Supermodern Golf: 21st Century Trends in Golf Course Architecture

Abstract

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With the new century and millennium upon us it is apparent to me that the original philosophies of golf course architecture first written in the early 20th century (with roots dating several centuries previous) will continue to thrive. The return to the "natural golf course" will carry on as a result of a newfound environmental consciousness among both golfers and non-golfers alike. What is exciting to me is not just the form of the 21st century golf course but the function. We have an opportunity to create recreational landscapes that serve multiple functions aside from the mental/physical challenge and enjoyment of the game of golf. Golf courses can function as wildlife refuges, wastewater treatment facilities, arboretums, plantations, public parklands (much like the common land at St. Andrews), outdoor classrooms, and much more. The next century will bring continuing advancement in design, construction and management technology and greater scientific understanding of golf course plantings and the natural systems they live and work in. Golf courses can provide immense positive impacts on our landscapes in terms of both culture and ecology. Twenty-first century designers will not only work to reduce the negative impacts but will work to increase the positive attributes of golf in relation to the environment.

In order to make predictions for the future of golf course design, this thesis includes both an overview of the history of golf course architecture and the parallel history of modern design theory. This theoretical discussion arrives at a definition of Supermodern Golf Course Architecture. The second half of this thesis demonstrates the application of Supermodern theory to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course at Cornell University. This case study will demonstrate how the most current trends and thinking in human environment design can be applied to golf courses.

view entire thesis (~9 MB PDF file)