Shady Oaks

Our very first project in the United States, we commenced a masterplan in 2015 that included a plan for the ten-acre space in the middle of the property known as the Little Nine. Famously this was where club member Mr Ben Hogan would practise, usually up by the little tree in the corner where he wouldn't be disturbed and could rely on a right to left breeze. We saw an incredible opportunity to expand on the original concept: a better quality nine-hole short course, with holes designed so they could be played from virtually any location. Some days golfers play the nine in a conventional manner; on others, groups play freeform, literally from anywhere to anywhere. The short course was completed in 2016.

For the main course we saw no need to drastically alter the routing, but the quality of the greens and bunkers needed lifting. Many holes lacked strategy, and the idea behind the new green complexes was to reward more thoughtful play. While the fairways have been made more generous, there is clearly a right (and wrong) side, and that can change as the pin moves from one side of the green to the other.

Works began in July 2019 and the course opened for play in October 2020.