub-four-hour rounds at all times, with three- to three-and-a-half-hour rounds normal
  • Push carts supplied and power push carts available for rent
  • Small clubhouse, small locker room, intimate bar – a trailer to start
  • Ambitions for a strong junior program and supportive of The First Tee
  • “Basic” range, with large putting green and short game area, potentially a Short Course
  • Golf only