The design of a new golf course is a creative joy, especially for someone who really enjoys a good walk in the woods. As I walked, and observed the natural features of the land, I thought about how those features should come into play (or not!) for the golfer. The “golfer” may be a beginner or an expert, a man or a woman or a child. How can the golf experience be enjoyable for all of them? That is a challenge!
Lake Winds is designed as a shorter course, utilizing the parcel’s entire 100 acres and its spectacular features, which include a series of deepening gorges and magnificent stands of hardwood trees. While shorter than most full size courses it is neither an executive course, nor does it play like a “pitch and putt” regulation course.
For the expert golfer there will be an emphasis on club selection off the tee. Driver will not be the default setting on most holes. Regardless of the club selection, tee shot accuracy and placement will be critical if you desire the proper approach to the green.
For the golfer who does not hit a long ball, this course will be extremely enjoyable. While still requiring accuracy, these players may actually have shots to the green in regulation on many of the holes. You can improve your average GIR (greens in regulation) at Lake Winds, but don’t stray too much!
The most rewarding part of designing Lake Winds was utilizing the gorge, the naturally rolling terrain, the trees, and the scenic views along Canandaigua Lake. There were different views or land aspects that were so compelling that they had to be somehow incorporated into the final design of the course. All other holes would have to be laid out to accommodate these. Fortunately, the design of these other holes did not have to suffer since there were so many other magnificent features to work with. Each hole has something unique to call its own: a view, a spectacular tree, or some other interesting terrain feature.
Every hole at Lake Winds will play differently. Each will offer its own challenge or opportunity. Each will be memorable, either for your score or the uniqueness of the hole. As you play Lake Winds again and again, you will remember how you played each hole the last time you played it, and will try to figure out a better approach this time. That was my goal. ENJOY!
Tom Bourne, Architect
Former PGA Professional
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LAKE WINDS GOLF CLUB
Lake Winds Golf Course will provide a fun and challenging golf course for Rushville and Canandaguia Lake area residents and visitors, beginning in 2005. Players will quickly become excited about the golf course, while first playing it. My name is Patrick Gertner, and I am a Certified Golf Course Superintendent. I helped owner Mr. Doug Negley and his staff finish building the greens during late summer of 2004.
The land for the golf course is very scenic. You will enjoy the glacially carved natural setting, which is a great for golf. The Golf Course Architect used existing land forms to create challenging holes, with plenty of pinpoint shots that will keep low handicap golfers coming back. For lesser skilled players and children, short holes abound for those just learning our great game. I can’t wait to play it myself.
Mr. Negley has called in many experts in golf to assist him with his exciting project. The Golf Course Architect built water features on a few holes for improved drainage. The entire property has miles of drainage pipes underneath for efficient water removal. The greens mix (topsoil) is identical to that used at other high-profile, multi-million dollar projects in New York State. In other words, Lake Winds was built like a high profile country club, yet can be enjoyed for far less.
The greens were built using USGA specified sand, gravel layers and building methodology. Building USGA greens is a very expensive method of greens construction. Most owners of projects similar in size and scope to Lake Winds would use poor silt and clay based topsoil from the site to build their greens with. Because of this investment, players of Lake Winds will enjoy greens that are country club quality for a very long time.
Given a few years to mature, the turf at Lake Winds Golf Course will get better and better. Enjoy the golf course, and bring your friends and family out to enjoy a relaxing and affordable round of golf at Lake Winds Golf Course!!
Patrick Gertner, CGCS Certified Golf Course Superintendent
Formerly Superintendent at: Pine Valley Golf Club #1 Rated Golf Course in the World by Golf Digest
Current Golf Course Superintendent at Potowomut Golf Club in East Greenwich, Rhode Island
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