Andrew Haggar and Sir Nick Faldo inspecting a new build
and characteristics as possible into a course routing and
design, as well as draw inspiration from the local area. By
taking that approach, our courses take on a local identity
– as opposed to one imported from somewhere else in
the world. Golf course design is more than just laying out
golf holes. Its visual interest and the golfing experience are
as important, so we work hard to make sure Faldo Design
courses are memorable for everyone who plays them.
Q: How much improvisation goes into designing a golf
course? Is the majority of the design already on paper?
The vast majority of the design is already on paper.
I like to convert Nick’s ideas and my ideas into lines
on paper. That’s a process of recording the design as
accurately as possible and presenting it in a format that
can be understood by others, for example, the client and
those constructing the course. I like to see what’s been
designed, constructed accurately on-site and from this
point, there must be room for some adjustment in the
field, if necessary, and also for ideas that may present
themselves as the golf holes materialize. The final product,
I would say, probably ends up being around 80% of what
is on paper and 20% of the input given on-site during
construction.
Q: What are some of your favourite design projects that
you’ve led alongside Sir Nick?
It has to be Roco Ki, Sir Nick’s first golf course design
project in the Caribbean. I’ve also really enjoyed
Ledreborg Palace Golf Club, a strategic championship
layout in Denmark, and Vattanac Golf Resort’s East Course
in Cambodia.
Q: What are some projects that Faldo Design has on the
agenda for 2020?
Our main focus over the next two years will be on our
projects in Cambodia, Pakistan, and Vietnam, all of which
are currently in construction. Sir Nick will join the Design
Team on-site periodically to monitor construction. The
East Course at Vattanac Golf Resort in Cambodia opened
for play just recently and construction of the West Course
there is due to finish soon. Likewise, for both Rumanza in
Pakistan and our project in Vietnam, we should complete
these within the next two years. There are other projects
we’re working on – in Europe, the Middle East, South East
Asia, North and South America – but we can’t announce
anything just yet... so watch this space!
By Jenna Heidstrom
Marketing Manager,
Golfscrape (UAE).
Email: [email protected]
Volume 5 • Issue 51
57