I see by Tom Doaks latest topic that this is very timely. I wanted to report that I finally got a chance to play Glen Erin, a small GC near Janesville WI. It was brought up on this site about a month ago.
What really impressed me by the end of my visit was that in spite of the tough times in the golfing business these days, this seems to be a very good model for a successful small golf course business.
First the course. This is truly a throwback to the courses of the 20's and 30's. It was designed by an architect named Greg Martin, whom I have not heard of but possibly some of you have. I did not want to like the course when I first pulled up because it is right next to a small airport which is often in view on the front nine, and it is on a relatively compact parcel.
The course however is perfectly charming and well manicured. The routing allows plenty of space between holes so you don't really feel crowded. The holes are layed out on the bumpy, rolling terrain very gracefully. The architect primarily used the existing knolls and swales (which I am sure controlled the construction costs) and got results that are solid on every hole, some of which are truly inspired.
The bunkers are thoughtfully placed on the fairways, and protect the greens well, (no decorative bunkers) and are typically deep with steep faces. They mow a frame of rough around the bunkers and then the steep faces are allowed to just grow shaggy. This gives them an attractive appearance, reduces maintenance costs, and also adds a level of penalty for a near miss.
On one hole, which I particularly liked, the fairway played down into a swale and then back up to the green for the approach. The green is protected by a steep bunker which seems to be dug right out of the crest of the hill. It almost appears that the earth they removed to create the bunker was used to make it's own steep mounded back. The green however is placed about 15 yards behind the mounded bunker creating one of the most well executed depth illusions I have seen.
The other aspect I really liked was that every hole can pretty well be dissected from the tee, and yet the sight lines and views of the greens can be very intimidating. You often need to trust your judgement and your distance and not let the visuals get in the way.
The clubhouse is small but well constructed to look like a small Irish pub. The restaurant and bar, the Cursing Stone (I like the name) seems to function well as a local draw even for non-golfers, or those who weren't playing that day. The place was crowded and lively.
In total it was a very intruiging visit. Here you had a fun, thoughtful charming course. What appears to have been a low construction budget. Low maintenamce costs, and a thriving food and liquor business to supply additional cash flow. To top it all off, a round of golf costs $25. It is almost like somebody stole a succesful business from a villiage in the Ilses and brought it over here to the USA, and it seems to be working.
I had a great round and was left with a small sense of hope for the future of golf. I'd be interested if any of you have played there or know of the architect involved.