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Introducing Todd EckenrodeSaturday, September 10, 2005 For some golf course architects, legendary course designer Alister MacKenzie is a major influence. To Todd Eckenrode of Origins Golf Design, studying the eccentric Scotsman's classic designs is a way of life.Todd Eckenrode, who studied Landscape Architecure here at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, is the founder of Origins Golf Design in Irvine, California. They specialize in Golf Course Design services for golf resorts, golf communities, private country clubs, daily-fee golf clubs, renovations, re-designs and classic restorations. Their strong ability to apply the inherent qualities of classic and traditional architecture to the challenges of the modern development world, coupled with their unwavering desire to be a part of something great, enable them to design golf courses of the highest quality for their clients. Classic designs that reflect the time-honored traditions of the game of golf captures the philosophy of this respected firm. Todd was involved in the design of what many consider to be one of the top ten courses in the state in Barona Creek. The course was ranked as one of Golf Magazine's "Top 10 You Can Play" in 2001, and the minimalist layout is being lauded for the way it blends with the surrounding landscape. Located 30 miles east of San Diego on a 1,500 foot plateau ringed by mountain peaks, Barona Creek is a major component in a $225 million hotel and ranch themed casino project funded by the Barona Band of Mission Indians. The classic or minimalist design philosophy that is so evident at Barona Creek has become the cornerstone of Eckenrode's body of work. But the 36-year-old Cal Poly graduate says the enigmatic concept is often misinterpreted by recreational golfers. Todd grew up learning the game at a course called Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz - an old Alister MacKenzie gem. He was ignorant to its history and who Alister MacKenzie was, but after traveling around to see other courses, he realized they didn't stack up. He tried to understand what made Pasatiempo special and why everyone loved it. That spurred an interest in why the design was unique and what made it good. Todd then went on to play college golf, and around that time figured he wasn't going to make the PGA Tour. He then decided to embellish on his interest in golf course architecture while half way though college. While attending UC Santa Barbara, on track to earn a pre-law degree, Tood learned he'd need to major in landscape architecture in order to pursue his new goal. So, after fulfilling his degree from UC Santa Barbara and college golf commitment, Tood transferred to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, a great technical school, and went on to graduate with a degree in landscape architecture. Todd landed in Nashville, Tenn., working for Gary Roger Baird, which launched his career in design. Working for Gary Roger Baird, Todd gained a lot of wonderful experience and knowledge about how the industry works and the natural progression of a project, from the beginning with the first plans to finishing the project in the field – all facets of how a design office works. It was a tremendous experience. But Tood had his own ideas and wanted to implement them and create unique golf courses around the world. Todd Eckenrode left work with Gary and founded Origins Golf Design with partner Charlie Davison. Todd shares the following about designing golf courses in California. "There's so much that goes into building a golf course nowadays, especially in California, that golfers don't see. There are set-back issues that eat up acreage. There are mitigation measures, water quality standards in drainage ways that have to be met, and vegetative and species habitat controls. There are many levels of getting over these hurdles, and it takes a lot of diligence and creativity. You have to adjust because there will be hurdles you'll need to get over. It's not a simple process anymore. If you think your first routing plan is the one that's built, you're kidding yourself. Oftentimes it's the 20th routing plan that gets built. Trying to keep the 20th routing plan truly the best routing plan for the site is the challenge. But it's a fun ride. Fortunately, my design style, in working with the land and not against it, as well as our expertise in the environmental facets of the industry, enable us to achieve success as measured in the quality of the golf course and of the environment." Tood Eckerrode - Origins Golf Design Aiming for Minimal Impact on Golf Industry Travel Golf, Shane Sharp An eye for design Golf Course News, John Walsh |
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