We just wrapped up a damn cool project with Fried Egg Golf Club members. Over the last couple months we held a contest in which FEGC members could design a par 3 and have it built in real life. Working alongside Andy Staples and Breezy Point Resort, the project required a design that took inspiration from a hole that already exists, be it a template hole or otherwise. The winning design would become the first hole at Ace Valley, the new course at the resort, adding another element to the contest, as it will be the first shots that people hit. We expected some creativity, and FEGC delivered.
After sifting through all the designs, debating the 12 semifinalists, and an overall membership vote on the four finalists, I am excited to announce that FEGC member Kevin Ridgway is our winner! Kevin was one of many to enter a Double Plateau as a submission, but he thought outside the box to make his design stand out.
Photo of the winning design
Modeled after the first hole at Prestwick, the winning entry is not only a creative use of a template but also incorporates a piece of golf history. “Kevin’s design encapsulates the essence of what we were setting out to accomplish with this design competition,” Staples told us after we let him know the winning design. “It is a hole that many golfers may not know about and haven’t played before. It will be a perfect educational piece, and perhaps can even be an accepted template for future designs.”
{{hole-design-contest-double-plateau-gallery}}
What really made Kevin’s design stand out from the pack was the playability. Yes, it’s a difficult shot to get close when the pin is on one of the tiers, but it’s a design that lets any player use creativity around the green, be it a chip from the short grass or a shot against the wall. Asked why he ultimately decided on this as his final design, Kevin said, “I chose a Double Plateau green because I love the way it makes you think. It offers so much variety in the way you can play into the multiple tiers. In this case, I wanted the depth of the green against the wall to allow higher handicap golfers to hit low running shots onto the green (and even bounce it off the wall if they want). But it still challenges lower handicap players who will likely go airborne.”
From here, Staples and his team get to work bringing Kevin’s design to life. In the summer of 2027, when the course opens for play, Kevin will be on site to experience his design in person.
Knowing that people will be attempting to hold plateaus and hit bank shots off a wall designed by a Fried Egg Golf Club member is a pinch-me moment in this job. We always knew FEGC would be a great place for golf enthusiasts to gather and discuss this silly sport. That it has become a community that offers opportunities to bring our passions to life is an amazing thing to experience. And it’s only possible because of the support from everyone who has supported us over the years.
As Andy and Brendan say, Fried Egg Golf Club really is the hottest club in town. And all are welcome to join and experience it with us.
