Architect
Interview with Black Mountain Golf Club Architect – Wayne Carleton
What were your thoughts the first time you walked the property at Black Mountain?
Black Mountain is a diverse site in a wonderful setting. I felt that there was great opportunity to create a very enjoyable memorable golf experience that required strategy and shot making to be successful.
How did you come up with the routing?
I like to spend a considerable amount of time on-site walking the land and identifying the underlying features of the property. I always try to first determine where the best green sites will be, to take advantage of the natural features of the site and develop the routing from there. Black Mountain has some strong natural features that determined the overall routing plan, such as the natural valley where the large pond and the 5th and 8th holes were developed and the rock outcroppings adjacent to the 9th green and the 3rd greens. I also tried to preserve as much vegetation as possible and keep the many large mature conifers to form very strong corridors for the golf holes. We also needed to preserve that natural ravine that runs between the 17th and 18th holes. I should also note that we worked closely with the original owner of the property throughout the planning process.
How many routings did you do?
Overall I believe we did about five different route plans throughout the design process.
Did you have any site issues (rock or environmental) to overcome during construction?
With the mountainous nature of the property, we did have to deal with bedrock both above and below the surface to create some of the holes. Although rock can be challenging, it did provide a great opportunity to create some wonderful holes and settings for green sites such as the 3rd and 9th. We also had a ravine that needed to be preserved that now provides a nice feature for the Par 3, 11th and 17th holes and the Par 5 finishing hole. The Par 3 – 11th plays over the ravine and it must be avoided on the left side of the 17th and 18th holes.
What is your favorite hole and why?
I don’t think I have one favorite hole. I really like the way the back nine turned out, as we were able to utilize the natural character of the land to create the holes, especially some of the greens like the 12th, 15th and 18th. The holes are well framed by the mature vegetation and provide a number of options off the tee. There are also some short drivable Par 4’s that will entice the better player, like the 10th, 15th and 16th holes. These holes should be very exciting to play.
What makes Black Mountain Golf Club unique and a must play in the Okanagan?
At just under 6,400 yards, it will be very playable for all levels and surrounding scenery are some of the strongest in the valley. It very much has a private country club feel to the course in the design, maintenance levels and overall aesthetic values. I feel given the length and setting, the course will appeal to a great number of golfers and be very accommodating for players learning the game.
During the design process was there a particular hole that you felt simply had to be in the rotation?
I think the 13th hole; a Par 3 over a natural ravine to one of the larger greens on the course was a natural. The green rests on an existing plateau and the location of the large pines provided a wonderful natural corridor for this hole.
Black Mountain greens seem fairly large and receptive.
I tried to provide a good variety in the design of the greens with the philosophy of creating greens that worked well with the land, were open at the front to allow for run-up shots and provided a number of hole locations. For the most part, the greens average about 6,000 square feet in size, but we do have a couple that are quite small like the 13th and 15th. The 15th was set on a natural high plateau, so accuracy will be paramount on this short Par 4.
What grass was used on the tees and fairways?
A mixture of Dwarf Kentucky Bluegrasses was used on the tees and fairways and Dominant Extreme Creeping Bentgrass was used on the greens.
Is there something that is unique to Cooke Carleton International and your design? Is there a signature of Cooke Carleton International?
I think we always try to let the land dictate the design. I like to spend a considerable amount of time on-site from the development of a route plan through to the seeding of the course. I take a very hands-on approach on all my projects and enjoy working with the owner, shapers, contractors and superintendent. I feel great courses evolve as you discover the land!
How do you think golfers will react to playing Black Mountain?
I believe that they will really enjoy the experience and want to play the course more and more to discover its nuances. It will not be a course that you can over-power and one that will require thought, strategy and patience to be successful. It will be a great addition to the many fine courses found in the Okanagan Valley!
Course History
Originally called Bell Mountain Golf Course, Black Mountain Golf Club was started in 2003 by Marlin Weninger and was purchased by Edmonton based community developer Melcor Developments Ltd. in 2006.
Finalist "BEST NEW COURSE IN CANADA!" ScoreGolf 2010
Black Mountain Golf Club's Vision "Who We Are and Where We Are Going"
Our vision is to deliver an exceptional, affordable, memorable golf experience! What this means to our ownership, management and team is:
B..e Exceptional - anticipate our guest's needs, be proactive, treat others as you would like to be treated, go above and beyond
M..emorable - "Welcome to Black Mountain" and address everyone by his or her name, treat all guests with the utmost respect to ensure their satisfaction and return, be home away from home
G..reat Experience - Fun, enjoyable, value, affordable, ensuring each guest's experience at BMGC is more than they expected, quality family experience, lasting memories.
C..an Do Attitude - Support and assist where and whenever needed, we are a team, anticipate your next move, give 110%.....100% of the time, enthusiastic, friendly service.
We do NOT provide what I call the "WHITE GLOVE SERVICE" you will find at other Premier Championship courses in the Okanagan.
At Black Mountain Golf Club we will NOT....Be picking you up or greeting your group in the parking lot; Have GPS on our golf cars; Provide elaborate free yardage guides; Be cleaning your clubs after your round; Have coolers or ball washers on our golf cars; And we will NEVER hold out our hand for a tip
We do not feel these "Service Touches" are worth the $50 plus dollars (our highest green fee rate is $89 and other Premier Championship courses in the Okanagan are $100 plus). We prefer to pass those savings onto you, our guest. Therefore, we feel our rates are very affordable and we offer a great value.
We value a great conditioned golf course with home style service in a relaxed atmoshere.
We value your feedback and value your patronage. If you have any suggestions, recommendations or concerns please, feel free to contact me at 250-765-6890 or by email to ethorsteinson@melcor.ca.
Regards,
Eric Thorsteinson - CCM, CPGA
Executive Professional / General Manager
