Erie CC #11

"Creekside is one solid hole after another, with a few exceptional ones in the mix. The 14th may be the toughest par 4 in the state. 18 is a great gambling finish for all."
-Ron Whitten,
Golf Digest

Golf Course Design Theory


Theorem: A proposition that is regarded as an established principle.

Golf is about tradition. Richard Mandell Golf Architecture draws upon Mr. Mandell's own historical lineage for inspiration. A design legacy that can be traced from the roots of the game at St. Andrews to the golf capital of the world, The Village of Pinehurst, serves as the backbone for a depth of historical knowledge of golf architecture. Historical reference provides a solid understanding of not just the art of golf architecture, but the practical applications of the game as well.  This direct lineage and almost two decades of design experience and understanding is evident throughout the courses we design and makes Richard one of the more versatile golf architects in the business today.

Golf is about enjoyment. Enjoyment of the game is of primary importance when we design a golf course. It is very easy to make a difficult golf course. But, it takes a special talent that Richard Mandell Golf Architecture possesses to make a quality golf experience which is a challenge for all golfers, yet also a pleasure to play. We design a golf hole so that each golfer can use the same club despite differences in ability. A Richard Mandell golf course allows golfers of varying abilities to determine their own strengths and weaknesses. Providing golfers a fun and enjoyable round of golf translates into repeat play and financial success for the golf course developer.

Golf is about character. The character of each individual landscape is the driving design force behind a Richard Mandell Golf Architecture project. Richard Mandell does not have a set design standard when he sits down at the drawing board. The site is what determines his design standards and is what ensures individuality among his projects. Each of his designs, though, weaves the basic design principles of balance, harmony, and proportion into the lay of the land. The character these principles help create give the golf course the spirit and identity all golfers truly seek out in a round of golf.

Respect for the land's natural characteristics is what drives Richard Mandell Golf Architecture, not industry design standards. This philosophy ensures the natural characteristics of the ground governs a design, a trait all great golf courses share. Great golf design is about character and by focusing on the land's character, Richard's 'signature look' comes in his versatility from site to site.

Golf is about passion. Passion is what makes golfers a unique breed. Richard Mandell Golf Architecture breathes passion into golf courses with a dedicated approach to strategy that the great architects of the past duly recognized. Richard's strategic philosophy can be summed up in one phrase, "Hazards are to challenge, not penalize." A Richard Mandell Golf Architecture design does not have an inordinate amount of sand bunkers. Nor do his layouts require movement of hundreds of thousands of yards of dirt. Hazards are well-placed to challenge the golfer in the pursuit of par. Subtle sculpting of the land enhances the natural beauty of the property and reveals additional challenge for all golfers. The pursuit of par is what passion for the game is about and a Richard Mandell golf course allows all players that pursuit.