Robert McNeil speaks about golf course design at University of Connecticut

Recently, Robert McNeil, ASGCA Associate, made a guest lecture appearance at The University of Connecticut in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture. The University offers a Golf Course Design class focusing on design theory, layout and construction.

The lecture by Mr. McNeil touched on a variety of topics including reading the land and topography 101, comparisons of penal, heroic and strategic designs as well the broad knowledge base necessary to practice Golf Course Architecture. The latter got the most attention as the students were introduced to agronomy, art, engineering, geology, soil science, public speaking, salesmanship, among many other specialties that form the foundation for a practicing golf course architect.

Mr. McNeil stressed that understanding the value of the golf course within the environmental, economic and social landscape in many ways begins at the academic level. Embracing and enhancing the cues that a site communicates is what responsible golf course design is all about. When executed within the framework of a measured stewardship ethic the results will be exceptional and long lasting. The power of golf course and landscape architecture is the legacy that the designer can leave. The many different contributing professions, teamwork and collaboration gave the students a variety of academic avenues to consider when preparing for a career in design.

The lecture was followed up by a visit to a “real world” study of the ongoing construction at Mohegan Sun CC where students got a taste of major earthmoving, green and tee construction, pond construction, irrigation design and installation and all the details that come with managing a golf course construction site. Anthony Grosso, head golf course superintendent at MSCC led the tour and discussion.

Lecturers for the class have included, Greg Morton with Aqua Solutions, Dr. Bradley Klein and James Ritorto, Superintendent at Lake of the Isles Golf Course discussing various facets of history, design, management and environmental planning.

About the Northeast Golf Company
The mission of The Northeast Golf Company is to provide clients with the best golf course design service tailored to meet their individual needs. To be the best requires focus on the business objectives of each client by providing a creative and strategic plan that responds to the inherent nature of the land, the players served and the project budget. Robert McNeil operates as the team leader providing creative direction while bringing together the necessary expertise and overseeing every aspect of a golf course project to ensure that the vision becomes reality.

CONTACT:
Robert McNeil, ASGCA Associate, Principal Golf Course Architect
The Northeast Golf Company
Saunderstown, RI – (401) 667-4994
Red Bank, NJ – (732) 747-1888
rmcneil@northeastgolfcompany.com
www.northeastgolfcompany.com