Stanford, CA- On Monday, April 28, 2008, members of the Northern California Golf Course Superintendents Association (GCSANC) will participate in an innovative field workshop at the Siebel Varsity Golf Training Complex at Stanford University. The educational workshop and tour will provide an in-depth look at the nation’s newest, innovatively-designed training complex in collegiate golf.
According to Stanford University’s golf course superintendent Ken Williams, CGCS, the 30-acre L-shaped facility consists of two sections (200 yd. wide by 400 yd. long, and 100 yd. wide by 400 yd. long). It has three main tee areas, along with six, uniquely-designed green complexes strategically positioned around the perimeter of the site (each green modeled after the work of a renowned architect) with accompanying bunkers filled with varying sand textures.
The complex has already experienced a “wow factor” from Stanford’s golf coaches, and their team players who’ll frequent it regularly in preparation for competitive play. “With different hitting areas, varying green complexes and bunkering, the complex was designed to closely mirror playing conditions found during regular competition,” stated Williams. “Thanks to the university and its supporters coupled with our masterful design and construction team, we were able to achieve that lofty goal.”
Already touted by sports enthusiasts as the best golf training center in the country, the complex was created by Robert Trent Jones II design team (Palo Alto, CA.) with Jay Blasi as project architect, and Doug Ingram as project shaper. Ed Ott, GCSANC member and president of Colony Landscape, took on the arduous responsibility as project contractor, and Andy Slack, GCSANC member and president of Spot Water Management served as irrigation designer. Since the project’s inception, the design team has also relied on valuable input from Stanford University’s golf team coaches. Stanford’s course superintendent Ken Williams remains at the core of this collaborative project. In addition to his other duties at Stanford University GC, he will oversee agronomy and maintenance for the new golf training complex.
During the 2008 GCSANC Field Workshop (an educational event held in conjunction with the University of California Cooperative Extension) members from the RTJ II design team and project affiliates, will provide insight on how the complex emerged to its excellence. “Over the years we’ve conducted numerous field workshops throughout the region, but I’m especially looking forward to this year’s event at Stanford’s golf training complex,” stated Ali Harivandi, Ph.D., Co-founder of the GCSANC Field Workshop. “With the panel of industry experts scheduled to be on site with us, attendees will be able to gain extensive knowledge on a variety of subjects related to this innovative project.”
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