Extract from the Course Designers Brief:
Using the lands available to Castlebar Golf Club, the Designer will be required to design a functioning 18-hole golf course and practice area, which will be at a minimum of equal standard to the existing course but will preferably be of an improved layout and design. The modification design adopted by the Designer shall be in keeping with the character and style of the current course.
Narrative on Option A
Option A has an inferior layout and is not as satisfactory as the layout of the preferred option (Option C).
The 1st Hole would be developed as a Practice Area. However only limited practice facilities could be provided within the space available.
This option could give rise to safety and planning issues as a result of its proximity to neighbouring properties.
Narrative on Option B
It is an inferior layout which is not as satisfactory as Option C. It does not provide Returning 9’s.
The Practice Area is too remote from the clubhouse. Access and control of this area would be very difficult for the club. The development of the Practice Area would also require substantial expenditure.
Phasing of the construction would be difficult and it would not be possible to keep 18 holes in play at all times during the development. This option could lead to Planning objections because of the generation of additional traffic on the local road.
Narrative on Option C – Preferred Option
This option best meets the requirements of the brief. It fully utilises the new lands available given the planning constraints on these lands.
It provides for Returning 9’s. The new 9th and 18th holes will be in close proximity to the clubhouse.
Holes 9 and 17 will be replaced with a Practice / Golf Academy Area that is close to the clubhouse. The replacement Holes 13 and 14 will be of similar length and better quality.
The layout minimises the likelihood of planning objections because of its low impact on neighbouring properties.
The Practice / Academy Area can be developed without substantial expenditure
The Phasing of the construction can be carried out without impacting on existing holes until replacement holes are ready to play. 18 holes should be in play at all times during the development phase.
All new greens will be to USGA Recommendations standard and all new fairways will be sand capped.
