Course Architect at Golf It!
Scott gave some time for a Q&A session to provide insights into the Golf It!
GEO - How excited were you to get involved with the project in Scotland?
This opportunity is one of those ‘once in a lifetime' moments. It’s the first golf course facility the R&A has owned, it’s the first Golf it! facility in the world, and it aligned with my ambitions of creating golf courses that make the game more accessible, fun and engaged with the environment.
GEO - When people come to Golf It!, what can they expect?
A warm and welcoming facility. It’s designed to say ‘yes’ to people. Yes, you can just come in and just have a drink. Yes, you can walk around the golf course. Yes, you can play golf in less than an hour (even if you have never played before). Yes, you can use your phone, wear your favourite sports top and just enjoy the wonderful views of the golf course and Hogganfield Loch. I also think golfers will be surprised by the quality of the golf course.
GEO - What are the main points that you see were unique about the way in which Golf It! was designed and constructed?
The main point is that the central building was designed to be public facing. It was deliberately placed close to Hogganfield Loch and the main road so public access is very easy. This was central to the ethos of the design vision as the R&A want to make golf more accessible, so getting people into the building needed to be easy and intuitive.
Secondly, the nature trials are unique. They allow individuals and groups to walk the grounds and see some of the amazing flora and fauna that is dotted around the golf course – including the deer! As part of this, we have added an orchard and I am excited that visitors can see wildflowers and flowering trees, and make the connection that our pollinating insects are central to our own health – be it for the flowers or the apples in the orchard.
Thirdly, regarding construction, there was a distinct effort to minimise the extent of works so the footprint on the land would be as small as possible. To achieve this, many of the old golf corridors were used, green areas were minimised, and the golf course was laid out to best fit the natural contours.
GEO - Tell us about your vision for Golf It! and what kind of consideration did you give to sustainability-related issues in the design of the course?
Sustainability was a central theme. As an example of one element of this, we wanted to minimise the irrigation requirement, while increasing the wetland areas. The result was that only the tees and greens are irrigated, and we have created a number of new wetland areas that are also valuable habitat zones. This is great for the Water Voles which are a protected species, and live happily at Golf it! Glasgow.
GEO - With so many great aspects to the course and the facility as a whole, what are you most proud of with this project?
The fact the facility is bringing new people to golf. I am delighted with the environmental aspects of the project – including the walking trails and orchard – and it’s a really lovely moment when you’re out on the golf course and you spot the deer wandering around, however, I got a real thrill when I heard the buzz from the driving range when every bay was full of kids golf balls and having fun. I applaud the R&A for this vision, and the Glasgow community for embracing it so fully.
About Scott Macpherson Golf Design:
Scott Macpherson Golf Design is based in Edinburgh and specialises in bespoke projects for discerning clients and has been active since 2004. Since its creation, it has been involved in golf course developments around the world. Scott’s designs create combine environmental sustainability with a challenging but enjoyable round of golf that reward golfers of all abilities.
