Background
Visionary Golf Design is a Michigan – based Limited Liability Company founded by John Zaliagiris--creator of the Three Sticks Golf Course design concept. Visionary Golf Design (VGD) has been in continuous operation since its inception in 2003 (though admittedly, there were many years of “slim to none” income--during the years of the Great Recession, for ex.).
For the past three years (since the late Spring of 2017), John has been Researching and Developing the Three Sticks Golf Course design concept, and navigating this kind of golf course design through the process of obtaining a U.S. Patent (its status is currently “Pending”).
Experience
Prior to breaking out on his own with VGD, John “cut his teeth” in the golf course design biz by working as the Lead Architect for Don Childs & Associates…Don being an experienced golf course architect with dozens of projects to his credit throughout the Midwest. Before working for Don Childs, John completed the curriculum toward a Masters of Landscape Architecture Program at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. And prior to this educational pursuit, John worked on several golf course construction projects and maintenance crews. John’s career in Golf began over 30 years ago. During this time, John has:
- Lead construction crews in all phases of the golf course construction process
- Worked on Maintenance crews and operated small equipment as a Greens Keeper, Bunker Keeper, and on other small projects
- Suggested improvements to various courses that were formally presented to Ownership
- Studied the topographical maps and “walked the land” to get a feel for a particular site’s features/resources
- Prepared multiple Layout schemes that explored alternative ways to maximize a particular site’s potential
- Fine-tuned alternate Layout schemes to ensure proper safety corridors, and to finalize golf shapes
- Developed complex Grading Plans and Greens Details to convey the design intent to contractors
- Produced the other plans necessary to enable the packaging of a full set of Construction Documents
- Used state-of-the-art computer programs to digitize the Construction Document package for bidding
- Present during early phases of construction to demonstrate how work should be carried out
- Interfaced with construction personnel regarding unforeseen circumstances found “in the field”
Representative Projects
New Construction and/or Complete Renovation (in the role as Design Lead for Don Childs & Associates)
Farmington Hills Golf Club; Farmington Hills, Michigan
https://www.fhgov.com/Activities/Parks-Facilities/Golf-Club-and-Driving-Range.aspx
Sweetbriar Golf Club at Legacy Pointe; Avon Lake, Ohio
http://www.sweetbriargolfclub.com/legacy/
Bunker and Tee Renovation (in the role as Design Lead for Don Childs & Associates)
Michaywe Pines Golf Club; Gaylord, Michigan
https://www.michaywepines.com/
Bunker Renovation (working independently as Visionary Golf Design)
Atlas Valley Country Club; Atlas Twp., Michigan
Master Plan for Complete Renovation (in the role as Design Lead for Don Childs & Associates)
Sylvan Glen Golf Course; Troy, Michigan
Faulkwood Shores Golf Club; Howell, Michigan
Master Plan for Complete Renovation (working independently as Visionary Golf Design)
Genesee Hills Golf Club; Grand Blanc, Michigan
Golf Course Construction Supervisor (while working for Greenscape)
Prairie View Golf Club; Carmel, Indiana
https://prairieviewgc.com/
So, Let's talk...
Why Three Sticks, Why Now?
To repeat what was stated at the outset, we (Visionary Golf Design) believe there is nothing wrong with The Game of Golf. But while The Game of Golf has remained constant through the years, the pursuit of happiness in modern society is compelling its members to evolve—an evolution that is bringing about a new attitude regarding the ever-increasing demands placed on people’s time and money.
For example, if you were to ask today’s typical family man if he has $60 available and 4 or 5 hours of time, the answer may be quite different than if you asked that same question 20 or 30 years ago. However, ask him today if he’s got $20 and 90 minutes to go play some golf, you are much more likely to find someone who’ll give you an enthusiastic “Yes!”
Call it the evolution of the golf course if you will…all we are trying to do is promote the development of a different kind of place to play—one that is more in tune with the demands placed on members of today’s society.
Are you saying conventional golf courses should go away?
Absolutely not!! What a travesty it would be if Augusta, or Cypress Pointe, or--the most famous course in our area, Oakland Hills--were to no longer exist in their current form. We are not contending that a Three Sticks – type solution is recommended--or even suggested--for every course out there. However, the development of this kind of course may be just the right solution for many golf course operators.
Are you kidding me?--a full-sized golf course--on just 60 acres?
The fact that this kind of golf course can be developed on such a small piece of land (go ahead…call the National Golf Foundation…ask them how much land is required to build a full-sized 18 – hole golf course…they will tell you it requires at least 140 acres) is the very best thing about Three Sticks Golf. And potential Owners are going to love the fact that there is so much less money spent on acquiring land--not to mention the savings in construction and maintenance costs.
It’s worth mentioning that this smaller land requirement equals a smaller Carbon Footprint—which carries with it enormous environmental benefits…simply based on its size alone (or lack thereof). It’s like comparing a yacht to an aircraft carrier! And keep in mind that the Maintenance Dept will only have to care for four full-sized fairways (as opposed to 14 on a conventional course). And the care and maintenance of those four fairways means there is much less watering to be done, and much less spraying for pests, weeds, fungus, etc. And let’s not forget that this smaller land requirement also opens up the possibility of developing golf on property that has never been considered before—especially in urban areas or within communities that have mid-sized brownfields, for example.
How can you honestly look me straight in the eye and say that the 7th Hole is different than the 1st?
It’s the same piece of the property, Yes. But think about what happens when you play golf. Off the tee--99% of the time--you are just trying to bust it as far as you can down the middle of the fairway. But where The Game really gets interesting is on that second shot (or, whatever shot you are playing as you approach the green). Now, you need to be aware of the hazards you see; where the pin is positioned; where is the safest place to miss?; and--if you hit it well--what part of the green do you want to be on? So, if the 1st Hole features a 120 – yard shot to a green protected by a bunker front – left, and another behind, while the 7th Hole features a 150 – yard shot to a different green protected by a bunker in front and another behind – right, then you are being asked to hit two totally different golf shots. And not only that, but your subsequent shots will be played on and around two completely different green surfaces. And don’t forget, those two approach shots will probably put a different club in your hands. So, quite simply, our contention is this: Different distances combined with different clubs combined with different hazards combined with different subsequent shots (onto different green surfaces) equals different and unique golf holes.
Why would anyone want to play just six (or twelve) holes?
One of the cool things about a Three Sticks – style golf course is that you can scratch that golf itch by playing in little chunks, whether that is before the work day begins, on an extended lunch, or after work (without having the need to “knock off early”). And six holes is a great way to get a taste of the game if you are just learning…its way less intimidating than committing to a full 18. Furthermore, six holes is a great way to spend time together for families, couples, and even first-daters. Many seniors will enjoy getting out for a little exercise (whereas 12 or 18 holes might be too strenuous). And, on top of all that, it’s possible that a “Second Wave” of evening tee times can be set up for golf leagues. Just think about it—on the longest days of Summer, tee times can be set up to and even after 8PM!
We’ve talked to a lot of people who comment that after the Front Nine, they are raring to go out again—only to find that they get tuckered out after a few more holes. Many have come right out and said that after 12 or 13, it’s just not fun anymore and they can’t wait for it to be over. Obviously, twelve holes of golf is the perfect answer for them. Twelve holes will also be an enticing solution for some golf leagues—especially those that are able to get an early start.
Why would serious (avid) golfers want to play a course like this?
Are you kidding me? Take a look at the scorecard! If you play it three different ways—one after another after another—for a total of 18 holes, then that’s 6700 yards (or more—it will be different at every course). That’s a lot of golf course! Now consider that you have to negotiate around 20 or more bunkers (Oops—did I say 20? I meant 60…because you’ll have to navigate around those same 20 bunkers when you play the Middle Six, and then again on the Back Six). In fact, of the two Three Sticks course displayed above, one has 33 bunkers, and the other has 36—that’s equals 99 and 108 bunkers, respectively!
And, have you ever played a course that takes a few holes to start showing its teeth? In a previous life, our founder was involved in the development of a Championship golf course that was so well respected it ended up hosting U. S. Open qualifiers and other highly – regarded tournaments. Afterwards, the comments from the players were often something like “What a great course!...”, or “I love this venue!...” But those comments were often followed by comments like “…it really gets interesting after #7”, or, “the Back Nine really tests your game”. Well, at a Three Sticks – style course, WE DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THAT! Our goal is to design and create golf experiences that will grab your attention from the very first fairway. This is absolutely necessary because the Front Six for you and your group might be the Middle or Back Six for the group behind you.
What do you mean that there are seven different ways to play?
The general idea of this concept is that you would choose one set of flags to play toward on the Front Six, then choose different targets on the Middle Six, and then the last set of targets on the Back Six. But, those six hole segments are intentionally set up so that there is a mixture of hole lengths and hole difficulties within each set of flags. Therefore, you can play toward the Red Flags, the White Flags, or toward the Blue Flags (these three options all offer you a mixture of lengths and difficulties). But, you can also choose to play toward the Shortest or Longest flags (check your scorecard to compare distances), or you can play toward the flags set up in the Easiest or Hardest location (the Pro Shop will generally be able to map these out for you).
Collaborations
At Visionary Golf Design, we completely understand any hesitation you may be have about hiring an unknown entity to plan out and oversee the execution of your golf course project. But, one of the awesome things about a Three Sticks – style golf course is that the overall design concept is rather simple, and not so far-fetched so as to make it impossible for other architects to pull it off. On our end, we are completely open to working in collaboration with someone whom you are more familiar. Or, if you’d prefer, a short list of experienced golf course architects can be provided—ones who have already expressed a high level of interest in getting involved in projects like these.
Please Contact Us if you would like any more details about Three Sticks Golf
