The Carthage Club, NC, USA   

The property will be elevated and exposed to the wind. It will be essentially treeless. The course itself will occupy close to 180 acres. There will be plenty of room between the neighboring holes but little room between the green and following tee. Overall, the course and the holes will promote a sense of spaciousness.

The greens will differ a significant amount in size and contour. The relatively small membership of 250 golfers allows latitude in having a couple of very small sub-2,500 sq.ft. greens where appropriate but a green or two may run up to 9,000 sq. ft as well. Over time, we may be able to say we have seen someone putt off each green.

The majority of the time spent on conditioning will be on the green complexes. There will be little irrigation. The area within a thirty yard radius of the green will be keep at fairway height. The lies will be tight. The conditioning will be scruffy (i.e natural) other than the prepared areas.

The sandy terrain has subtle movement and will be maintained as treeless.

The intent is for the course to play equally well year around, another reason the course needs to be shut during the oppressively hot month of August.

If sustainable, a small caddie program will exist but otherwise, trolleys will be encouraged. Four ball matches will be discouraged. Two ball and foursome play will be the norm. A round will average under three hours.

Members will be encouraged to bring their children and dogs.

There will be a modest clubhouse. There will be no other activities on offer other than golf. The parking lot will be small.

The cost to build the course will be small as well, as the sandy soil is ideal and not much of it will be moved. We hope to acquire 275 acres for under two million dollars, so the membership fee structure will be reasonable.

This then constitutes an ideal course and club. We will see you there.

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