LAKE MARY, FL (January 13, 2012) – Gene Bates, Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw have made the final ballot in the Achievement in Golf Course Design category of the 19th Annual ING Industry Honors.
Hundreds of nominations from across the golf industry have been trimmed by sub-committees to three nominees in each category in the ING Industry Honors awards program. Winners in a dozen categories are currently being decided by an electronic vote of the ING membership. Nominees will be acknowledged and winners announced at the Industry Honors Presentation Press Conference January 27 at 1 p.m. at the PGA Merchandise Show in ClubING, Room 309.
A Q&A with LPGA Tour star Paula Creamer follows the presentation, and both events are open to all PGA Show attendees. The ING Industry Honors committee chair is Holly Geoghegan of Golf Marketing Services.
Here are summaries of the three finalists in golf course design achievement:
Gene Bates, Salish Cliffs – Bates made outstanding use of an incredible golf course site. Located near Seattle respectively, the par 72 layout offers world-class golf, stunning Pacific Northwest views and plays near 7,300 yards from the championship tees. The course features 360-degree views of Kamilche Valley, rock facings and elevation changes of 600 feet with smooth transitions. There is outstanding directional change with frequent uphill and downhill tests, challenging bunker placement and shapes. Privacy abounds with 16 of 18 holes encircled in lush forestry. Hole No. 9 and No. 18 share expansive 15,000 square-foot double green with a sparkling lake and wetland preserve to separate the holes.
Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw – Pinehurst No. 2 Restoration – In February 2010, Pinehurst contracted with Coore & Crenshaw to restore the natural and strategic characteristics that were the essence of Donald Ross’ original design on the U.S. Open course. The project, completed in March 2011, included the removal of about 35 acres of turf and the reintroduction of hardpan, natural bunker edges and native wire grasses. They increased fairway widths to offer more strategic options. All rough has been eliminated from the course leaving just two lengths of grass: greens and everything else; Firmer and wider fairways will produce more roll off the tee, which will benefit shots that remain in the fairway while penalizing shots that continue to bounce into sand, distressed areas, pine straw and native grasses.
Robert Trent Jones Jr – The Patriot – The son of legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., RTJ Jr. is one of the most decorated designers of our time. A total of 33 courses designed by his firm are ranked among Golf Digest’s best courses in 184 nations. In the USA he has the No. 1-ranked course in 10 states, and nine designs overall in Golf Magazine’s Top 100 and 11 in Golfweek’s top 100. The fact that 14 of his courses are Certified Cooperative Sanctuary Courses reflects his true care for the work of Mother Nature. One of his recent designs, The Patriot in Oklahoma, serves as home to the Folds of Honor Foundation. He describes The Patriot as “a blend of strategic and heroic golf puzzles that are up to the golfer to solve.”
ABOUT THE ING
The International Network Of Golf is a 22-year-old, non-profit organization whose membership is open to anyone in the golf industry, related industries and media. ING’s mission is to enhance and promote communication and education in golf.
ING is kicking off its 22nd year in the golf industry at the PGA Merchandise Show with many activities. ClubING (Room 309) will be open all day for members and their guests, with morning coffee, Happy Hour cocktail parties, education speakers, product displays, celebrity guests and entertainment, and prizes and giveaways.
Highlight of the year 2012 for ING is the 22nd Annual ING Spring Conference set for May 20-24, 2012 at Embassy Suites Greenville Golf Resort in Greenville, SC.
ING exists to bring golf media together with representatives from all walks of the golf industry to discuss issues, exchange information and improve communication.
For more information regarding ING, call 407-328-0500 or visit www.inggof.com.
Contact:
Michael W. Jamison
mike@jamisongolf.com
407-328-0500, ext. 1
