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The Lonnie Poole Golf Course at NC State University: An Overview
The
Lonnie Poole Golf Course at NC State University has unique features
that set it apart from other courses in the region. It represents the
evolution in golf course architecture towards sustainability; a golf
course that fits into and protects the natural environment. As with
Bethpage Black, Bandon Dunes, Whistling Straits, and Pine Valley, it
leans heavily on traditional Scottish designs while accommodating the
natural landscape.
The Design.
The Arnold Palmer Design group used features in the existing landscape
as the primary cues for their design. Located on 250 acres inside the
city of Raleigh, the golf course routing is dictated by large elevation
changes. It meanders around large buffer areas that were left in place
to protect streams and wetlands that are in the Neuse River watershed.
The buffers provide protected habitat for wildlife and native plant
species. Erik Larsen and Brandon Johnson, both graduates of the NC
State College of Design, were the lead architects.
The Grasses.
The course has well known turfgrass species as its heart - 419
bermudagrass on the fairways and an A1/A4 creeping bentgrass mix on the
greens. The tee boxes are bermudagrass in full sun exposure and Zion or
Zorro zoysiagrass if shaded. These are relatively new, fine bladed
zoysiagrass types. The bunkers are outlined with El Toro, Zion, or
Zorro zoysiagrass to provide visual definition and low maintenance
edges.
The
roughs are different, and a difficult place for errant shots. A mixture
of four fine fescue species will be in place throughout the golf
course. They typically take two years to grow in – some are mature now.
Wild grasses Little Bluestem and Broomsedge have been transplanted into
the fescue in localized pockets that will expand over time. The roughs
will evolve into a mix of these cool and warm season grasses that are
adapted to the North Carolina environment and will have low resource
and maintenance requirements.
The rough
areas establish a color contrast with the turfgrasses on the fairways
and tees. In summer months, the mature fescue in the rough will be
dominated by tans and browns compared to the vivid greens of
bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. The reverse is true in winter, when
roughs will be green and dormant bermudagrass and zoysiagrass will be
tan.
Ryegrass was seeded in many
areas during construction for erosion control. The ryegrass is
especially heat sensitive and much of it will die out this summer. The
fine fescues are growing in many of the ryegrass areas and will become
dominant over time. Where needed, the fine fescues will be planted in
the fall and spring. This transition will take time and require
patience.
The Bunkers.
One of the most distinct trademarks of a golf course is the bunker
design. The bunkers at The Lonnie Poole Golf Course at NC State
University have irregular shapes and jagged edges. Geometric shapes are
rarely seen in natural landscapes. Islands and peninsulas with fine
fescues intersect and blend with the roughs. Shots landing in sand will
provide easier recovery than in the thick fescue, which often will
requires a drop and an extra stroke.
The
sand in the bunkers is stained by natural erosion from the edges.
Again, this is by design. The course is located in the North Carolina
Piedmont, which has clay soils. How can a natural setting be pure
white?
Difficulty. This
is an Audubon Signature golf course that is at the forefront of its
time. Make no mistake, though, The Lonnie Poole Golf Course at NC State
University is designed and built to be a championship golf course.
Multiple tees allow anyone to enjoy the course, but every player will
recognize the challenge it presents. It is time to elevate our games.
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