DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

At Jerry Pate Golf Design, Inc., we study the great designs of the past and their classic designers. We work to adapt their concepts to meet today’s demands. Our design team, led by Jerry Pate, believes that a golf course should enhance the natural aesthetic of the land, provide for flexibility of shot values, and remain responsible to the overall construction and maintenance budgets of the project.

Environmental Sensitivity - The game of golf and golf course designers, in particular, have a responsibility to be good stewards of the land. We believe that the best approach is to work with the natural features as much as possible, providing minimal earthwork to "bring out" the golf hole. We work closely with environmental and other experts to enhance wildlife habitats and to preserve natural flora.

Playability - Golf should be challenging, but it also should be fun. Our courses feature multiple tee boxes that provide various strategic experiences for all golfers, from beginners to scratch players. Whenever possible, we offer multiple lines of play, allowing all golfers to assess the risks and rewards in the context of their own style and capabilities. Our courses are challenging and enjoyable.

Variety - Variety within a round of golf is just as important today as it was 100 years ago, during the "Golden Age" of C.B. Macdonald, Alister Mackenzie and A.W. Tillinghast. A course must have balance. A strategic golf experience that calls for interesting long shots, short shots and a variety of short game approaches makes for great golf.

Fun - If we chose to, we could build golf courses to torment the greatest players in the world. But challenging doesn't have to mean fierce. Most golfers play for fun. A golf course should be a place to relax, enjoy time with friends and escape the pressures of today’s fast-paced world.