Design Matters: An Intro to Rhode Island Golf Course Architecture

The quality of a golf course is rooted in its design. Rhode Island is a living museum of golf course architecture, showcasing a timeline of styles from the Golden Age to the modern era. Understanding these design philosophies can deepen your appreciation for the courses you play.

The Golden Age: Donald Ross

The "Golden Age of Golf Course Architecture" (roughly the 1910s-1930s) is the dominant influence in Rhode Island. The undisputed master of this era, Donald Ross, left an indelible mark on the state. His designs (Wannamoisett, Triggs, Winnapaug) emphasize strategy and naturalism. Key features include greens that are open in the front to allow for run-up shots but are protected by deep bunkers and fall-offs on the sides. His crowned greens, which look like an upturned saucer, are legendary for repelling all but the most precise shots.

Classic New England Design

Many of the state's older private clubs, like The Misquamicut Club and Rhode Island Country Club, represent a classic New England style. These courses are often less penal than modern designs, with smaller greens and a routing that gracefully drapes over the natural terrain. They reward thoughtful play and course management over brute strength.

Modern Links: Arthur Hills

Newport National, designed by Arthur Hills in the early 2000s, is a prime example of modern links design. This style pays homage to the classic links courses of Scotland but often on a grander scale. Expect wide fairways, dramatic, large-scale bunkering, and an emphasis on how the wind and ground conditions affect play. It's a bold, dramatic style of architecture.

Modern Classicism: Hurdzan/Fry

Shelter Harbor Golf Club, designed by Hurdzan/Fry, represents a modern approach that respects classic principles. The design is grand and strategic, using the dramatic quarry landscape to create memorable holes. While it feels modern, it incorporates classic strategies like risk-reward holes and an emphasis on shot placement, blending the best of old and new.