Golf Inc. Magazine praises project’s timeliness, cost-effectiveness, positive environmental impact
(SCOTTSDALE, AZ) – Schmidt-Curley Design – one of the world’s most active and innovative golf course design firms – announces its renovation of Glendale, CA’s Oakmont Country Club was runner-up in Golf Inc. Magazine’s rankings of 2009’s best renovation (“Over $4 million” category).
The publication commended the project’s on-time and under-budget completion, as well as its positive environmental impact. Co-founder and 30-year industry veteran Brian Curley instituted a softer, “California Native” look by eliminating many of the course’s hard-line edges. This return to a more natural landscape resulted in about 10 percent less water usage and improved health for the property’s numerous Heritage Oaks.
According to the National Golf Foundation, 85 “reconstructed” 18-hole courses opened for play in 2009, placing Schmidt-Curley’s work at Oakmont within the 95th percentile for excellence.
“The Oakmont recognition is energizing and well-earned,” says Curley. “We’re proud of our reputation for delivering high-quality, easily-maintained and environmentally-sensitive golf course design and construction at competitive price points.”
Perhaps the most creative tactic involved transforming a concrete channel running through the center of the course. Once a natural arroyo, it was returned to a more native state by introducing a sandy transition area and fashioning meandering, radiating borders.
Other improvements include installation of a state-of-the-art irrigation system and new fairway turf to combat an ongoing issue with Poa annua incursion. Several new holes were also created to strengthen the course’s finishing sequence.
Adds Curley: “We’re very pleased with the final product at Oakmont and enjoyed the renovation process. While we primarily focus on new construction, we are extremely interested in remodel opportunities beneficial to both our firm and prospective clients.”
For more information about completed and current projects, visit www.schmidt-curley.com or call 480.483.1994.
About Schmidt-Curley Design
Founded by partners Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley with offices in Scottsdale, Arizona; Haikou, Hainan Island, China and Kunming, China, Schmidt-Curley is a full-service, international golf course architecture and master-planning firm with more than 100 layouts in 24 countries. The tandem is responsible for crafting 10 of the 12 courses at storied Mission Hills Shenzhen – the “World’s Largest Golf Club” – and is currently designing and building all golf courses at new Mission Hills Haikou on Hainan Island.
Other high profile, award-winning projects from Schmidt-Curley include Bali Hai and Siena Golf Clubs (Las Vegas), Amata Spring Golf Club (Chonburi, Thailand, four-time host of the PGA European Tour’s Royal Trophy), Terra Lago Golf Club (Indio, California, site of the Skins Game from 1999 – 2002), Twin Creeks Golf Club (Cedar Park, Texas) and Crosby National Golf Club (Rancho Santa Fe, California).
Schmidt-Curley has also worked extensively with golf’s biggest names – including Dye, Faldo, Jack Nicklaus and Fred Couples on numerous high-profile projects – and boasts four ASGCA members (Lee Schmidt, Brian Curley, Grant Haserot and Andy Raugust).
Producing demanding yet beautiful and enjoyable courses, Schmidt-Curley strives to create golf experiences that stir the senses and elevate golfers’ appreciations for the land and the game. By balancing classic golf course architecture with ever-changing contemporary technology, Schmidt-Curley places an emphasis on site-adaptive courses, memorable and enjoyable for all levels of play and always designed for cost-efficient maintenance and operations.
Contact:
Shane Sharp
Buffalo Communications
704.519.8381 (cell)
ssharp@buffalocommunications.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
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Stephen Reynolds
Buffalo Communications
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