Australian course architects have contributed greatly to the development of golf in Asia. Here a selection of SAGCA ‘pioneers’ relate their dealings in the region.
Few realise that when two Australian professionals in Peter Thomson and Kel Nagle were playing golf in the 1950s and ’60s in places like India, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, not only were they helping to develop the game and pioneer professional events in Asia, they would also pave the way for future Australian Golf course architects to ply their trade for the decades to come.
Destination: Asia – Members’ Insights – Aussie architects’ recollections – Issue 16 – Golf Architechture
Australia was a vibrant, mature and sophisticated golf market emerging from the post-war era. Our golfing professionals were amongst the world’s best and winning in Europe, USA and Asia. Frank, open, practical and honest reputations with more than a good dose of raw talent rounded off with some Aussie humour saw Australian golfers popular and appreciated in Asia. By 1965 Peter Thomson had won his fifth Claret Jug to become one of the game’s greats. That year saw him form an international golf course design firm with ex-British professional-turned-course architect Michael Wolveridge. Their firm would help pioneer the profession of modern golf course architecture in Asia with projects in countries such India, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan. They also kick-started the design careers of several golf course architects who continue to work in Asia to this day.
A boom in South East Asia during the late ’80s and early ’90s saw Thomson and Wolveridge taking on new partner Ross Perrett. In the meantime Graham Marsh’s success in the ’80s on the Asian tour and particularly in Japan saw a demand for his and design partner Ross Watson’s design services. The Parslow brothers of player Geoff and course designer brother Ted, also spawned their design business off Geoff’s profile on the Australian and Asian Tour events in the ’70s and ’80s. Their office remains in Kuala Lumpur to this day.
The 1990s boom in Asia, along with a desire for branded luxury products, saw the popular rise of player-branded courses, with companies such as IMG bringing players to Asia and player names to branding golf course design. Their biggest name by the mid-1980s was Greg Norman and by 1987 enough demand and the business opportunity saw Norman create his own design business in Sydney, with Bob Harrison as his design man.
Many of our members owe their starts in the career of golf course architecture to our pioneering professionals, whilst others have forged their own design businesses with an Asian strategy in mind. Australian Golf Course Architects not only have a long history of working in Asia but also a proven track record of producing courses of excellence. Many SAGCA members have spent their entire careers working with Asian projects and quite a few have or continue to reside in Asia. Australia’s proximity to Asia too means that Australian-based design firms work in similar time zones and travel distances are not too far. Our own large and sophisticated Asian population with very deep ties at every level mean we are very much culturally aligned. Combined with a long history of golf, golf course design and Asian-related golf course development experience puts Australian Golf Course architects in a unique position to best service the Asian golf development market.
In this article we interview SAGCA members who are active in Asia to get some of their own insight to this interesting and vibrant part of the golfing world. – Harley Kruse
Destination: Asia – Members’ Insights – Aussie architects’ recollections – Issue 16 – Golf Architechture
TED PARSLOW
When and what was your first project experience in Asia?
In 1989, I was selected as golf course architect, by a development company in Kuala Lumpur, to design the proposed Royal Kuala Lumpur Golf Club in a location only a few kilometres from the city centre. Whilst a lot of time and effort was spent over the next few years, with designs completed and, even earthworks started, the golf course didn’t eventuate.
In which countries in Asia have you worked?
Malaysia, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Pakistan, Vietnam and Myanmar.
What is your favourite project that you have worked on and why?
Probably the upgrading of the West Course at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. Given full freedom to make changes we considered necessary to create a course of international championship standard and control construction to ensure the highest possible quality, was particularly satisfying. To watch the successful stagings of the European Tour event (Malaysian Open) and the US Tour event (CIMB Classic) adds to the satisfaction.
FAVOURITE: Ted Parslow nominates the upgrading of the West Course at Kuala Lumpur G&CC (10th, main picture) as his most satisfying Asian development – Destination: Asia – Members’ Insights – Aussie architects’ recollections – Issue 16 – Golf Architechture
What are some of the special or unique challenges of working in Asia?
Patience is essential, particularly in regard to awaiting long-overdue payments, and often long delays between design completion and construction commencement. Of course, accurate communication is a challenge in countries where English is not widely spoken.
Tell us about a ‘cultural moment’ you’ve had working in Asia…
Presenting our concept for our first job to the King of Malaysia at the palace was a memorable cultural moment. Having been advised that I must not present my back to the King, then doing the right thing and walking backwards to my seat was correct protocol, but consequently tripping over the cord to the projector and bringing it crashing from the table was not.
How has the market/industry changed since you started working in Asia?
In 1969, the golf market was relatively hot in Indonesia, Japan and Thailand but not so elsewhere. Malaysia took off in the early ’90s followed by China and others. In Malaysia, early on, multiple developers or would-be developers jumped on the bandwagon and many projects were proposed and often built in inappropriate locations and with little regard for the costs of necessary on-going maintenance. Most of these projects have failed over time. Now there is a much better understanding of the costs, needs and risks associated with new golf course development.
How do you see the future in Asian market?
Populations are rapidly increasing, particularly a middle class with a degree of disposable income. The earlier ridiculously high prices to play golf on good courses in Malaysia plummeted during the Asian Financial crisis and as a result many new players took advantage and have stayed with the game thereby creating a stable base. This is not yet the case in China or Vietnam where golf remains a game for the rich. In these countries, if the situation changes to enable the bulk of the population the opportunity to play, the future for golf in the region will be bright.
A youthful Ross Perrett makes notes during an early visit to Asia. – Destination: Asia – Members’ Insights – Aussie architects’ recollections – Issue 16 – Golf Architechture
ROSS PERRETT
When and what was your first project experience in Asia ?
I first visited Asia as a 16-year-old saxophone player in a schoolboy orchestra. Three years later I spent four months exploring the back blocks of SE Asia during my University holidays. Both trips were life-changing but I never thought that I would subsequently spend much of my working life there. My first work trip was in late ’87 when I visited the Gunung Guelis project in Jakarta, Indonesia, with Michael Wolveridge, already an experienced campaigner having worked in Hong Kong in ’65 and Indonesia from ’68 onwards.
PEAK POWERS: Perrett nominates Mount Merapi Golf Course in central Java as his favourite Asian project; the course was built in 1994 (below) on the base of the world’s most active volcano. – Destination: Asia – Members’ Insights – Aussie architects’ recollections – Issue 16 – Golf Architechture
Destination: Asia – Members’ Insights – Aussie architects’ recollections – Issue 16 – Golf Architechture
Destination: Asia – Members’ Insights – Aussie architects’ recollections – Issue 16 – Golf Architechture
In which countries in Asia have you worked?
I have worked in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, India, Philippines, Hong Kong, and China.
What is your favourite project that you have worked on and why?
Golf courses are like children and it is unfair to have favourites but one I really enjoyed was Mt Merapi in Central Java, Indonesia. The Mount Merapi Golf Course north of Jogjakarta, was built in 1994 on the base of the world’s most active volcano. For once all the stars aligned – a challenging but spectacular site, an inspirational client, a brilliant contractor and an enthusiastic design team in love with the project’s potential. The client, Dr Yuwono, was an internationally respected engineer with an unbridled passion for golf and the contractor was the gentle Balinese golf genius Wayan Tunas. Our team included myself and fellow designers Warren Duncan and Bob Shearer, turf guru Doug Robinson and irrigation specialist Paul Jones. The site initially presented as solid rock but surprisingly once the rocky crust was broken, fertile volcanic sand was revealed. Over 750 village workers manually screened the entire site to eliminate the rocks and stones which were later used for drainage material. The course was opened within a year of signing the Design Agreement and from start to finish it was a ‘no problem’ enjoyable project. Built for a sensible budget, 20 years on it is living proof that building a great golf course involves teamwork and mutual respect by all involved. A few years back Mt Merapi erupted yet again and the top six holes were top-dressed by volcanic ash. The landscape was wiped out which was beneficial as it opened up the views and gave the course more of a links-style feel.
What are some of the special or unique challenges of working in Asia?
Working across the different cultures has been most interesting. Each country presents different challenges which can include language, climate, religion and even the food. Providing you show respect and patience these challenges become life enriching experiences.
Tell us about a ‘cultural moment’ you have had working in Asia…
We practice a philosophy of Respect for Land and Respect for Culture and part of this is to recognise and embrace ‘the cultural landscape’. For example at The Finna Golf Club in Surabaya, Indonesia, we successfully integrated the existing rice terraces into the course to create an unmistakable Indonesian setting for the course. The terraces are working rice paddies which also act as nutrient-stripping ponds and generate revenue for the Club.
How has the market/industry changed since you started working in Asia?
In the early days, we probably patronised the Asian golfer by making the courses relatively easy. At the time they were coming off a low base with little if any knowledge of the history of golf and the difference between links and parkland golf. Today the Asian golfer demands challenging courses and often knows from firsthand experience the subtleties of The Old Course, Augusta National or Royal Melbourne. With increased mobility, experience and greater expectation the Asian clients of today can be very demanding.
How do you see the future in the Asian market?
The Asian golf market is approaching maturity and whilst some new courses will be built the more likely scenario is that the existing courses will be upgraded in line with the more sophisticated expectations of the more mobile modern golfer. Many of the courses built in the boom of the ’90s were poorly built and getting close to their use-by date.
Other thoughts?
Working in the Asian Market is not for everyone as it requires a lot of travel and patience. Indonesia is our closest Asian neighbour and is only six hours away whereas to reach parts of China may involve up to 20 hours’ travel. Patience is essential if one is to enjoy the experience and make the most of the opportunities
HARLEY KRUSE
When and what was your first project experience in Asia?
As a Landscape Architect working for the golf course design firm of Thomson Wolveridge and Perrett (TWP) in Melbourne my first Asian project was in Indonesia in the heady times of the early 1990s. At one time six projects were on the go at once, with two in Jakarta, one each in Bogor, Yogyakarta, Sumatra, and Surabaya. It was exciting to be travelling to a new country and being involved in a great range of projects and meeting the people involved.
In which countries in Asia have you worked?
During my time at TWP both Indonesia and Thailand were the places. Then in 1997 came projects in China. I lived in Shantou, China, for half of 1997 and then in Shanghai from mid-1998 until 2000 working for the Chinese developer of a TWP-designed course. Then with Greg Norman’s design company from 2000 to 2010, was responsible for projects in the Philippines, India, South Korea, China, and Vietnam.
What is the favourite project you have worked on and why?
Sand-based dunes sites are not so common in a designer’s career and typically rare in Asia. Vietnam defies the norm, so it is no surprise that the Dunes Course at Danang Golf Course would have to my favourite. As lead designer I was given full rein on the project. The site was gently rolling dune country, so natural for golf and not unlike parts of the sandbelt in Melbourne. It was a fun project and even more so as I was able to have my good mate and brilliant shaper Peter Waddell on board. The client team were great to work with and the course would be recognised as the number one course in Vietnam and Best New Course in Asia, 2011. But perhaps even more satisfying is the fact that golfers love the place and vote with their feet, as 35,000 rounds were played last year. Fittingly it was my last project with Greg’s company. While marketing gurus will take the opportunity to promote the course as being designed by Greg Norman, somehow I like the sound of ‘Course Designer: Harley Kruse at Greg Norman Golf Course Design’ being included in the equation somewhere…
What are some of the special or unique challenges of working in Asia?
It would be a foolish person to think of all Asian people as the same. Like a diversity of peoples, language and culture that makes up Europe so is a great diversity of language and culture and indeed religion in Asia. Subtle differences exist too and so doing business in northern China for example can be very different to doing business in the south. The special challenges are to respect the local culture and the way of thinking. Patience and flexibility to change are great qualities to have and having a local person on the team can make a big difference.
Tell us about a ‘cultural moment’ you’ve had working in Asia?
My Korean golf culture moment was mid-construction on the Jade Palace course north of Seoul. On the tees of the short opening hole I was commenting to the project director Mr Shin that the big hitter might take the very risky approach of going for the green off the tee, but the wise play would be a well-placed 3-wood hit short of any danger setting up a simple short iron to the green. He said: “Oh no, we can’t do that!” I replied: “Why?” He responded: “In Korea we must always use the driver off the 1st tee. It is Korean golf culture.” Korean golf culture is very important in this most passionate of golfing nations.
How has the market/industry changed since you started working in Asia?
The Asian market has seen rapid change from the emerging and developing Asian nations of the ’80s and ’90s through to this century now being the Asian economic century. There has been a growing level of golfing knowledge, construction skills, sophistication, and maturity in these markets. More accessible travel to the world’s famous golfing destinations has allowed the experience and exposure of the world’s top golf courses. In the meantime special websites, social media and increasingly more objective rankings of courses has spread knowledge and sparked much debate about quality of courses and golf course architecture. As a consequence the golf development industry, and I think we in the golf course design profession too, have come a long way and are designing far better golf courses than 20 years ago.
Other thoughts?
The word ‘environment’ is loosely bandied around in the industry and often as a convenient marketing angle. But if we look at golf courses across the region there are so many courses that have failed to reach their true environmental potential. That’s not to say there are some very good examples out there too, but I think the industry could do so much more in both in the courses delivered and in educating clients and governments what is sound and responsible environmental golf development is and how it doesn’t have to add cost.
SATISFYING: Harley Kruse is proud of his work on the Dunes Course at Danang GC in Vietnam. – Destination: Asia – Members’ Insights – Aussie architects’ recollections – Issue 16 – Golf Architechture
PAUL REEVES – Pacific Coast Design
TEST: Ted Parslow’s Palm Garden Golf Club in Selangor, Malaysia. :1 – Destination: Asia – Members’ Insights – Aussie architects’ recollections – Issue 16 – Golf Architechture
When and what was your first project in Asia?
Pacific Coast Design (PCD) has been working in Asia for over 25 years but when I joined in 2008 we’d just started work on the Chengdu Country Club – China. This was very much a collaborative project from within the PCD office with Phil Ryan doing the routing then both Phil and George Diakogeorgio doing the original design work and me doing most of the site visit work and onsite design development.
In which countries in Asia have you worked?
Over the years PCD has worked in China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Myanmar, India, Pakistan and Vietnam.
What is your favourite project?
Picking one is a bit like picking your favourite child but I have particularly enjoyed our Mianyang project as it has made us think outside the square. The site is reforested land with significant plantations; it has some dramatic elevation changes (read bloody steep) and borders a water reservoir. The challenge was to get a playable golf course on the site with minimal earthworks, preserving much of the landscape and managing both construction and future water run-off. Working in close association with the project team a hole-by-hole process was developed that saw: earthworks kept to a minimum with balanced cut/ fill quantities for most holes; much of the established vegetation that fell outside the holes’ footprint retained; a drainage system that runs water through stripping/settling ponds developed; and a fair, fun although challenging golf course created. We’ve now finished 18 of the 27 holes and the site team has the process working like clockwork, and although site visits are regular the use of site photos, movies and reports has seen many of the on-site issues dealt with from abroad. I think what’s made it a bit of a favourite is a combination of a team process to deal with a difficult site while creating a golf course that is a bit different, retains many of the natural assets and is good fun to play.
What are some of the special or unique challenges of working in Asia?
Every project, whether it be in Australia or overseas, throws challenges at the golf course designer, whether it be language, local legislation, construction contractor arrangements, availability of equipment or local conditions to name a few. Often it’s how you solve these challenges that gives you great satisfaction and the opportunity to create a course that is a bit different.
Tell us about a ‘Cultural Moment’ you’ve had working in Asia…
At a ceremony for the inauguration of a site there was a small band doing the entertainment; at a given point in the evening there was a break-out of Karaoke. As the course designer I was asked to sing a few Australian traditional songs; having slaughtered ‘Waltzing Matilda’ the overly generous audience asked for an encore. In a moment of cognitive lethargy the only song I could remember was “My baby has gone down the plug hole” – an old ditty from my cub scout days. Maybe not a clash of cultures, but clearly a cultural experience for all present!
How has the market changed since you started working in Asia?
Over PCD’s 25 years every year has seen changes. Different countries have had booms then slowed down, countries have changed laws that affect golf and new architects from both overseas and internally have arrived. As a general comment over my six years I think the overall market has become a bit more sophisticated, Asian golfers are appreciating more of the subtleties of the game, this in turn is seeing designers having to produce golf courses that are more creative and interesting than what was being produced in the early days of Asian golf.
ON SITE: PCD’s Paul Reeves has liaised with clients and overseen projects in China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Myanmar, India, Pakistan and Vietnam. – Destination: Asia – Members’ Insights – Aussie architects’ recollections – Issue 16 – Golf Architechture
How do you see the future of the Asian Market?
The term ‘Asian Market’ is very general. Nearly all of the countries that make up Asia have some form of golf market in some stage of development or maturity; I have little doubt that golf will continue and in most countries grow, but it faces many challenges. Anyone who has visions of anywhere in Asia embarking on the unbridled development of golf we may have witnessed previously is kidding themselves.
BEN DAVEY
When and what was your first project experience in Asia?
My first trip into China was in 2005 (when I was with Cashmore Golf Design) for a project in Daqing, Heilongjiang Province near Harbin in the far north east. Daqing is an oil city and the landscape is dead flat, almost treeless and littered with oil wells. I don’t think our client had ever actually secured the land and apparently he ended up in jail… the course was built though, by someone else and obviously with a different client. This taught me early on that all is not always as it seems in China. Around the same time, we visited the site for Jade Island Golf Club in Beijing which was built, very successfully several years later. Also around 2005 we started work on the Seven Valley Golf Club in Daegu, South Korea – a very difficult mountainous site.
In which countries in Asia have you worked?
China mainly, but South Korea for one project, several projects in Vietnam (none of which were ever built) and Indonesia, again to visits some new sites for projects that never eventuated.
What is the favourite project you have worked on and why?
Our first project as Davey Shearer Golf Design: Golden Bay Golf Club in Fushun, Liaoning Province, China in 2009. As a first solo project the client put a lot of faith in me and didn’t interfere too much. Not everything went to plan and in retrospect there are lots of things I’d do differently today. But the most satisfying aspect is that we continue to work for that same client today having just finished what might be the world’s largest 36-hole putting course with over 1.5 hectares (15,000m2) of bent grass. He also loves the course we designed and plays it nearly every day.
What are some of the special or unique challenges of working in Asia?
In no particular order they would be:
- We never seem to know exactly what’s going on and why things are being done the way they are. This could range from…
- not being sure the client actually has the land they say they have;
- not being sure the client actually has the funds to build a golf course;
- being told early on that tree protection is very important, routing the course accordingly, then turning up to site to find those very trees we tried to protect are gone (or similar frustrations!); and
- boundaries that seem flexible and can move from week to week.
- The belief that a golf course must fit a certain criteria and the shocked response we get when we attempt to stray from it: not only par and total length, but the design of golf holes that may be a bit different to what is expected.
- The backhanders, kick-backs, commissions… whatever they might be called, that is common place and can influence decisions and relationships on-site.
Tell us about a ‘cultural moment’ you’ve had working in Asia…
Not so much a cultural moment but an act of tired, stupidity on my behalf: when asked at a security point at Zhangjiang airport in Guangdong, what the long black drawing tube was (which was hanging over my shoulder), I proceeded to aim it at a distant point and say “BOOM.…bazooka”. Needless to say I was taken into a small room and the tube was emptied of plans and survey maps of various parts of China and so I was then assumed to be a spy! Fortunately an important client managed to assist with my release after nearly two hours of interrogation, but with all maps and plans confiscated.
TEST: Ted Parslow’s Palm Garden Golf Club in Selangor, Malaysia. :2 – Destination: Asia – Members’ Insights – Aussie architects’ recollections – Issue 16 – Golf Architechture
How has the market/industry changed since you started working in Asia?
I think there were a lot more projects about in the 2005-2010 period than there are now. I don’t think the GFC of 2008 was to blame but Government policy and the major crackdown on illegal developments… that is probably strongest now. It remains confusing how some projects get built and finished and others get half built and stopped, others never reach construction. In terms of quality, the standards are higher now and clients seem to recognise the importance of having a qualified design company involved. There are fewer really bad golf courses being built. The fact that many course built in the early-to-mid-2000s are now being totally rebuilt shows how bad many of them are… not only bad design, but poor construction.
How do you see the future in Asian market?
In China at least, the Government needs some sort of sensible policy on golf developments rather than the outright ban which obviously doesn’t stop golf courses being built. If there are strict environmental, planning and social rules that address the issues of farmland, relocation of villagers, compensation, water and environmental protection, and employment opportunities, then hopefully the good projects will get built and the bad ones won’t. That will make golf far more sustainable. And lower-cost, simpler, public golf courses that are more accessible to the average Chinese would help grow the game and perhaps change people’s perceptions about the game in that country… but I don’t see it happening any time soon.
Other thoughts?
The positive aspects of working in China far outweigh the negatives. What I love most is the awesome scale of the projects: often (in liaison with other consultants) we are planning for not one, but three or four, 18-hole courses, as well as residential areas, hotels, marinas and the roads and infrastructure to service it all. Of course it’s rarely all built, but being allowed to think and visualise on that scale is great fun. I also love the fact that in March 2014 I’d never heard of Xiangyang, Hubei Province but by the end of April we had signed a Contract to design 27 holes there. By June we had started construction and by the time this is published in November, we will have nine holes grassed. That could never happen in Australia.
TONY CASHMORE
Destination: Asia – Members’ Insights – Aussie architects’ recollections – Issue 16 – Golf Architechture
When and what was your first project experience in Asia?
I was contracted to do the design and construction documentation for the Luhu Golf Club in Guangzhou, China, some 18 years ago, the name architect being Dave Thomas. The actual construction of the course was not under our supervision.
In which countries in Asia have you worked?
China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
What is your favourite project that you have worked on and why?
Foshan Golf Club is our favourite project to date as our client New World Group supported our vision of creating a more natural parkland-style course than was common in China and were committed to creating something truly excellent. Foshan is now regarded as one of the best new golf courses in China and annually hosts the Foshan Open, a European Challenge Tour Event. Foshan Golf Club became the third golf club in China to receive the prestigious international award for sustainable golf – GEO Certified – presented to golf facilities for their commitment and practical contributions to the environment and communities.
What are some of the special or unique challenges of working in Asia?
The cultural differences in conducting business are without doubt a challenge for people operating in the Asian market. It’s possible to waste a lot of time and money exploring opportunities that may have at best been slight if the consultants seeking them don’t have experience in doing business the Asian way and don’t have the necessary (and sometimes peculiar) relationships with the potential clients and authorities.
Tell us about a ‘cultural moment’ you’ve had working in Asia…
During one of our earlier construction programs a significant amount of drainage pipe had been delivered to the site on a Wednesday afternoon for installation over the next few days. It was checked for compliance to specifications and quality, and covered with tarpaulins overnight. At 6am the next morning, the tarpaulins were removed. The full extent of pipe was still there – but was now of an inferior grade!
How has the market/industry changed since you started working in Asia?
The Chinese market has matured quickly. In the space of a few years the clients we’ve discussed design ideas with have gone from everyone wanting a perfectly manicured parkland course, like Augusta, to people wanting something unique and specific to their site and area. This has been encouraging, given a strong design philosophy of ours is to let the site features dictate what style of course should be developed.
How do you see the future in Asian market?
The future of the Asian market is strong. In China for instance when you study the number of registered golfers compared to the number of golf courses one realises there is a growing discrepancy. And the huge number of people, many girls and youngsters, who queue outside driving ranges, waiting just to hit golf balls is propitious. Most of them have little chance yet of actually playing on a golf course. But once the government and the people of China determine where golf sits in their country and clear guidelines for the appropriate development of golf courses are established, then developers should be able to proceed with confidence and the number of courses will grow dramatically.
Other thoughts?
China is such a diverse and wonderful country that if the right developers, contractors and architects work together, the quality and uniqueness of the golf courses created should be extraordinary and in the future golf tours of China should be a great tourism industry for the country. China is rightfully proud of all their sportspeople who achieve success on the world stage. There is evidence that young people are embracing golf in large numbers, and this must eventually lead to China’s prominence in golf, as has been demonstrated for example in South Korea.
BRETT MOGG
When and what was your first project experience in Asia?
I was lucky enough to join up with Neil Haworth ASGCA in 1992 to help set up and run the Singapore office of what was then Nelson & Wright Golf Course Architects (then Nelson & Haworth), a division of Belt Collins from Hawaii. My first projects in Asia were in Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club and Tiara Melaka – memories of these projects included setting out clearing lines through the steaming jungle… a new experience.
In which countries in Asia have you worked?
Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Pakistan and India.
What is your favourite project that you have worked on and why?
The East Course at Kau Sai Chau in HK for the HK Jockey Club is one that stands out for me. Not only was it set on a beautiful and very challenging site, but the group of people that worked on that project were all personally committed to creating something unique and worthwhile – not just
cashing or padding out a pay check – which is unfortunately all too common in Asia.
What are some of the special or unique challenges of working in Asia?
- Lack of understanding from clients of what makes a good golf course & imposing of their “unique” and sometimes quite strange ideas on the design process;
- Difficulty in securing workers and supervisors experienced in golf course construction;
- Pursuant to (2) above, the fine art of cutting corners with golf course construction – no corner can remain uncut in Asia; and
- The underlying corruption that pervades pretty much all projects and influences dodgy decisions that affect the design of the course.
BAPTISM: Chengdu Country Club in China was Paul Reeves’ first foray into Asia, in 2008. – Destination: Asia – Members’ Insights – Aussie architects’ recollections – Issue 16 – Golf ArchitechtureI think the market will be slow for
Tell us about a ‘cultural moment’ you’ve had working in Asia…
On one of my first trips to China in the early 1990s I was visiting a fairly remote project in Guandong Province (they were all remote then) and I had to find my way on the train back to HK. Problem was the client had just abandoned me at the train station and taken off, leaving me to purchase my ticket and get on the train. But which direction was to HK? Left or right? Which platform? I literally had no idea. Perusing the all-Chinese train timetable I turned to the Chinese guy behind me and asked in pidgin English which was the way to HK? “Yeah mate – that way!” came the reply – I had chanced upon a Sydney fellow who was visiting his tiny hometown that weekend. What were the odds!
Destination: Asia – Members’ Insights – Aussie architects’ recollections – Issue 16 – Golf Architechture
How has the market/industry changed since you started working in Asia?
When I first moved to Asia in 1992, it was a less competitive market as US architects concentrated on their home market which was booming at the time. These days the US market is flat so there is a lot more competition for design work from the states, especially in China. On the bright side the quality of golf courses being produced at the top end of the market has improved considerably and the effects of this are slowly trickling down.
How do you see the future in Asian market?
I think the market will be slow for this year at least while they get the corruption enquiries out of their system but will continue to grow albeit at a much slower pace than previously. The crazy years of 2008-2011 are over and I don’t think we will see that sort of mad activity again in China unless there is some sort of external stimulus again.
The good thing is that the quality of finished work is continually improving and clients are starting to understand what makes a good golf course and what is needed to get there.
