Remodeling Design examplesRenovation Design examples

Under the direction of Masashi Okubo, the remodeling work at Isogo Country Club has been proceeding gradually for about 30 years since 1985, with attention to detail and overall balance.
When I was asked to modify the course at the time, my first impression of the course was the image of the original designer's design, which was stopped in the middle of the project. Due to the ground conditions, there were many areas that could not be done with the capabilities of the construction machinery circa 1955. By the time we were commissioned, the bulldozers had improved in their capabilities, and we thought it would be a good idea to maintain these leftover areas.

The first project was the remodeling of the 2nd hole (Par 4), which focused on correcting the severe ups and downs. It was a major project focusing on the pond and the green. The pond, which had been narrow and dirty with fallen trees, was transformed into a bright hole with a masonry waterfall and improved plantings.
This was followed by maintenance around the teeing ground of the 4th par 3, and then proceeded to the major construction project of replacing the old 9th and 18th holes. The purpose of the remodeling of the old 9th and 18th holes was to reduce the difference in elevation between the two holes and make them more gentle, given the aging of the membership.

Another problem is that although smooth movement from the green of the 9th hole to the teeing ground of the 10th hole is desirable, the former 18th and 10th holes were next to each other, and the travel distance between them was long. By replacing No. 9 and No. 18, the problem of crossing the leading lines from No. 9 to No. 10 and from No. 18 to No. 1 holes could be solved.
In addition to this, each hole was renovated to enhance the strategic nature of the course.

Under the direction of Masashi Okubo, the remodeling work at Isogo Country Club has been proceeding gradually for about 30 years since 1985, with attention to detail and overall balance.
When I was asked to modify the course at the time, my first impression of the course was the image of the original designer's design, which was stopped in the middle of the project. Due to the ground conditions, there were many areas that could not be done with the capabilities of the construction machinery circa 1955. By the time we were commissioned, the bulldozers had improved in their capabilities, and we thought it would be a good idea to maintain these leftover areas.

The first project was the remodeling of the 2nd hole (Par 4), which focused on correcting the severe ups and downs. It was a major project focusing on the pond and the green. The pond, which had been narrow and dirty with fallen trees, was transformed into a bright hole with a masonry waterfall and improved plantings.
This was followed by maintenance around the teeing ground of the 4th par 3, and then proceeded to the major construction project of replacing the old 9th and 18th holes. The purpose of the remodeling of the old 9th and 18th holes was to reduce the difference in elevation between the two holes and make them more gentle, given the aging of the membership.

Another problem is that although a smooth transition from the green of the 9th hole to the teeing ground of the 10th hole is normally desired, the former 18th and 10th holes were located next to each other, resulting in a long travel distance between them.
By swapping #9 and #18, the green at the Inn is closer to the tee ground at the Out, and at the same time, the problem of crossing leads from #9 to #10 and from #18 to the 1st hole has been eliminated.
In addition to this, each hole was renovated to enhance the strategic nature of the course.

From GCA JOURNAL No. 28 (January 2023)