2017 U.S. Open preview: Erin Hills
Beautiful Erin Hills is ready to host Wisconsin’s first-ever U.S. Open. But once upon a time, it wasn’t the happiest place for turf.
Looking at it today, it’s hard to believe that back in 2008, Erin Hills, site of the 117th U.S. Open, didn’t look good.
Nature’s Gift to Golf
“Wow...” It’s a word uttered by many when they first set eyes on the golf course at Erin Hills. And 17 years ago, it was the word that quietly passed the lips of ASGCA Past President Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA Fellow, as he gazed across over 400 acres of pasture land in Erin, Wisconsin.
“The scale and setting is so grand it’s almost unbelievable when you see it,” says [Dana] Fry. “Your eyes can’t take it all in.”
Longer Hitters will have a BIG advantage
June is United States Open Championship month. Every year, future US Open sites are announced by the United States Golf Association (USGA) with much fanfare. In 2010, it was announced that Erin Hills would play host to the 117th US Open slated from June 15-18. USGA estimates a $130 million economic impact for Southern Wisconsin - including direct, indirect and induced spending leading to and during the championship. Golf Digest India spoke exclusively to Dana Fry, one of the three architects who were entrusted with the design and layout. Fry speaks on a variety of subjects related to golf architecture, including how the Erin Hills was built, and later selected to host the second Major of the year.
Beyond the spirit
A Southern California megacollaboration demonstrates how water conservation projects are being taken to the next level.
Fry/Straka begins renovation of the Heron Course at The Oaks Club
A year-long renovation project is underway at the Heron Course at The Oaks Club in Osprey, Florida.
Architect Jason Straka will lead the renovations and said the project aims to enhance playability and improve irrigation and drainage at the Heron Course, which was originally designed by Willard C. Byrd.
The Shape of Things to Come
As an architect, Jason Straka gets it.
He realizes that each project, whether a new build or a renovation, is under the microscope. Often, the eyes that closely monitor his work are those of golf club members who want the facility to be shaped according to their own vision.
As he embarks on a project in one of the fastest-growing complexes in the country, Straka is prepared to soothe their concerns.
On the Move Upwards!
Award winning golf course architects, Dana Fry and Jason Straka are powering on and maintaining a high profile in the challenged world of golf architecture.
Ambiente - New layout reshapes Camelback GC
The new Ambiente course at Camelback Golf Club has blossomed into a layout this Couple of Travelers love to play. It is a big step up from the former Indian Bend Course at Camelback, which was built on a flood plain that couldn’t drain the rain. That problem led to other problems, such as being expensive to maintain and having limited play.
Facing the Challenge: ASGCA Design Excellence Award Winners
The ASGCA’s Design Excellence Recognition Program highlights some of the best recent examples of golf course architecture. By Design profiles this year’s honorees, including Fry/Straka designs at the Ambiente Course at Camelback Golf Club and Columbia Country Club.
Best New Courses 2013
Camelback's old Indian Bend Course, straddling a linear flood control channel, was embarrassingly flat and lifeless. No more. Straka lowered and naturalized the wash and used the fill to reshape every hole with such flair that Ambiente now overshadows the resort's Padre Course. Started as a Hurdzan/Fry project, now billed as a Fry/Straka design, Ambiente is probably the most improved course of the year.
Golf Course Acts as Classroom for Turf Research
The 100-year-old family business has transitioned to become the first research and demonstration golf course in the world.
Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design: Two Course Openings in China
Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design, a partnership with worldwide reach in award-winning golf-course design, has announced two new projects in China, both scheduled to open May 1. One golf course is located in Shanghai, while the other is in Anji, about a two-hour drive southwest of Shanghai.
Fry/Straka's China projects launched
Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design has announced two new projects in China, both of which are scheduled to open 1 May.