Building Community Through Design

Golf is Evolving

As the game attracts an increasingly diverse community of players, golf course design must respond to changing expectations and playing preferences. Today’s golfers—from women and girls to juniors and seniors—are seeking more accessible, flexible and rewarding experiences that fit their lifestyles.

Modern course architecture recognises this shift by incorporating design elements that enhance enjoyment for all players, including shorter tee options that create appropriate yardages, strategic variety that rewards skill over distance, efficient routing for quicker rounds, and thoughtfully integrated practice facilities that support player development.

Successful clubs recognise that investing in inclusive design isn’t just about today’s players—it’s intergenerational responsibility. Strategic improvements that welcome diverse abilities—such as appropriately positioned forward tees that reduce the required length of maintained fairway—minimise water consumption, decrease chemical use, and reduce overall maintained turf areas, building operational resilience against climate challenges and evolving regulations whilst ensuring clubs thrive for future generations.

By understanding these evolving needs and designing courses that welcome diverse playing styles and abilities, golf facilities can create more inclusive environments whilst maintaining the strategic challenges that make the game compelling for players of all levels.