“I only work with high-end golf courses. Quality is always of the utmost importance to me and if that is not the number-one priority of the client, I will pass on the project. I pride myself on designing golf courses that provide an aesthetically pleasing, memorable experience to all levels of golfers. “Every shot needs a challenge, visual interest and difficulty level.”
Were you given any specific directions regarding the design of Cape Fear National?
“The client gave me simple instructions: “Build us the best golf course in the Wilmington market.” Then they provided the resources to accomplish their goal.”
Which do you feel is the signature hole on the first eighteen?
“My goal is to make each hole spectacular and memorable. If I were to pick my favorite hole, I would pick hole number 13. It’s a par four, dogleg right that plays 400+ yards from the back tees. “There is a giant berm that runs along the far-right side of the entire hole. That berm features native grasses, wax myrtles and wildflowers that really make it stand out. There is a waste bunker that runs between the fairway and the berm until about 60 yards out from the green where it crosses between the fairway and the green. The cypress marsh also frames a couple of the holes on the course. Golf carts travel through the waste area for the majority of this spectacular hole, with a pond running along the length of it.”
“However, all of the following holes would be considered contenders for the signature hole designation: five, eight, nine, fifteen, and seventeen.”