In The News

January 17, 2005

Black Diamond Golf Club

Upon reviewing the proposed golf course site, I was amazed that the elevation changes were both subtle, as viewed from the highway and entrance, and yet immediate at the northwest corner of the property.  It was not unique for the Oak Ridge Moraine, which was created by a wall of ice nearly one mile high but this landscape was unique for a golf course property.

Once you arrived at the top of the hill, the 180° view to the south and the 90° view to the west were nothing short of spectacular.  The Clubhouse location was not picked by anyone developing the site…for it was already chosen by the unbelievable views that were available.

A golf course routing had been completed by Mr. Jack Lally ten years earlier and the trees had been removed at that time. Subsequent re-growth had occurred but it was still obvious where the golf course was proposed.  Now it was just a simple matter of creating interesting, fair and yet challenging holes with unique greens complexes, bunkers and ponds all within the framework of the long meadows that dominated the front nine holes and the mature forest that was to be the back nine.

The openness of the first hole created a great opportunity to highlight the majestic vista that was in front of the golfer and frame this downhill par 5 hole with numerous bunkers that flowed down the hill to a large greens complex.  This opening hole is thrilling to view and is truly awesome to actually play.

Overall, golf holes flow into tree-lined fairways and out into fescue-framed meadows.  A great variety of hardwood trees, from maple to oak, contrast with the pine forest (reminiscent of Pinehurst) and the huge white pines that remind one more of a classic Group of Seven painting than a golf course.  The diversity of these trees and their majestic beauty add an instant maturity to this golf course.

The greens complexes were designed to be fair to the average golfer, first and foremost, but add some challenge to the low handicap golfer who is trying for par or better. 

The greens vary in size but subtle slopes within the putting surface and more dramatic slopes outside of the putting surface will keep all golfers on their toes.  The ponds created at Black Diamond Golf Club are full of crystal clear spring water and are aesthetically pleasing to the eye, as well as highly strategic to the play.  Five holes play over beside or up to a pond and each of these challenges are uniquely different.

It was a pleasure working with the other consultants and the shapers that make this golf course special.  I am grateful to the owners for the opportunity to have helped, in a small way, to create such a colourful and magical place as the Black Diamond Golf Club.

This up-and-down roller coaster ride is a thrill to play.  It has a new sensation around every corner and a new challenge for every shot.  Not only will you be mesmerized by the beauty of the property and the long-range views but the owners sodded the entire golf course so you could challenge Black Diamond sooner rather than later.  As they said, “We just couldn’t wait to play it!