OT - How important is the "beautiful" view from the clubhouse?

[Carl Johnson]

I was going to post on this thread, but decided it would be more appropriate to start another. https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php?topic=73598.0


My club is planning a new clubhouse and a key issue has to do with the importance of the view from the clubhouse of (1) the course as a whole and (2) our mid-size city skyline about 4 miles away, some of which is above the tree tops.  Among our membership there is a substantial difference of opinion, ranging from not important to critical, keeping in mind that there will be an extra cost building for the view, particularly of the skyline.

[Michael Felton]

I would say not particularly personally. From belonging to two clubs in the UK, one where you can't see the course at all and the other where you could see the putting green and not a lot else, and talking to people at other clubs/going to other clubs, being able to see the 18th green is popular with members. It gives a connection to the course that you don't really have if the clubhouse is distant.


I can't fathom why you would spend money to build up high enough to see the skyline though, unless the skyline is very impressive (think NYC). Clubhouses are already insanely expensive.


Depending on the design of the clubhouse, you may want to think about it the other way around too - do you want to be able to see it up close from the golf course?

[John Handley]

Honestly, it depends on what type of club you have.  If it's a golf club then I'd say no.  Put the money into the golf course.  If it's more of a social club where people will want to hang out, have drinks/food, and enjoy the vistas, then sure, it's probably important.

[Matt Schoolfield]

This is one of the instances where I reference the concept of "the golf club as a place." The answer to this question, to me, is always: What does your club want to be? What does it represent? What are its values?

If it's focused on the "best golf possible" then place the clubhouse as an after thought, and let the routing determine it's location.

If the club is focused on "friendly competition," then the clubhouse (or at least the post round area, however you want to define that), should be on or overlooking the 18th green, or even as many greens as possible, so that the competitors can actively participate as fans.

If you want the club to be "an escape" then yea, I could see how having the skyline in view could juxtapose the club as an escape from the city.

If the club represents "golf excellence", then I could see the "let's all look at our exceptional course" with views, etc.

If the club represents "a retreat" then perhaps tuck the clubhouse into a grove if trees, separated from even the golf course.

[Jim_Coleman]

   For me, of no importance whatsoever. Give me the best golf course possible. The clubhouse is just a place to have a drink and food, either  before or after the game. But I acknowledge that reasonable minds can differ, especially if the club is a social center for many, even if not for me.

[Tim_Weiman]

Jim,


The view from Shinnecock’s club house is pretty nice. Same for Cypress Point out back.


I’d say it is a plus as long as it isn’t artificial.


Tim

[Mark_Fine]

Such a personal question.  But think about it this way, if you were rich enough to own property with a lake or had land near the ocean or had multiple acres in the Swiss Alps, where would you build your home?  Would you exploit the vistas or hide them from view?  The clubhouse for most (not all) golf courses is like that home. 

[Sean_A]

It’s a bit of a no brainer to consider views when determining the house location. I would say views of the course and more specifically 1 tee and 18 green are extremely important. I never liked the idea of the house divorced from the course.

Ciao

[Jim_Coleman]

   Having a nice view isn’t a bad thing; it’s a good thing. But not worth materially reducing the quality of the course if that becomes a choice. Shinnecock’s view for a 1% reduction vs a 30% reduction? Easy choice. That’s why one hires a good architect.

[Jeff Schley]

It’s a bit of a no brainer to consider views when determining the house location. I would say views of the course and more specifically 1 tee and 18 green are extremely important. I never liked the idea of the house divorced from the course.

Ciao

Example Walton Heath off top of my head.

[Sean_A]

It’s a bit of a no brainer to consider views when determining the house location. I would say views of the course and more specifically 1 tee and 18 green are extremely important. I never liked the idea of the house divorced from the course.

Ciao

Example Walton Heath off top of my head.

Exactly. To me the house atmosphere takes a hit because the course and house are divorced. Who doesn’t enjoy watching folks start and finish a round? Perhaps heckle a few mates etc. Same  for the course itself. I like it when holes intersect and you meet other golfers.

Ciao

[John Kavanaugh]

How about a great course that would be worse if the clubhouse had a better or worse view. Sand Hills, NO. Shoreacres, NO. Spyglass, Yes.

[Don Mahaffey]

If its an established club and the clubhouse location is already determined, then why not take all reasonable actions to capture views?
A good long range view seems to me to always be better than looking at a tree line.
The golf always comes first so I wouldn't blow up a good hole or perform crazy earthwork to open up views, but why not spend a little more to take advantage of what is already there?

[John Kavanaugh]

If its an established club and the clubhouse location is already determined, then why not take all reasonable actions to capture views?
A good long range view seems to me to always be better than looking at a tree line.
The golf always comes first so I wouldn't blow up a good hole or perform crazy earthwork to open up views, but why not spend a little more to take advantage of what is already there?

We are suddenly overly focused on the fine art of compromise. Trying to make sure no golfer is left behind no matter what they bring to the table leaves an increasing number of golfers unhappy. We can all have everything we need from golf if we are honest with ourselves about what we want.

[Carl Johnson]

Thanks for all the comments.  The golf club is well established with a very old clubhouse that does need to be replaced.  The course is compact and was subjected to massive tree removal 15 to 20 years ago so the views of the course (but not the first tee at this moment) from the clubhouse (which is on a high point) are terrific and I know of no one who does not want to keep those.  The views could be enhanced with a tweak of the clubhouse location/orientation without any impact on the course.  So far we haven't been shown a preliminary site plan, but my sense is that they are thinking of the current clubhouse footprint.  The current long range plan calls for emphasis on social events linked to golf (such as a Labor Day tournament followed by a cookout open to all members), but there is a movement to expand social to bring more emphasis to private events hosted by a members (such as a private retirement party for one's boss, or a wedding reception).  Skyline view from an added second floor is rated "important" by 37% of the members, per a survey. This is all ongoing planning with member input -- lots of things to consider.  John K's comment is apt.

[Tommy Williamsen]

For me, it is an added bonus. I love to have dinner after I play. Both Ballyhack and Musgrove Mill were away clubs for me, so I tended to spend some time on the deck or patio. I doubt I would have spent the same amount of time if the view were of apartment buildings. Then again I probably would not have joined.


At Musgrove, nine and eighteen are in view.




At Ballyhack, you can see ten, practice tee, eighteen, and seventeen.

[Chris Hughes]

Everything comes with a price...


...how much are regular folks willing to pay for an improved "view"?

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