Arno Kamphuis Golf Design

Joost Luiten Green Course Delfland

For Golf Course Delfland and the Joost Luiten Foundation, I proudly designed, in coorporation with Mart Jan Groenendijk and Joost Luiten, the inaugural Joost Luiten Green Course a pioneering venture in the Netherlands! This captivating nine-hole course offers a diverse range of challenges, from intimate 8-meter putts to strategic 25-meter 'drives'. While putter play reigns supreme, strategic chip-tees invite golfers to refine their short game. To ensure enjoyment for all, I've incorporated shorter tees for junior and senior players, along with playful elements like a looping track, a charming bridge, and intriguing tunnels. In essence, this delightful miniature golf course promises hours of fun for golfers of every age.

Golf Magazine and Nicklaus Design Competition 2020

In the prestigious 2020 competition hosted by Golf Magazine and Jack Nicklaus Golf Design, I unveiled a captivating 442-yard par 4. This risk-reward masterpiece unfolds within a dramatic sandy forest, sculpted by the forces of nature over millennia. Towering mounds, deep hollows, and shimmering meres punctuate the landscape, while ancient sandr, remnants of the last ice age, challenge every stroke.

The dogleg fairway, bisected by a rugged waste area, presents a strategic dilemma. The conventional route follows the initial fairway, culminating in a strategic layup guided by natural hills. From this vantage point, a graceful draw navigates the remaining 170 yards towards the inviting green, aided by a prevailing right-to-left breeze.

For the audacious, a daring tee shot can soar over the waste area, landing directly on the second fairway. This audacious play, when executed flawlessly, leaves a mere 110 yards to the green, seemingly a shortcut to glory. However, the allure of this risk can be deceptive. When the pin graces the right side of the green, this daring approach becomes a blind and treacherous endeavor, with the wind conspiring to push errant shots towards the menacing mere.

This hole demands thoughtful course management from every golfer, irrespective of skill level. My design garnered significant acclaim, securing a third-place finish and capturing the attention of the national media.

Ray Haddock Lido Prize Competition 2020

For the prestigious Ray Haddock Lido Design Competition of 2020, I crafted a captivating 155-yard par 3. Situated on a picturesque inland site, this course evokes the spirit of a classic links, with sweeping sandy terrain and dramatic undulations. The absence of trees allows the prevailing westerly winds to dictate play, demanding precision and a low flight.

This par 3 exemplifies the course's strategic character. The undulating landscape encourages creative shot-making, forcing players of all skill levels to carefully plot their approach. The back tees present a formidable challenge to accomplished golfers, while the forward tees offer a more forgiving yet equally engaging experience for novices.

The green, positioned diagonally to the back tee, introduces a strategic element. Conversely, the forward tees align more directly with the green, ensuring a more approachable target for less experienced players.

The bunkers strategically placed near the green pose a subtle yet significant threat. The prevailing wind consistently pushes shots towards these traps, while the collection area to the left eagerly awaits errant shots. The undulating fairway and a strategically placed bunker further complicate approach shots, demanding accurate club selection and precise execution.

The two trees behind the green provide a visual landmark, aiding players in identifying the ideal line. For those playing from the forward tees, the shorter distance to the fairway bunker and the generous landing area behind it offer a more manageable challenge.

The smaller greenside bunkers, deeply nestled behind a mound, present a formidable obstacle to attacking right-back pin positions. The green itself offers a variety of pin placements, ranging from relatively benign forward positions to highly challenging back pins, ensuring ongoing interest and variety.

Ray Haddock Lido Prize Competition 2022

For the prestigious 2022 Ray Haddock Lido Design Competition, I conceived 'Mount Risky,' a captivating 415-yard par 4. This two-shot dog leg gracefully follows the undulating contours of a windswept, gorse-strewn landscape near the sea. The interplay of wind and terrain provides a thrilling challenge, offering a rewarding experience for golfers of all abilities.

The tee shot demands a strategic decision. Players can opt for the conventional fairway, where wind and terrain can be advantageous, or embark on a daring adventure towards the hidden fairway perched atop a natural mount. A yawning bunker lurks below, ready to swallow errant drives.

The approach to the green presents a unique dilemma. From the conventional fairway, the green lies obscured. However, from the elevated mount, players face a challenging downhill shot. The undulating green, guarded by two deep bunkers concealed from view, demands precision. A bailout area lies to the left, offering a refuge for errant approaches.

With multiple flag positions, 'Mount Risky' ensures a diverse and engaging playing experience, captivating golfers with its strategic challenges and dramatic coastal setting.

Ray Haddock Lido Prize Competition 2024

For the 2024 Ray Haddock Lido Design Competition, I introduced 'Wooden Shoe,' a 379-yard par 4 that pays homage to the site's unique heritage.

Decades ago, a Dutch merchant envisioned a serene park within this ancient Sweetgum forest in southern Connecticut. Today, this idyllic haven is evolving into an 18-hole golf course. 'Wooden Shoe' reflects this transition, seamlessly integrating the existing landscape while preserving its natural beauty.

The dogleg right gracefully navigates around mature trees, demanding accuracy and strategic shot-making. The fairway, flanked by towering trees and strategically placed bunkers, presents a formidable challenge.

The approach, spanning 100 yards, culminates at a diminutive green guarded by bunkers. A deceptive front bunker often misleads players, while the firm, undulating green, a product of the well-drained forest soil, demands precision and finesse on the greens.

For the adventurous, an alternate route beckons. A narrow gap between the trees and a cluster of bunkers offers a clear approach to the green. However, this daring play requires a perfectly placed tee shot to a small section of fairway, demanding both courage and skill.

'Wooden Shoe' is a testament to the harmonious integration of golf with the natural environment, a tribute to the park's rich history, and a captivating challenge for golfers of all levels.