Upon reflection, one of the most unique features of Streamsong is there is no rough on the property. The playing surfaces are:
1. greens
2. fairways and tees - same cut
3. bunkers
4. native areas (which do in fact have to be maintained)
5. water/ponds
There is no rough on the property. We had a brief conversation with Rusty the Head Greenskeeper who came from Cuscowilla and both he and our own Kyle Harris are excited to maintain the course in this manner.
It would appear to an outsider as a simpler and less expensive way to maintain a golf course.
I think Ballyneal is set up in a similar fashion? I have not been there. Are there any other "notable" courses in the USA or abroad that are set up this way?
I personally loved the setup.
I'm surprised it isn't this sequence:
1. greens
2. foregreens/aprons and tees - same cut
3. fairways
4. bunkers
5. native areas / rough
That is what I saw at Renaissance last year, and really liked.
I've applied this at my newbuild Swinkelsche but also at a heatland course renovation at Hoge Kley.
I think yje inclusion of a foregreen height is crucial for the course to have its best possible short game around the greens.