Architect's Notes

By Matt Hansen, MBH Designs

It was a privilege and a challenge recreating the putting greens at Plumas Lake Golf and Country Club. Originally built in 1926, the majestic and tree lined Bermuda fairways now have putting surfaces to match the character of this golf course. The classic greenside bunkers with their steep vertical lips were kept in place, as well as the narrow entries into the greens between these bunkers.

 

The goal of the greens renovation project included the following main issues:

1. Restore the putting surfaces back to their original sizes, and fit them back into the
    landforms as originally designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Baldock. 

2. Expand the putting surfaces wherever possible in order to accommodate the
    increased amount of play.

3. Enhance the agronomic health of the putting surfaces by replacing the existing clay subgrade 
    with an imported sand mix, and sodding all eighteen putting greens with bentgrass. 

4. Promote proper drainage throughout each green with enhanced contouring and shaping.

5. Enhance the strategy of each golf hole by creating a variety of pin positions.

Over the past few decades, the Bermuda grass had encroached into the putting surfaces, thus reducing the actual putting areas by approximately 25%. The contouring and slopes had softened over the years leaving the ideal pin locations in the centers of each green and therefore hardly allowing for any variety in shot making from hole to hole. Every putting surface has been expanded throughout this renovation project, but more importantly each putting surface has really been given its own identity, with the various proposed pin positions capable of dramatically changing the character of each hole from day to day. The ridges and swales evident in each green now blend into the surrounding features of this historic setting and will now only enhance an already unforgettable round of golf.

Hole #1
The opening green was expanded by 800 square feet to accommodate multiple pin positions, bringing both greenside bunkers into play. The new back left pin position will require a precision approach shot right out of the gate.


Hole #2
The only green on the golf course that is not elevated from the fairway is also now no longer completely hidden. The front and back of this green have been elevated to set up more fair pin locations. The front left pin will be challenging for all golfers accustomed to running the ball up through the green.


Hole #3
The first par three on the front nine, which requires a precise tee shot through a canopy of Oak and Walnut trees, was slightly expanded in order to hold mid to long iron shots as well as bring the surrounding bunkers into play.


Hole #4
One of the most visually intimidating approach shots on the golf course, the green surface on this short par four has not only been reshaped to set up challenging pin positions, the daunting right front bunker has also been modified to allow visibility into green surface from the fairway.


Hole #5
The first and longest par five on the golf course will now test the long hitters who expect an easy two putt if reaching the green in two shots. Accurate approach shots will be rewarded for those who choose to lay up and attack the new triple tiered green. This green was lengthened both in the front and back, and errant approach shots to the left or right will still warrant challenging chip shots back onto an undulating putting surface.


Hole #6
What was previously a small and relatively simple putting surface, the green on this short par four has been expanded by 1000 sf and will invite the big hitter to go for it, but it will also reward those choosing to lay up and attack the pin. The back right bunker has been filled in to accommodate the expanded back third of the green. The front right bunker will now be a factor for most pin positions rather than just a slice catcher.

Hole #7
The green surface on this medium length par three was expanded and recontoured to create an exciting yet fair putting surface. A subtle step defines the front and back of this green, with long putts enduring a ridgeline that gently slopes inward from the greenside bunkers.


Hole #8
The number one handicap hole on the golf course did not get any easier, just more interesting depending on where the pin is positioned. The most dramatically altered of all the putting surfaces, this green expanded by 1000 sf, primarily at the back left, and will hold long iron shots for those taking the conservative approach into the green. The putting surface is more subtle than it appears, however errant approach shots both left, right and long will be greatly penalized. Take your bogey and move on.


Hole #9
Another short par four, the putting surface was uniformly expanded to become one of the largest greens on the course. The back right of the green was pushed out under the majestic oaks, with the monstrous surrounding greenside bunkers now coming into play from all angles of the fairway.


Hole #10
The shortest of the par fives on the course, this putting surface will now offer a challenge for golfers of all abilities. An expanded and undulated putting surface will provide various putting lanes no matter where the pin is located.


Hole #11
A demanding par four that still requires an accurate uphill approach shot, this putting surface will now accommodate multiple pin positions. The previously back to front slope has been replaced with subtle ridges and swales, creating interesting movement throughout the entire expanded putting surface.


Hole #12
The longest par four on the golf course now includes a larger putting surface bringing the greenside bunkers back into play. The putting surface was not only expanded to hold long iron shots but contoured to set up a variety of pin positions for those fortunate enough the reach this green in regulation.


Hole #13
The longest par three on the course has been expanded back to its original size of 6600 sf, the largest green on the golf course. With almost every square foot pinnable on this green, reaching the green in regulation will be rewarding for golfers of all abilities.


Hole #14
Arguably the toughest hole on the golf course, this long par four will remain a challenge from tee to green. The expanded two tiered putting surface will still require accuracy on approach shots, but the back third of the green will also serve as a forgiving backstop for errant long irons. To the naked eye, this newly contoured green may appear to be the most vicious, but in time will become the most forgiving.


Hole #15
Regarded as the easiest of the par fives, the putting surface has been expanded, tiered, and pushed out behind the greenside bunkers to put a little more bite back into this golf hole. Pin positioning should greatly affect the scoring opportunities for golfers of all abilities.


Hole #16
The shortest and last of the par threes still remains the quirkiest. The putting surface was softened in order to reward those who can manage to maneuver their tee shot over the tree canopy as well as the through daunting bunkers that front the approach into the green. Tough pin positions still remain behind each bunker, however, keeping putts on the green is now a reality.


Hole #17
The supposed easiest hole on the golf course may have stepped up a notch in difficulty. Still inviting for those looking to drive the green, the putting surface has expanded to 6000 sf with much tougher pin positioning bringing the greenside bunkers into play.


Hole #18
An already interesting finishing hole became more interesting with the elongation of this already linear putting surface. Now a three club difference from front to back, this green may appear quite subtle from afar, however, subtle swales and ridges running diagonal through this green will make up for any lack of extreme contouring. Check the pin before choosing your club.