The project in Hobbs, N.M., named Ocotillo Park Community Links, seeks to attract beginners to golf by redesigning the existing 18-hole golf course and incorporating family tees, expanding the practice facility, and adding a 9-hole executive course with a SNAG facility. This will be the first implementation of the concept, launched by Andy Staples, owner of Staples Golf Resource Group.
Andy Staples, owner and Principal Architect of Staples Golf Resource Group, is set to launch his first “Community Links” concept in the city of Hobbs, N.M. Named Ocotillo Park Community Links, the project plans to invigorate the city’s golf course by implementing design practices that reinforce the course’s link to the surrounding community.
The primary focus of the plan is to attract youth and beginners to the game of golf by redesigning the existing 18-hole golf course that incorporates family tees, expanding the practice facility, and adding a 9-hole executive course with a SNAG facility. Additional elements such as walking trails, trail heads with rest areas, and other outdoor spaces within the property have been included to increase use of the facility by the non-golfing community. A complete rebranding of the facility will also take place.
“This course is not unlike many older municipally owned courses across the country,” said J.J. Murphy, Hobbs City Manager. “The course is deteriorating before our eyes, and people are just not playing golf like they did in years past. This concept provides a complete paradigm shift as to how the city’s course will be viewed within the community and how it will be utilized by its residents.”
The city had begun a comprehensive search for ideas to bring players back to their course while exploring responsible ways to invest in their aging facility. The city knew something had to be done, but had little support from the community since the facility continued to lose money.
“Now that we’ve had a chance to see the vision begin to come to life, there’s an excitement for this course that I have not seen before,” Murphy said. “I absolutely love how this golf course will begin to bring our community together around the game of golf.”
After a full inventory of the course was completed, Staples presented the city with series of proposals that supported the need for improvements. Among his ideas was the concept of utilizing the golf course as a center point for community development.
“Many courses are looking for reasons to upgrade their facility, but for a variety of reasons, aren’t able to garner the support to do it,” said Staples. “The concept of a Community Links gives a municipality a verifiable reason to invest in their facility. If it improves the life in a particular city and increases use in a deteriorating asset, why wouldn’t they do it?”
Set to begin construction by the end of 2013, the plan keeps overall turf acreage to a minimum, integrates a minimal irrigation delivery system that utilizes the city’s effluent water system, and includes drought-tolerant grasses.
“My focus is to create an interesting, fun golf course that feels dramatically different than other courses in the area, ” Staples said. “And, by fully integrating the community aspect into the plan, it only gives the project a better chance to succeed.”
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