Armchair Architect III : The game's most popular design contest has returned

Golf Digest, August, 2000 by Ron Whitten

Now, Seymour is very excited about the character of the holes, but the local environmental and planning authorities have certain restrictions and constraints. A seasonal creek with riparian trees, shrubs and low vegetation along the banks bisects the site. The creek cannot be filled or relocated, as it is considered "waters of the U.S." and therefore controlled by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. However, after a lengthy and difficult approval process, Seymour has obtained permission to clear up to 450 lineal feet of vegetation along any portion of the creek. This clearing can be done in one or several locations as long as the total is within the 450-foot limit. Elsewhere along the creek, vegetation can be thinned and pruned to obtain visual site lines from one side to the other. The creek can be crossed as necessary by bridges. The Corp of Engineers has also identified wetlands adjacent to the creek. These wetlands can be filled if the designer believes it necessary; however, any wetland area filled must be replaced elsewhere on the site at a ratio of 2:1. For example, if you fill one acre of wetland, you must create two acres of wetland elsewhere on the site. Many ancient oak trees exist on the site. These oaks are up to 300 years old and are protected by law and cannot be removed. Seymour likes the oaks and, if possible, would like to see some of them incorporated into the design of the three holes.

Seymour Links is somewhat concerned about all of these restrictions and constraints, but has been told by his knowledgeable golf friends that a clever designer can nevertheless design three exciting and interesting holes. So Seymour wants to see it all. Have fun.

Some site information

TERRAIN

Gentle terrain bisected by a seasonal creek.

VEGETATION

Some oak woodlands with several ancient oaks. Riparian trees, shrubs and low vegetation along the creek. Meadow grasses in the open area, formerly used as grazing.

CLIMATE

Temperature in the 80s in summer and mid-20s in winter. Moderate rainfall of 20-30 inches annually. Mild wind predominately from the northwest to southeast, but it can vary.

SOILS

Approximately 1 to 111/42 feet of good top soil (sandy loam) with sub-soil of clayey loam.