The harmonious blend of function and form, an embodiment of a golfer’s sanctuary, the golf clubhouse is more than just a building; it’s the heart of any golf course, the locale for camaraderie, relaxation, and the rituals that surround the game of golf. Recognizing the critical role of the clubhouse in enhancing the overall golfing experience, Golf Inc. magazine has recently delved into the topic, providing a treasure trove of information for those standing at the threshold of creating or renovating these pivotal structures. In its illuminating article titled “How to Hire a Clubhouse Architect,” Golf Inc. has opened the dialogue on one of the most significant decisions a golf club can make. Today, we take the essence of that discussion and bring it to you, distilling the wisdom on how to navigate the waters of selecting a visionary who can translate the spirit of the sport into the beams, the walls, and the very soul of a clubhouse design that stands the test of time and tradition.
How to hire a Clubhouse Architect. By Jim Tatum
No matter the scope of a clubhouse project, whether new construction or a renovation, the devil is in the details. Here’s how to find the right person for the job.
Clubhouse construction, like every other aspect of the golf industry, has exploded. With more cash on and, public and private courses alike are taking on long-awaited clubhouse renovations and additions. Whether a club is considering a modest clubhouse renovation or a massive new construction project, the devil will always be in the details. Experts say it is important to move forward carefully and deliberately. They point out the increased cost of everything from construction materials to labor, and the myriad hurdles that can rise up along the way. These things make it more important than ever to make the right decision when choosing an architect. The process should start with a clear vision of what you want to accomplish. Then, whatever the project, you need to start searching for someone who is experienced in that particular niche of architecture and design. “New clubhouses have the luxury of all new programming and style, while existing clubs have greater constraints,” said Howard Kuo of Kuo Diedrich Chi Architects, a longtime leader in the field. “Both require precise use of space to blend the needs of the membership with the facilities. “He notes that each club has different needs, thereby requiring a custom approach. Kuo has been involved in a wide variety of projects over the years, including work for Els Performance Golf Academy in Hanoi, Vietnam; Yanqi Lake Golf Club in Beijing, China; Highlands Falls Country Club in Highlands, North Carolina; Colleton River Club in Bluffton, South Carolina; and The Landings in Savannah, Georgia. For The Landings, he helped create a master plan and execute a $26 million four-campus project. For the Yanqi Lake Golf Club, Kuo designed a clubhouse whose shape was inspired by a lotus flower and situated it next to a body of water. At Colleton River Club, he worked with the membership to craft and pass an $18 million capital plan to renovate four campuses. The project included a complete gut-and-redo of the Dye Clubhouse, which boasts an outstanding view of the South Carolina Lowcountry. His redesign of the clubhouse at Highlands Falls Country Club in the Southern Appalachian Mountains included blowing out the entire back of the building and adding indoor/outdoor bars. The open design brings in panoramic mountain views and cooling breezes. Kuo and his two principals at KDC were mentored by the renowned Richard Diedrich, considered by many to be the dean of clubhouse design. “Besides practically inventing this market genre, [Diedrich] taught the professional class on clubhouse design at Harvard graduate school,” Kuo said. But whether a club chooses a firm with a long and impressive history or an up-and-coming star, it’s important to select someone who understands not only the nuances of clubhouse design but also the individual club’s needs and vision. “Clubs should find a firm that has experience in this sector and focuses on the club industry,” Kuo said. Randy Meyers, director of golf at Foothills Golf Course and Meadows Golf Club, two Denver-area public courses run by the Foothills Park & Recreation District, agrees that having someone with club-house design experience is important. Foothills Golf Course was fortunate to hire a local architect with such experience. The architect had done several other golf clubhouses, including one for Meadows Golf Club. “He not only had the design experience — he had designed our last project — he was intimately familiar with the community and with the golf courses and what they represent,” Meyers said. The need for a new clubhouse at Foothills became acutely apparent during the pandemic. Foothills and Meadows, which were already busy, saw a dramatic increase in play, and that surge has yet to slow down. “We went from 120,000 rounds to 140,000 rounds literally overnight,” Meyers said. “I think we did 950 rounds during Father’s Day weekend alone. ”The clubhouse at Foothills, built in the 1970s, was about 10,000 square feet and had a restaurant and bar with a combined seating capacity of only 74. The new clubhouse will be 24,000 square feet with a restaurant that seats 200, a bar that seats 170, and 100 more seats on a large patio. Meyers said it is vital to have a very organized process, from conceptual plan to finish, because there are many moving parts. It is also helpful to have someone onsite to oversee the project and point out situations that might not be immediately apparent to designers and contractors. Experts also emphasize that transparency throughout the process is key. It is important not only to get initial buy-in and input from members and players but also to keep them well-informed and engaged throughout the process. Increased material and labor costs, supply chain issues and other factors that surged to the forefront during the pandemic remain significant problems that need to be constantly addressed. As a result, flexibility is a great asset in a designer. “Sticker shock is definitely an issue,” Meyers said. “The pandemic caused a lot of issues that we are still feeling.” The initial cost estimate for the Foothills clubhouse was $6.8 million. The final cost was $18 million. But good communication and transparency throughout the process helped maintain and bolster support for the project. Organization, timing and in-house supervision were also key factors for The Club at Ravenna in Littleton, Colorado, when it undertook a major construction project. The club spent $41 million on a 48,000-square-foot clubhouse and fitness center. It has taken a little over four years, but every step of the way, members have been kept informed of every development, delay and completion. “We had a clear vision and a very organized process,” said Geoff Collins, director of development. “Anybody who is doing a construction project these days needs to know that it takes longer and costs more than you think it will. We updated the members constantly. They always knew things were getting done.” He said it was advantageous to have an internal person working on the project. Not only is that person an important liaison between the architect, contractor, builder and members, but they can also ensure that things get done on schedule. “I was on site every day, all day, making decisions,” Collins said. “The ability to make the important decisions in a timely fashion is vital.”
In the world of golf, the significance of a clubhouse goes far beyond being merely a functional space. It serves as the social nucleus of a golf course, where stories of triumphs and mishaps on the greens are shared. The design of a clubhouse is integral as it sets the tone for the experience members and visitors can expect from the establishment. A well-conceived clubhouse design can enhance the overall ambience of a golf course, aligning with the spirit of the game and the surrounding environment. It’s about creating a welcoming atmosphere that resonates with the club’s identity. A thoughtful layout encourages social interaction, with areas for relaxation and reflection on the day’s play. It’s a place where the bonds of camaraderie are forged over shared interests. Imagine walking into a clubhouse where every detail has been meticulously considered, from the locker rooms to the lounging areas, the pro shop to the dining facilities—each element crafted to cater to the needs and desires of those who will frequent the space. This can significantly impact the satisfaction of members, enticing them to visit frequently and linger longer. For visitors, it’s often their first real taste of what the club represents, and an impressive clubhouse design can leave a lasting impression, compelling them to return or even join as members.
Moreover, a clubhouse that’s been expertly designed can also offer operational efficiencies, saving costs in the long run. It can enhance the functionality of staff operations and the delivery of services, which, in turn, elevates the member’s experience. In essence, the design of a clubhouse is a reflection of the club’s brand and values. It’s where the golfing culture of a club is cultivated and sustained. A strategically designed clubhouse isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s an investment in the club’s future, one that can captivate the hearts of members and visitors alike, ensuring they keep coming back for that unique experience, time and time again.
Selecting the right architect for your golf club’s clubhouse is more than a mere business decision—it’s about shaping the soul and the experience of the club itself.
thank you for joining us today as we eagerly dove into the intricate details of this fascinating golf inc article. We will see you in the next episode.
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