A Walk in the Park
A great golf course relies on strong design to help it stand the test of time. Legend Lake Golf Club was designed and opened in 1968 by PGA Professional Reese Alexander. Here, in his own words, is a look into the mind of a golf course designer who made Legend Lake the timeless test of golf it is today.
The Reece Alexander Design Philosophy for Legend Lake Golf Club, 1966.
• Legend Lake Golf Club must be fun to play in
three seasons with strategically
designed and penal holes combined
with a few heroic holes. Length should
favor the average golfer rather than the
“dime a dozen” long hitters.
• If at all possible the length from the
former green to the following tee
should be as short a distance as
possible, not compromising safety
to the golfers.
• The first few holes should emphasize
getting the golfers on the course rapidly
by somewhat limiting penal features
such as bunkers and long water hazard carries.
• The nines should return to the clubhouse.
• Each nine should have at least one short par 3 and two drive and pitch par 4’s.
Par 5’s should be three-shot holes with medium to short length third shots.
• Only one great shot should bring par back into play.
• If at all feasible, no more than two penalties should be possible in one hole.
• Bunkers should be strategically designed as to never penalize a good shot.
• Driving landing areas should be in view from the tee, with minimized blind
shots to the greens.
• Trees should be saved and cherished at all costs. Trees can be arranged
in a symmetric configuration as to aid the golfer with distance and ball
location. Features such as bunkers, greens and tees should be
incorporated and flow with the landscape.
• All golfers should feel welcome to enjoy and improve their game.
• Greens should be smaller, with subtle undulations thereby rewarding
the good shot.
• Roughs should be kept at a tolerable length as to be a ˝ stroke penalty.
If the golfers’ skill level provides for recovery to the green, so be it.
Please call Legend Lake Golf Club today at 440-285-3110 for more information about how you can be part of a golf experience every golfer should enjoy.
