Member Clubs
said. “There were a number of nine-hole
courses and even par-3 courses. But over a
period of time, those sort of fell out of favor.
For a long time, nine-hole courses and
short courses were not perceived as viable,
I guess, from a development standpoint.
“So we’re very happy it’s back in favor. It
allows you to play golf in a more time-effi-
cient manner. If done well, it can be real golf,
interesting golf. And not only for families
and people for higher handicaps to enjoy, but
if done well, it can be proven to be extremely
interesting for really good players as well.”
To wit, Farmington general manager
Joe Krenn has noticed an uptick in play
on the renovated nine. Golfers with time
early in the morning can get out and walk
nine and be done in time to make it to the
office by 9 a.m. Krenn also lauded how the
combination of the practice facility and the
East Course has brought back a lost social
element to members. People will meet on
the range and practice greens and head out
for a quick nine to test their games against
each other.
The East Course is eminently walkable,
with teeing grounds for the next hole built
very close to the green of the previous hole.
That explains also why the East Course is
actually a 10-hole course. After the par-3
“It allows you to play golf in a more
time-efficient manner. If done well, it can
be real golf, interesting golf.”
—Bill Coore
third hole, golfers will encounter an extreme-
ly short uphill par-3 that plays at around 70
yards. Coore calls it a “bridge” hole.
“If we’re playing short holes and fun
holes, why wouldn’t we just play a little
70- or 75-yard hole up the hill,” rath-
er than just walk 80 yards to the next
tee box, Coore said. “Admittedly, it’s not
something you see a lot of. But we thought
it was a way to provide a very interest-
ing shot, a fun shot, a sort of a mystery
shot. You don’t quite see where your ball
finishes, but you have high hopes for it.
It provides some excitement and some
interest as you walk up the hill just to see
where your ball finished.”
Coore and Crenshaw helped breathe
excitement back into an uninspiring nine
at Farmington, providing a blueprint for
others to think outside of the comfort
zone of the traditional 18-hole layout when
considering how best to utilize property,
another display of golf ’s willingness to
adapt with an eye toward the future.
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