SHANX Mini Golf – The Importance of Design
Architects of the Golden Age produced some of the most innovative and bold course designs ever seen. More than 90 years after they were built, these courses are still among the greatest golf venues in the world.
Many of the names – like Dr Alister MacKenzie, H.S. Colt, Seth Raynor, George C. Thomas, Willie Watson and Donald Ross – are familiar to golf enthusiasts. Locally, Alex Russell and the Morcom brothers led the way during this era playing a role in most golf course design and construction across the country.
These men took their craft to a whole new level during the Golden Era, leaving an indelible mark on approaches to course design and on the game itself.
There is no doubt that great design stands the test of time.
Never before has the design of a mini golf course taken the soul, the roots and the essence of a ‘big golf course’. Designs of mini golf courses have focused on amusement, rather than the strategy of the game of golf, let alone working with each site as it lays with the land. Often, they are landscaping projects with some fake turf golf holes thrown in the mix.
Design is important for Mini Golf, here’s why;
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Sustainability
Environmental: The least disturbance approach to the land provides a natural feel for the topography of the site, as if the mini golf course were always there. In doing so, your mini-golf course is absolutely unique to your site providing a unique experience that encourages repeat visitation.
Financial: With the environment front of mind for the Architect, clients will save thousands of dollars in construction costs. Less dirt moved equals less labour, less surface manipulation and less landscaping. Ultimately minimising capital investment with the same, if not better, returns of investment.
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Customer Experience
The location of your mini-golf course is arguably the most important aspect to the long term success and financial viability of your investment. Facilities should consider;
- Proximity to buildings and car park
- Is street frontage an option?
- Can existing service areas be utilised to save labour?
- Will the site provide variety, fun and excitement?
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Stands the test of time
A great design stands the test of time. Users will want to play your mini-golf course time after time again. A great design allows golfers of all ages and abilities to have fun whilst providing a challenging year after year.
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The All Round Package
Complimenting the design, landscape and on-course furniture are added to tie the whole experience together. Native plantings and natural on-course furniture add to the feel of the mini-golf course. The main event is the golf course, not your landscape design or the size of your rocks.
At SHANX we believe in the least disturbance approach to design and that ‘anything is possible!’ based on our four principals of design.
Links Shell Cove
In the case of SHANX @ Links Shell Cove, the best location for their SHANX mini golf course was quite literally on a side of hill next to the clubhouse – the result, a stunning example of mini golf architecture with gnarly movement and a change in grade of over 8 metres across the site! The result is a mini golf course like no other. Native vegetation has been used throughout the facility as well as the similar on-course furniture as their 18-hole links golf course to tie the whole experience together.
Our philosophy to work with the best possible location ensures the long term viability and success of your mini golf course. It also means that you will get a unique, interesting and appealing mini golf course, that is uniquely yours.
Working directly with clients, we create your facility from the ground up providing professional services throughout every stage of your facility including full business cases for Boards and Councils.
With a combined 80 years’ in the global golf industry, we pride ourselves upon using our own team from start to finish to ensure quality standards are not just met but exceeded.
Get in touch!
Thinking about a mini-golf course at your facility? Contact us today on +61 402 189 819 for an obligation free discussion and take the first steps to boost profits at your facility.
www.shanxminigolf.com.au
info@shanxminigolf.com.au
Peter Vlahandreas
