Over the past 16 years Christy O’Connor Jnr has turned much of his attention to golf course architecture and his portfolio now consists of over 30 golf courses throughout Ireland and Europe. This has earned him a reputation as one of the finest golf course architects in the country, so much so that his talent and expertise are now being sought on an international level.
Some of his projects include Mount Wolseley in Tullow Co. Carlow, the magnificent new course at Headfort, Kells Co. Meath, Galway Bay Golf and Country Club, Co. Galway and most recently Palmerstown House, Naas, Co. Kildare.
After spending over thirty years playing professionally, Christy has had the opportunity of competing on many of the greatest golf courses in the world. Christy then employs much of this experience into all of his designs with the challenge of creating a championship standard golf course whilst bearing in mind the playing skills of golfers of all levels.
The Design Process
Site Inspection:
During site inspection Christy O’Connor Jnr will meet with the owners/committee members to discuss their needs and objectives. He will then undertake a detailed study of the land which will include initial environmental impact review, soil conditions, water features/wetlands, topographic features and vegetation.
Course Design:
A hallmark of any great golf course designer is to preserve the natural lie of the land. This is the simple design philosophy by which Christy O’Connor Jnr and his team adhere to. By creating a golf course seamlessly with nature and preserving something beautiful to enjoy for years to come.
Environment:
Christy O’Connor Jnr and his construction team are very environmentally conscious and spend a great deal of time during the design process to utilize the greatest number of trees, shrubs and landscape in their natural state rather than removing them. Indeed he will bring many of these features into play whilst shaping the golf course. His main objective is to create something natural and beautiful that will stand the test of time.
Design Implementation:
Christy O’Connor Jnr will personally remain actively involved throughout the whole project. He will work closely with the construction team through each phase from clearing and moving through to the grow-in period of time, and continue to make follow up visits even after the golf course is complete. Unlike, some golf architects Christy employs a direct hands on approach and is on site on a regular basis ensuring that the project is finished to a very high standard.
Computer CAD Design:
Christy O’Connor Jnr and his golf team utilizes the latest software to produce a document ranging from conceptual plans to construction drawings.
Follow up Visits/Post Construction Design Service:
During this phase Christy O’Connor Jnr will continue ongoing post construction site visits, which will include consultation and design review services. Christy will continue to cooperate with the owners in the publicity of the golf course and be present and participate in the grand opening.
Redesign
Golf courses change dramatically during their lifetime with the quality of the drainage systems, soils and bunkers decreasing with age. External factors such as the maturity of the trees and excessive golf play can create a need for the remodelling and redesign of a golf course. Much experience and expertise is required here and this is an area which Christy O’Connor Jnr gets much enjoyment from. Redesigning a golf course affords him with the opportunity to work with many architectural masterpieces, whilst enabling him to put his own mark of expertise into the project.
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