Every site, be it lush forest, barren heathland or a windswept dune landscape will have unique features that will allow a hole to capture character, style and individualism. The art of good golf architecture is to spot these natural features and use them to the fullest without spoiling them.
At IVGD, we try very hard to find these unique natural features on any site where we work. We then incorporate them into any design we formulate. The only way to find these features is to spend time really getting to know the site.
Ifirmly believe that the only means whereby an attractive piece of ground can be turned into a satisfying golf course is to work the natural features of the site in question. Develop them if necessary, but not too much; and if there are many nice features, leave them alone as far as possible, but utilise them to the their fullest extent, and eventually there will be a chance of obtaining a course with individual character of an impressive nature
Harry S. Colt “Some Essays on Golf-course Architecture” 1920