Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: Scott_Burroughs on August 06, 2008, 04:39:09 PM
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Also there is the previous thread I'd continued here (http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,30961.0.html) with ongoing construction update pics of Ballyhack, the new Lester George-designed
destination club near Roanoke, VA, I didn't start that thread, so I couldn't update the title each time. Here is a new thread where I can do such.
Front nine grassing:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/FrontNineGrassing8-1-08.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/GrassingPrepFrontNine8-1-08.jpg)
#1:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole18-1-08.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole1fromFairway8-1-08.jpg)
#1 green:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole1Green7-31-08.jpg)
#3:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole37-31-08.jpg)
from green:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole3fromGreen8-1-08.jpg)
#4:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/4Green8-1-08.jpg)
#5 prep:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole5Prep8-1-08.jpg)
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Wow...some serious earth work going on there!
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Scott,
Thanks for posting these. I have had many people from GCA ask to be kept in the loop, but I regret I can't keep up with my e-mails as I should. I'll send you some more photos this week.
Lester
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Craig,
Actually we have not moved that much earth at Ballyhack. Mostly shaping and push dirt, very little top-loading or hauling. No pans.
The site lends itself to the "high dune" look because of the tremendous size of the terrain features. The pictures always amaze me at how flat they make things look. There are some very large features with extreme elevations changes which is what attracted me to the site to begin with. Come see it, you won't believe it.
Lester
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The construction of Ballyhack is being well documented with a set of videos. I guess Lester is too modest to mention them here on this board but he is featured in many of them. The videos are an interesting way to follow the progress being made. They give Lester and several of the project's partners a good opportunity to describe the project, including Lester's design intent and some of the construction techniques being used. They are here:
http://www.ballyhackgolfclub.org/video/_videoHolder.cfm
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It's nearly impossible to appreciate the scale in these photos. The terrain at Ballyhack is stunning...some of the videos on the site better communicate its huge features, but it really must be seen to be believed.
In related news: I've popped in several times recently. It's amazing to see how quickly things change at this point in construction. This is the first time I've seen a course built firsthand, and it's fascinating.
WW
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Nice photos of Ballyhack thanks for posting them. For anyone on GCA that has never visited the Southern Highlands area around SWVA, WNC, ETN around the Blue Ridge Mountains and Smoky Mountains it is God's Country.
If you ever get a chance to drive I-81 through Virginia into Tennessee come see it and you will see just a taste of the natural rolling land and long views that Ballyhack has to work with creating this golf club. Keep up the good work Lester, I can't wait to come up see the progress this Fall.
Matt
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More photos from 15Aug and 19Aug:
#8:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole88-15-08.jpg)
from fairway:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole8fromFairway8-15-08.jpg)
green:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/8Green8-15-08.jpg)
#3:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole38-14-08.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Mowing3Green8-14-08.jpg)
unknown to me:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/IMG_2676.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/IMG_2770.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/IMG_2788.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/IMG_2790.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/IMG_2793.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/IMG_2811.jpg)
#1:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/IMG_2761.jpg)
from tee:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/IMG_2762.jpg)
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Wow, things are really starting to come together nicely at Ballyhack. That sure is a majestic looking 1st hole! I like the look of the bunkers cut into the top of the hillside to the left side of the 1st fairway.
Also, can Lester or perhaps yourself explain the 8th hole? It reminds me of a couple holes at Kinloch as it appears to have a split fairway with a meandering creek. That's an interesting and defining lone tree the will dictate strategy, ala #15 at Kinloch.
Good things definitely appear to be happening there, I look forward to seeing it in person soon.
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How similar is the elevation and movement of the property compared to Pete Dye G.C. in W.V.?
thanks, Nev
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The vistas look terrific! What's the planned opening day?
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Jimmy,
Please come see Ballyhack this fall. The 8th hole does have the meandering creek treatment but the risk side (right) is a long carry over a large hill (dune). There was probably only a hundred hours of discussion about the giant (and I mean big) Sycamore Tree in the side of the creek channel. I never really considered taking it out although some people thought I was going to. It will be a matter of time to see how healthy it remains as it was fairly well protected by other vegetation when we found it.
David,
Elevations at Ballyhack range from 950 to 1150 feet. Can't tell you about the movement at Pete Dye, but Ballyhack has dramatic movement.
Carl,
Planned opening is Labor Day 2009 but I'm sure a few stealth rounds will be played before that.
Lester
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A bunch more updated pics:
From 08Sep:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/BallyhackSeptember08054.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/BallyhackSeptember08118.jpg)
unsure of date, but recent:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/IMG_3223.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/IMG_3238.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/IMG_3270.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/IMG_3303.jpg)
Lester on the left:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/IMG_3341.jpg)
from 2 days ago:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/IMG_3297.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/IMG_3332.jpg)
#10 green:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/10GreenPrep9-16-08.jpg)
#11:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole119-16-08.jpg)
#12 green:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/12Green9-16-08.jpg)
#16:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole169-16-08.jpg)
#16 green:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/16Green9-16-08.jpg)
#17:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole179-16-08.jpg)
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Scott,
Thanks for posting these.
In a few weeks we will have some professional photography of Ballyhack with in the fall colors.
We are finishing the 12th and 18th fairways as we speak. All greens and other fairways have been planted. Still on schedule for a Labor Day 2009 opening.
This weekend I am heading to Lincoln as my friend and Ballyhack partner Bill Kubly are hosting many VT Hokies for a weekend of football and golf. We will play Arbor Links on Saturday before the game and Sutton Bay on Sunday.
GO HOKIES!!!
By the way, I attended the University of Richmond and have Spider blood running through my veins. My wife, however, was born and raised in Blacksburg which makes me a Hokie by marriage.
Lester
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That looks like an incredible piece of property.
Thanks so much for sharing the pictures and information.
Lester,
I hope you won't mind answering the following question/questions:
I've always been curious about designing greens on a property with lots of elevation change.
How much has the sloping terrain factored into the designs of the greens and the choices of green-sites. Has the movement of the land been harder to manage with regards to the greens compared to the fairways? Any opinions that you'd like to share or specific examples that you could site where this has been a facotr would be much appreciated.
Congratulations on what looks like a really cool project!!
-Ted
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Lester:
I have to say, the pictures present what appears to be a 'hellalva' nice looking site. I'm curious, it also appears that you used a lot of crimped straw and perhaps a fair amount of Futura Blanket for erosion control--is this so and did you also use any special tacifiers in the hydromulch/hydroseeding?
Are your soils highly erodable? Seems they might be and what other, if any, special management devices are you using to protect seed and minimize erosion? I realize Bill Kubly and Landscapes Unlimited have experienced it all, but I was still interested in this site given its slopes...it closely matches a site I will be facing in the next 2 years.
BTW, the most recent picture of that BIG Sycamore looks like it is in fine shape for the moment.
Finally, if my eyes are not fooling me, and judging by the scale of the laborers, that 10th green looks real BIG, but interesting.
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Lester,
This looks wonderful!! I hope to drop by while in Roanoke in late Oct to see it first hand..
Keep us posted.
Michael
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Scott,
It is an unbelievable site.
We have very steep terrain in some areas and a mixture of soils that are not highly erodible but can move with too much rain. We used an incredible amount matting, hydromulch and straw just to keep things in place long enough for germination. We have sort of experimented with different methods. As we got closer to the end, and with the onset of cooler temperatures, the methods have changed to "hurry-up" the turf where we can.
I encourage you to come see it if you are facing a similar site.
10 green is bout 7000 s.f. Number 18 is over 21,000. We hope they are all interesting.
Lester
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Ted,
The greens at Ballyhack are designed to enhance the natural landscape where they can. The terrain associated with each was individually evaluated with respect the "best" green that could be adapted. By that I mean that with each hole, I tried to customize the size, shape, orientation attitude and interest of each green relative to its surroundings.
It's not just a coincidence that the 13th and 15th became a double green, they just fit together naturally. I looked at a couple of options for doubles (11 and 17 was another) but did not do it because I ended up not liking the relationship as much.
I think the severe slopes and bold nature of the site definitely dictated how we approached each green and was the determining factor for many of them.
I am happy with the overall variety and I don't think many of them are similar enough to call them repetitive or boring.
Lester
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Lester - please contact me at your convienence. JC
golfguydz@aol.com
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Ted,
The greens at Ballyhack are designed to enhance the natural landscape where they can. The terrain associated with each was individually evaluated with respect the "best" green that could be adapted. By that I mean that with each hole, I tried to customize the size, shape, orientation attitude and interest of each green relative to its surroundings.
It's not just a coincidence that the 13th and 15th became a double green, they just fit together naturally. I looked at a couple of options for doubles (11 and 17 was another) but did not do it because I ended up not liking the relationship as much.
I think the severe slopes and bold nature of the site definitely dictated how we approached each green and was the determining factor for many of them.
I am happy with the overall variety and I don't think many of them are similar enough to call them repetitive or boring.
Lester
Lester,
Thanks so much for your response.
I played a bunch of golf at Pine Hill in New Jersey for a few years.
It was built on the side of a hill/mountain.
The greens were so tricky because there were times when the green looked as though it leaned one way, while the sloping land that it was built on sloped the other way. There are putts out there that really look like they break uphill . . . And others that look flattish and just run and run and run.
It seems to me that building greens in that type of environment is a tricky task.
If done well the relults can be fantastic, while there seems to exist the chance to really screw things up.
Thanks again for your response.
And for whatever it is worth, I'm quite impressed with what has been presented.
Ballyhack looks like something very special.
Best of luck!!!!
-Ted
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This does look terrific.
What is the golf season in Roanoke? Is it sufficiently elevated that golf courses have to close?
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Carl,
Golf Season in Roanoke is 300 days a year on average. The wind blows fairly on most days at Ballyhack and that will factor into it. Last year, if I'm not mistaken, you could have never closed. Only a few days of snow.
Lester
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Lester,
what would be a good time to drop by? I will be down there the 24/25 of this month
Michael
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More photos, taken on 30Sep:
first, I guess it would make it easier to follow the routing with this:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/bhmp.jpg)
#10:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole109-30-08.jpg)
10 green:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/10Green9-30-08.jpg)
#11:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole119-30-08.jpg)
#12:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole129-30-08.jpg)
from behind green, I think:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole12fromGreen9-30-08.jpg)
#13, double green with #15 (13 is left portion):
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole139-30-08.jpg)
#17 from afar:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/Hole179-30-08.jpg)
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The new photos are amazing, but still don't quite capture the sheer scale of the Ballyhack site. I'm convinced it's impossible to, as has been discussed. The visual breadth of what's being created there is astounding.
Regarding an earlier post: I've played Pine Hill in NJ. This site differs significantly from that one. The holes at Pine Hill feel carved from the mountainside; Ballyhack's simply feel like they grew where they are. I enjoyed Pine Hill very much (and put it among the most difficult courses I've played), but it shares little in common with Mr. George's work here in Roanoke.
WW
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More photos, from 15Oct, all untitled:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_15/1DSC_0234b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_15/DSC_0011b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_15/DSC_0032b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_15/DSC_0035b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_15/DSC_0042b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_15/DSC_0061b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_15/DSC_0093b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_15/DSC_0129b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_15/DSC_0131b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_15/DSC_0196b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_15/DSC_0212b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_15/DSC_0215b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_15/DSC_0225b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_15/DSC_0236b.jpg)
the following are from 26Oct-28Oct:
#7 & #8:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_28/Holes7and810-26-08.jpg)
#9:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_28/Hole910-26-08.jpg)
#10:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_28/Hole1010-26-08.jpg)
#11:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_28/Hole1110-26-08.jpg)
#12 fairway bunkers:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_28/12FairwayBunkers10-26-08.jpg)
#15:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_28/Hole15Longview10-26-08.jpg)
#16 & #17:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_28/Holes16and1710-26-08.jpg)
#16 green:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_28/16Green10-26-08.jpg)
#17 green & #12 fairway:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_28/17Greenand12Fairway10-26-08.jpg)
#17 & mountains:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_28/Hole17andMts10-26-08.jpg)
#18:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_28/Hole1810-26-08.jpg)
#18 from green:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_28/18fromGreen10-26-08.jpg)
back nine & mountains:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_10_28/BallyhackBackNineMts10-26-08.jpg)
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This course looked interesting just from a viewing of the routing plan a year or more ago. In these latest photos, it looks like it will be a very compelling test of golf, provided the topography isn't overly extreme.
Are the slopes as severe as they appear? How windy is that area typically? Will the course provide enough flexibility during adverse weather conditions?
Thanks for posting!
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Nice progress images thanks for posting them the course is really coming together nicely!
Lester - I would like to drop in and visit tour the course the week of Thanksgiving in November so I can see this place in person. The pics look great but, I am sure the size and scale of the site along with all the mountains make it feel much bigger.
Keep up the good work on this project can't wait to see it and play the course next year!
Matt
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more:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_11_3/att0iy06.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_11_3/att1ma8c.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_11_3/att3esiw.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_11_3/att5b538.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_11_3/att954kd.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_11_3/attayoj8.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_11_3/attczeh3.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_11_3/attegvhk.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_11_3/attl7r5m.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_11_3/attmyisd.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_11_3/attra2sc.jpg)
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Scott: I would really like to think of something to say other than WOW!
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Unbelievable.... I feel really fortunate to be watching the stages of growth like this. Thank you Scott for the pictures and thank you Lester for the hard work - it looks like it's really paying off! :)
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More photos of Ballyhack, from 19Dec2008:
#1 green:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/1green.jpg)
#2 tee:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/2tee.jpg)
#5:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/5.jpg)
#6 tee:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/6tee.jpg)
#7:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/7.jpg)
#9:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/9.jpg)
#9 fairway barn:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/9fairwaybarn.jpg)
#11:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/11.jpg)
#12:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/12.jpg)
#12 green:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/12green.jpg)
more 12 green:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/12green_2.jpg)
#13:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/13.jpg)
#14 tee:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/14tee.jpg)
#14:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/14.jpg)
#14 fairway:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/14_fairway.jpg)
#15:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/15.jpg)
#17:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/17.jpg)
#18:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/foodstat/Ballyhack/2008_12_19/18.jpg)
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It looks utterly spectacular. How I wish W&L was 35 miles closer and I had a car. Summer 2009 opening, correct?
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Scott - Thanks for the updates throughout the past 5 months. It's really fun to see the course come along, and it looks wonderful.
Can you provide estimated elevation changes at a couple points? It looks like the scale is much greater than what the photos reveal.
Elevation changes at these points would serve as a good reference point for me:
- The valley on the right side of the #12 fairway
- The steep wall to the right of the photo of #7
- The fairway of #5 - how big are those undulations
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Impressive and really interesting to see the progression on this from start to finish.
Should we be so lucky to hold the next Dixie Cup here? ;D
Congrats Lester.
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Thanks for the updates. I love 10 & 11, and 15 looks like great fun.
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Lester: I have now added another school onto the list where my son is going to apply.
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Gentlemen,
Thanks for the kind words. This place is truly one of the best things I have ever been involved with. The site is so incredible!!
As long as I have been doing this, I can honestly say that you really MUST visit to get the full effect of the size of the terrain.
Tim Bert,
The valley on 12 (it to the left of the fairway) is about 35 to 40 feet from highest point of the fairway to lowest of the valley. You don't want to pull it over there.
The wall in front of 17 green is about 60-70 feet down into a ravine below.
The undulations in 5 fairway are not overpowering when you're out there. They look large in that photo mostly because of the shadows.
Patrick,
Don't know many details of the Dixie Cup, but all GCA'ers are welcome at Ballyhack after the middle of this summer.
Jim,
15 is great fun. Most holes at Ballyhack inspire me as being fun for different reasons of course.
Tim Gavrich,
We'll figure out a way to get you there, just let us know when. Yes, summer opening.
Jerry,
HOW ABOUT MY SPIDERS!!!!!!! I have been saying "I went to a real football school" for 30 years. Now I can say it with a little more conviction. National Champions sure sounds good to all of us.
Lester
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The undulations in 5 fairway are not overpowering when you're out there. They look large in that photo mostly because of the shadows.
Thanks for the taking the time to respond. I was actually hoping for overpowering!! I love a fairway with a lot of movement and that one looks great in the photo.
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Lester:
It looks stunning. What is your thinking on the bunkers in the left rough/hill on 18? Seems like a steep sidehill lie in the rough would've been enough of a challenge -- and cheaper too.
Keep the pics coming!
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A question . . .
How come the bunkers in the middle of the fairway are surrounded by grass that looks different than the fairway grass? Is that rough? Is for the sake of playability or for looks?
Thanks,
Ted
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Carl,
The bunkers on the hillside separate the fairways of number 12 and 18. They provide direction, definition and hazard. Those have been photoshopped and will not look like that once the native grasses grow in. They will be more like blow=out bunkers.
Ted,
Yes the bunkers completely surrounded by fairway have native grass around them. The ones on the edges will also have the native but we had to delineate the bent grass seed from the native seed so we stared with a sod to stabilize. As time goes on, all of that sod will be "converted" through planting into a more native look
Lester
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Wow!! Amazing photos of what looks to be an incredible course.
Cheers to Lester!
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Looks hard.
Bogey
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Looks hard.
Bogey
The dropoffs off the fairway look incredibly severe. Hard to tell how wide the fairways are from the pics (they always look narrower in pics than they really are).
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Looks hard.
I concur !
The beauty of the site, and the contours in the fairways were the first thing that struck me looking at the earliest pictures, but as the course has developed and the pictures start to show something much closer to the finished product, I'm struck by how difficult the course appears to be. Lots of bunkers to get me if the steep fall-offs don't. Is my psyche getting damaged by visual intimidation to the point where I'm not seeing the width that really is there, or will this course, in fact, be as difficult as it appears on first blush?
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Guys,
Looks hard, plays easy!! The fairways for the most part are HUGE. A couple of pinch points but I think the final number was about 60 acres of fairways. HUGE (in most cases) greens.
You will be penalized for taking an aggressive line on some holes but that's true with most of my courses. Even off the fairway and down the hillside on most holes you will be able to find it and hit it.
Proof is in the playing, which I hope many of you will do.
Lester
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Lester,
Congratulations on the course. I toured the property yesterday with Jonathan Ireland and really enjoyed seeing your work. This appears to be a course that will definitely test your game, but on most holes it appears you have given enough room to work with. The plateau on the front nine is really cool and the scale of the property really is impressive. This is the first course of yours that I have seen and I was struck by the interesting variety of greens you used. #6 in particular was of interest because I was wondering off the tee how you would defend the 50 yard shot for those who attempted to drive the green but came up short. The flattened spine/hogsback seems like a brilliant solution. I will be interested to see how that hole plays when the course opens. More later. Congratulations again.
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Guys,
Looks hard, plays easy!!
I find this to be an interesting statement as Bobby Weed said the same thing to me about The Deltona Club, and I just played my third round there this week and the course is my #2 course in Central Florida behind Mountain Lake. Hope to take Lester up on his offer.
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Gentlemen,
I just received this form our Director of Golf Jonathan Ireland. It will answer many questions some of you have asked. I can not go into detail here, but Ballyhack may be the FIRST national destination club to offer an INCENTIVE to members of GCA to join. More about that later.
We are excited to announce that Ballyhack will be opening for play June 26, 2009. We are also looking forward to the potential for a soft opening event around June 1st, with a special Invitational Event hosted by Virginia Tech Head Football Coach, and part of the Ballyhack Development Team, Frank Beamer.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<JONATHAN WRITES>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Many of you, I know, have been following closely as Lester George and other GCA members have posted update photos of this phenomenal golf course and also through our website at www.ballyhackgolfclub.com, and your interest and enthusiasm is greatly appreciated.
I wanted to take the opportunity to share with you a little more about the vision of the Club itself as well as the membership opportunities that Ballyhack provides. Ballyhack is bringing the true destination golf experience to the East Coast. Designed by Lester George and built by Landscapes Unlimited, the course was designed with many characteristics of a links-style course in mind; the course itself is primarily open and the property is breezy by nature. Club amenities will be well-appointed with an understated feel to provide a comfortable setting for our members and their guests and will include cottages for overnight stays along with the clubhouse. As Lester George has mentioned, the course stretches to 7,300 yards from “the tips” and includes a minimum of four tees per hole. The vastness of each hole ensures players of all skill levels enjoy themselves, while the course and the terrain demand precise shots from better players in order to score.
The Club will be comprised of 300 total members. Located in Southwest Virginia, with the Roanoke Valley and Smith Mountain Lake nearby, Ballyhack is also within approximately a 4 hour drive from a number of major metropolitan areas including Washington, DC and Raleigh, NC. An opportunity is included in the Plan for up to 60 members from within the Roanoke and Smith Mountain Lake area to enjoy some of the finest golf on the East Coast. The remaining 240 members will hail from across the country, visiting on a special golf getaway or for business entertainment.
Currently, Ballyhack is offering National Memberships at a deposit fee of $15,000. Annual dues for National Members are set at $2,500, and the membership includes privileges for a member, spouse, and children college age or younger. Corporate memberships are available, structured for use by several designees, and are priced at a similar value.
The golf course is truly phenomenal and, I believe, has far surpassed everyone’s expectations. We are excited to open for play and hope that each of you will make arrangements to visit this unique golf club and allow us to provide a genuinely special golfing experience. Thank you.
Jonathan Ireland
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Great news Lester and a very informative post. I'm very curious to see Ballyhack in person, even though I'm thousands of miles away in Colorado!
Cheers
TJ
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Guys, I'm going down to Ballyhack tomorrow. Is there anything I can do or steal down there for any of youse guys?
Lester doesn't know it yet but I'm so pumped over these threads that indicate that CBM somehow routed and designed Merion East in a single day, I might reroute and redesign Ballyhack by the end of the day tomorrow.
Well, since the post above says the course is almost grassed in and should open in June maybe I can't reroute and redesign it in a single day but I sure as shootin' might resequence the routing tomorrow.
Lester, if you have scorecards made up at this point just throw them all out because I'ma gonna be thar insida 20 hours.
But seriously, guess what I'm going to learn to do in the next two days? I'm gonna learn how to really read a contour map. ;)
In reality I have about as much chance of learning that properly as Charles Barkley has of learning to hit a golf ball properly, at this point.
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Scott Weersing sent me this link to the evolution of Ballyhack. It is pretty interesting stuff.
This is a link to a photo tour I did.
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,59848.0.html