That which defines a golf course must be divided into four categories: strategy, aesthetics, conditioning and balance. When a player states a dislike for a particular hole on a course, the proper inquiry is "Why?" Without question, the sincere answer will fall in one of the above-mentioned categories. Courses can play well, yet look terrible and vice-versa, but everyone appreciates fine turf. The goal is to score the proverbial "ten" in all four categories. When this is accomplished, recognition is assured.

Strategy

Strategic quality, or 'shot value' as it is known, deals primarily with the basic centerlines of the golf course and the series, or rhythm, of types of shots required; draws, fades, etc. Various elements are used to alter, restrict, reward or 'shape' the shots played on each hole such as bunkers, water hazards, and trees, but the form or nature of these elements is irrelevant to the strategic value, as this falls in the aesthetic category. The issue here is the sequence, variety and sophistication of the demands made on all players. A different set of rules is used for each set of tees because of the abilities of the users. Obviously, the strategic demands diminish from the forward tee positions.

Strategic quality also considers the directions and lengths of holes, as well as the turns left and right. The par threes and par fives should be pointed in different directions to provide variety created by wind conditions. Two par threes may be close to the same yardage, but because one is slightly into the prevailing wind and the other is just the opposite, the resulting shot may be different by two or three clubs. No one will confuse the two holes. The goal for Windsong Farm is to have four distinctly different par threes, three distinctly different par fives, and eleven creative par fours, offering the premium strategic character for their position on the course.

The most common element in great golf holes is the 'challenge and reward' theory of design. This theory insures that the execution of a difficult shot provides a substantial reward, less club, a better approach angle, or both. The feature is most prevalent on par fours and par fives.

Aesthetics

Often when a player is asked why he likes a particular hole he answers, "Because I like the way it looks." Generally, a greater percentage of players will be able to appreciate this category more than strategy. The only limitation is to be cautious the aesthetic presentation does not offend the other three categories of strategy, conditioning and balance.

In general, aesthetic quality is the creation of character through the use of certain natural 'themes'. The style of the strategic elements is the prime medium to develop the character of the course, most notably, the shaping and look of the bunkers. Many experts and historians identify the classic designers by their bunkering style, a sort of "trademark." Donald Ross was noted for a more rounded form, with the sand mostly lying bowled and flashed only in specific areas. MacKenzie, Thomas, Tillinghast and others preferred the sand to be flashed up in varying degrees. Modern designers have taken to very sharp (difficult to maintain) slopes of both sand and grass and, at least in one famous case, a preponderance of railroad ties.

The proper combination of an original aesthetic theme, an interesting strategic requirement, and the natural amenities of the land will produce something unique and enjoyable.

Conditioning

The third element of design is conditioning. This is a far more mechanical item than the subjective nature of strategy and aesthetics, but nonetheless important. Many players will like a course simply because it has 'nice grass'. Most players have this reason for enjoying a course because they have little or no frame of reference to strategy or aesthetics.

While well-planned design and proper construction techniques can make a course easier to maintain, the key for this element of design is simply good mechanics. If good turf exists, it is usually the result of the creation of superior growing conditions, through the selection of the right golf course superintendent and commitment of the necessary resources. It requires proper seedbeds, drainage, sunlight, air movement, irrigation, and the installation and management of the proper maintenance program.

Balance

Given that the requirements of the three categories of strategy, aesthetics and conditioning are met, balance becomes the overriding consideration because the course needs a complete identity - 18 holes that are different but matching parts of a whole.

Strategic balance ensures the course does not favor any particular type of player. A hook does not have an advantage over a fade and vice-versa. Each hole must have its own strategic individuality. The turns of the fairways can't all be in the same direction, the side-slopes must be balanced, and the water hazards must not all occur on the same side of the target. The greens will open to the player in an equal balance of left, right and center.

Aesthetic balance unifies the appearance of the entire golf course, ensuring that various design forms, or themes, occur throughout. It all must appear to be part of the same entity.

Finally, balanced conditioning is attained through quality construction and long-term maintenance consistency. When balance is achieved each hole then becomes firmly planted into the player's memory.