The unique experience of golf course design on a former Cold War military site is among the topics covered by Mike Benkusky, ASGCA (Michael J. Benkusky, Inc., Golf Course Architecture), on a “Tartan Talks” discussion from Golf Course Architecture.

Guy Cipriano of GCI asked Benkusy about Arlington Lakes Golf Club, a 5,400-yard public course designed for a niche market of juniors, seniors and newer players. Benkusky’s efforts now provide golfers the option of playing 3-hole, 6-hole, 9-hole and 18-hole loops.

Bunkers remain a major topic of discussion during any Master Plan. Reducing the footprint of bunkers is a recurring theme, Benkusky said, thanks to natural wear and tear, the need of updated irrigation, and even bunker style.

“A full bunker re-build allows for more analysis on maintenance and where we are going with them today compared to the past,” he said.

Much more detail on this and other topics can be heard in the complete “Tartan Talks” discussion here.