26 SKETCHBOOK The par-four fifth hole at the new course for Astor Creek Country Club in Port St Lucie, Florida, is a short par four, playable from 200 to 360 yards. Chris Wilczynski, ASGCA, is designing the new course, and wanted this hole to provide golfers with a good scoring opportunity. “As with all golf courses, variety and memorability are key elements to the enjoyment of the overall playing experience,” said Wilczynski. “The design of the fifth is meant to provide golfers of all skill levels a chance to score given its short length and easier level of difficulty. “A large waste area runs parallel to the left side of the tees and fairway and then cuts across the hole and stretches up and along the right side of the green. It serves as a strategic feature and the primary circulation system for golfers. Golfers who play up the left side and as close as possible to the waste area are given the ideal angle into the plateau green that is flanked to the right and back-left with bunkers. Tee shots that find the right side of the hole will have a poor angle to the green given its orientation and the location of the bunkers.” Wilczynski’s sketch also shows his ‘ribbon’ tees that connect to the fairway. “This features allows for more flexibility with the location and movement of tees, ease of maintenance and visual continuity as the ribbon mowing pattern pulls a golfer’s eye up to the hole,” he said. “Our vision is for golfers to enjoy a blend of tranquility and ease of playability. We’re designing a course for today’s golfer – one who loves beauty and a challenge and wants to have fun.”• Astor Creek Country Club By Design inspects a page from the sketchbook of Chris Wilczynski, ASGCA.
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