More examples of remodelling
Line Mortensen Ltd. has worked on the remodelling and optimisation of 30+ older courses, each with a different set of requirements and needs.
Odsherred Golf Club, Horsens Golf Club and Dragør Golf Club are examples of dissimilar golf courses that Line Mortensen Ltd. has worked on during the last few years but where there was a common desire for remodelling.
Odsherred Golf Club had the chance of slightly increasing the amount of land available, thus enabling them to extend their 18-hole course plus another plot, which would provide them with room for a small short-course for beginners. In 2002, after careful evaluation of an optimal solution, 3 new holes were incorporated in the 18-hole course and a 6-hole short-course was built for the club.
Horsens Golf Club had battled with poor and varying green quality on their 18-holes. Furthermore, the course had reached an age where remodelling of the course components and playing strategy had become more impending. The club is now in the process of reconstructing its greens, optimising the course layout and tightening up playing strategy on every hole. The project is planned to run for several years, dependant on the club’s economy and the degree of disruption that the club finds acceptable during the remodelling of their course.
Dragør Golf Club was experiencing problems with wild shots on their 9th hole, a par-3 running towards the clubhouse; the hole needed a new design and to be moved round, away from the dangers from errant hitters. Although the remaining part of the course does not have links-like characteristics, the club wanted their new hole to be of a links nature with the concept that the rest of the course, over time, could be given a more links-like personality.
Køge Golf Club’s 18-hole course was originally constructed on a small site, on a modest budget but with room and opportunity for future improvement. In order to implement suggestions on how to improve the facilities, Line Mortensen was asked to produce a course audit. A wide range of suggestions was put forward varying from an improvement of the course strategy to presentation of issues related to safety – and much more. Following this and after further site visits by Line Mortensen, the club has over the last few years worked well on improving their facilities, a job that, as on every other course, is never fully concluded.
Ikast Golf Club’s 18-hole layout was suffering from minor troubles including many blind shots and severe climbs and asked Line Mortensen to look into how to solve these issues. Following a course audit, the club decided to reroute a few holes as suggested. A small field adjacent to the existing course was purchased, 3 holes rerouted and two greens relocated. Two very awkward holes were thereby eliminated and replaced by new, challenging and very good-looking holes. An experienced contractor was chosen to carry out the construction work – working to the plans and following the specifications set out by Line Mortensen. Further improvements are planned but for now the members are thoroughly enjoying their new and revitalised golf course.
Værløse Golf Club is a modern 18-hole golf course located in open and slightly hilly terrain. In addition to this, poor soil conditions, an early 1990’s design and a busy membership made the club keen to look into ways of improving their facility. Line Mortensen was asked to look into schemes to improve the course. Many suggestions were made in relation to course strategy, presentation and safety but on this course a lot of improvements could be achieved by simply changing hole-to-hole route patterns and through the long term option of planting and sowing throughout the course. The course has come a long way over the last few years and is constantly improving due to the fine efforts of the club and their green keeping staff.
Passebækgård Golf Club is a very busy 9-hole course located in a popular Danish holiday location. Two greens have, however, for years been playing up due to the steepness of their gradients. The owner decided to solve this problem and engaged Line Mortensen to redesign the greens in a way that would render them playable while making sure they would still fit nicely into the rather informal surroundings. The ground was a lovely sand-based soil so the green keeping staff was very keen to carry out the construction work themselves guided by detailed drawings provided by Line Mortensen and following her hands-on and on-site supervision during the construction work. The improvements are conspicuous and players are no longer leaving the two greens displeased by unreasonable slopes.
Hillerød Golf Club was looking for inspiration for ways to improve the strategy and presentation of their course. After an inspection of the course by Line Mortensen and following a brainstorming session, the club was encouraged to prioritise a number of suggested changes that would improve the course. Firstly, the bunkering on the 5th hole needed to be sorted out. The club was keen for the green keeping staff to be involved and asked Line Mortensen to guide and supervise the staff through the actual construction and redesigning of the bunkers. Following this, the staff has now reconstructed the 16th green according to the same work process. Many further improvements are planned but only at a pace that takes the available staff time and club economy into account.
