Mackenzie's Ideal Golf Course Design Principles

Golf Lists view of Alister Mackenzie

When it comes to golf course architecture, few names are as revered as Dr. Alister MacKenzie. His legacy spans continents, from the acclaimed Augusta National in North America to the West Course at Royal Melbourne in Australia. MacKenzie's visionary designs and principles heavily influence the Golf Lists approach to reviewing golf courses.

MacKenzie's courses are characterized by their seamless integration into the natural landscape. He championed the idea that a golf course should enhance, not detract from, the inherent beauty of its location. The artistry in his courses, from the undulating fairways to the meticulously designed bunkers, reflects his genius. The bunkers, often seen as his courses' standout features, were carefully constructed with a blend of strategy and deception in mind, often guiding or challenging players in their shots.

Golf Lists use MacKenzie’s design principles as a sense check for all our golf course reviews; you can review them below.

Mackenzie's Ideal Golf Course Design Principles

(Source: Golf Architecture: Economy in Course Construction and Green-Keeping by Alister Mackenzie )

1. The course, where possible, should be arranged in two loops of nine holes.

2. There should be a large proportion of good two-shot holes, two or three drive-and-pitch holes, and at least four one-shot holes.

3. There should be little walking between the greens and tees, and the course should be arranged so that in the first instance there is always a slight walk forwards from the green to the next tee; then the holes are sufficiently elastic to be lengthened in the future if necessary.

4. The greens and fairways should be sufficiently undulating, but there should be no hill climbing.

5. Every hole should have a different character.

6. There should be a minimum of blindness for the approach shots.

7. The course should have beautiful surroundings, and all the artificial features should have so natural an appearance that a stranger is unable to distinguish them from nature itself.

8. There should be a sufficient number of heroic carries from the tee, but the course should be arranged so that the weaker player with the loss of a stroke or portion of a stroke shall always have an alternative route open to him.

9. There should be infinite variety in the strokes required to play the various holes — viz., interesting brassy shots, iron shots, pitch and run-up shots.

10. There should be a complete absence of the annoyance and irritation caused by the necessity of searching for lost balls.

11. The course should be so interesting that even the plus man is constantly stimulated to improve his game in attempting shots he has hitherto been unable to play.

12. The course should be so arranged that the long handicap player, or even the absolute beginner, should be able to enjoy his round in spite of the fact that he is piling up a big score.

13. The course should be equally good during winter and summer, the texture of the greens and fairways should be perfect, and the approaches should have the same consistency as the greens.