Challenge Course Concept Recognized by ASGCA


The architectural firm of Pascuzzo & Pate Golf Course Design has earned the highest honor bestowed by the American Society of Golf Course Architects for its concept of "The Challenge Course" in both California and Idaho.

The ASGCA's third annual Design Excellence Recognition Program cited exceptional golf course work in the United States and Asia by member architects. The Challenge Course at Monarch Dunes in Nipomo, Calif., and The Challenge Course at Spurwing in Meridian, Idaho, are the honored designs by Pascuzzo & Pate.

"This award means we are on the right track with our design philosophy and approach to innovative, interesting new golf courses," said Damian Pascuzzo, who partnered with tour professional Steve Pate in 2006. "We want to thank the ASGCA for appreciating our efforts to stretch the design envelope."

Determined to "help grow the game, from the ground up," Pascuzzo and Pate have been working the past six years on what they call "The Challenge Course Concept," an alternative to traditional golf layouts. The "Challenge Course" consists of nine to 12 holes, each with multiple grass tees, bunkering, water features, trees and all of the other elements that make up a top-quality golf course.

The Challenge Courses in Nipomo and Meridian both are within residential developments, where the lot premiums are the same as those homes located on the regulation course.

Among the distinctive design features are the oversized, undulating greens, which are built and look every bit like those on a championship golf course. Each green is about 9,000-12,000 square feet and has been carefully positioned to create a variety of difficult and easy pin locations. This is an essential element because each green is played with two flags - one in a more accessible location, with the other in a more difficult spot.

Both Pascuzzo and Pate are convinced that that their "Challenge Course" concept can have a positive impact on the future of the industry - not to mention the game.

"We believe our designs illustrate how we as golf course architects can respond to the way people live today," Pascuzzo said, "and present new environments in which to play and enjoy the game."

Since its creation in 2012, the Design Excellence Recognition Program has shone a light on the innovation and problem-solving skills required of today's golf course designs, whether the project is a small bunker renovation or a full-scale 18-hole layout.

The 2014 nominations were reviewed by a panel of golf industry leaders, including representatives of the Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Golf Course Builders Association of America and National Golf Course Owners Association.

Pascuzzo worked alongside famed architect Robert Muir Graves and was his principal designer for more than a decade. Pascuzzo & Pate established their company in 2006 and specialize in sustainable golf courses with distinctive character. Pate is a six-time winner on the PGA Tour, a member of the 1991 and 1999 Ryder Cup teams and now plays regularly on the Champions Tour.

For more about the work of Pascuzzo & Pate Golf Course Design, visit www.pascuzzopate.com.