TRANSFORMATION OF GOLF RESORTS FROM

COLONIAL TO CONTEMPORARY ERA

BAR:613 RESEARCH THESIS

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND BUILDING SCIENCE
THE SCHOOL OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

SUBMITTED BY :
MACHARIA IAN WAMBUGU
REG. NO: B02/35672/2013
MACHARIA IAN WAMBUGU
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ABSTRACT

Golf course community developments exercise the unique opportunity of preserving and creating wildlife habitat. Industries
in the management and development of Golf Courses have become particularly cognizant of their environmental respon-
sibilities in recent times and are responsive to new research. This thesis research has a particular intent to provide guidance
and encouragement for Architects designing contemporary golf resorts. Specifically, the author analyzes the transformation
of golf courses and golf resorts and the trajectory they have taken to become more modern or more-so contemporary.

The author undertakes an authentication of how information was obtained for this study. This ranges from learning from
related selection of case studies, data collection techniques, literature review, assumptions made, limitations in the research
process and alternative methods used in the study.

The various facilities of the case studies examined are juxtaposed into a comparison which brings about an analysis which
relates them with similar cases in the world, hence determining the challenges that face the facility developments and pos-
sible solutions in form of recommendations. This is to match the new world trends in planning and design of spaces within
the golf facilities in Kenya. The author has chosen to study with the intension of investigating the various forces that influ-
ence the popularity of these spaces. These forces are both external (landscape design, built form, support facilities) as well as
internal (entrances, circulation, interior design-light, color, lines and texture, organization of space, thermal, comfort-visual
ventilation, acoustics and effect of external and internal sources of noise)

The author undertakes a study into the transformation of golf resorts from colonial to contemporary era hence the clarity of
the fact that the developments are changing to accomodate an elaborate and chic design of golf courses and club houses.
This transformation is in terms of materials, structure, layout, ventilation as well as orientation which helps derive appropri-
ate recommendations and conclusions.

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DECLARATION

This is my original work and to the best of my knowledge has not been presented for the award of any degree in this or any other
university.

Signed....................................................................................................Date.............................................................................................................
MACHARIA IAN WAMBUGU - STUDENT

This thesis is submitted in part fulfillment of the University of Nairobi examination board requirements for the award of the degree
of Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Nairobi

Signed....................................................................................................Date.............................................................................................................
Arch. KIGARA KAMWERU - TUTOR

Signed....................................................................................................Date..............................................................................................................
Arch. NORBERT MUSYOKI

Signed.....................................................................................................Date.............................................................................................................
Arch. MUSAU KIMEU - CHAIRMAN
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND BUILDING SCIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

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 DEDICATION

To God Almighty for being with me every step of this journey through Architecture school and all those who have been
involved in my study in whichever positive way

Thank you All

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My gratitude first goes to my Father and Mother; Dr. Nicholas Wambugu and Mrs. Irene Wambugu who have educated me toward
an independent mindset which is the greatest gift parents can give to their children.

My gratitude also goes to my loving family starting with my sister Angela Wambugu also pursuing dentistry at the university of Nai-
robi I wish her all the best while in university, my Uncle mr Gg Wambugu and cousins Wambugu Githumbi Wambugu and Wahome
Wambugu who are working in the construction industry for giving me exposure by letting me visit their sites to learn more about
construction.

My gratitude also goes to my tutor Arch. Kigara Kamweru for consistent guidance in my approach to the thesis for it has been very
fruitful in coming up with this write-up.

My gratitude goes to the year master Mr. Norbert Musyoki for tirelessly and motivationally pushing us through our last year of
study. With whom without we wouldn’t have managed to finish this study. You are well appreciated.

My gratitude also goes to all lecturers, department of Architecture and Building science; Chairman of the department Mr. Musau
Kimeu, Prof J. magutu, Mr. Kamau Karogi, Mr. Norbert Musyoki, Mr. Eluid Liku, Mr. Kahare Miano, Mr. Kamenju, Mr. Mr. Allan
Otieno, Mr. Adnan Mwakulomba, Mr. Oyaro, Mr. Kigara, Mr. Yusuf Ibrahim, and all whom I did not mention but are at heart, for
whom I own my University study.

Also give gratitude to my friends, Gabriel Njenga, Kasembeli Dan, Chris Ngare, Brian Nyabuti, Martin Perez, Timothy Wambua,
Emmanuel Mwangi, Githinji Muriuki, Kumary Kiunga, for encouraging me to finish school and join the outside world. Lastly grati-
tude goes to all my classmates for a great year experience in studio.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT...............................................................................................................................................................................................i
DECLARATION......................................................................................................................................................................................ii
DEDICATION..........................................................................................................................................................................................iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.....................................................................................................................................................................iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS..........................................................................................................................................................................v
LIST OF FIGURES....................................................................................................................................................................................ix
LIST OF TABLES.....................................................................................................................................................................................xi

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY......................................................................................................1
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT............................................................................................................1
1.3 RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES......................................................................................1
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS...........................................................................................................2
1.5 JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY.....................................................................................................2
1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION........................................................................................................2
1.7 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.................................................................................................2
1.8 CHAPTER BREAKDOWN OF THE STUDY..........................................................................3
CHAPTER 02: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON GOLF..........................................................................5
2.1.1 Origins.............................................................................................................................5
2.1.2 A Brief History of Golf..................................................................................................8
2.1.3 The Origins of Golf Course Architecture As A Profession......................................9
2.1.4 Golf ’s Axis Shifts to North America............................................................................10
2.2 CULTURAL CONTEXTS OF GOLF COURSES......................................................................11
2.3 GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION COMES OF AGE..........................................................11
2.3.1 Site Planning the Post North World War II Golf Course Community..................13
2.3.2 Golf Course Construction as a Mega-Engineering Project....................................14
2.3.3 Golf Course Construction as an Engineering Challenge........................................14
2.3.4 Grading and Mass Earthworks in Creating a Golf Course.....................................15
2.4 TECHNIQUES OF CONSTRUCTION...................................................................................16
2.4.1 Natural Verses Artificial Golf Courses......................................................................16
2.4.2 Concepts and Plans for Golf Course Construction.................................................16

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 2.5 CONSTRUCTION ISSUES....................................................................................................16
2.5.1 The Economics of Golf Development and the Future of the Industry.........19
2.5.2 Golf in the Global Economy..............................................................................20
2.5.3 Doctors Cite ‘Undervalued’ Health Benefits, Call for Inclusiveness............21
CHAPTER 03: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................24
3.2 RESEARCH PURPOSE AND STRATEGY.........................................................................24
3.2.1 The Rational behind the Case Study Method..................................................24
3.3 TIME HORIZON....................................................................................................................27
3.4 SAMPLE DESIGN..................................................................................................................27
3.5 DATA COLLECTION METHOD........................................................................................27
3.5.1 Primary Data Sources.........................................................................................27
3.5.2 Secondary Data Sources....................................................................................28
3.6 DATA ANALYSIS...................................................................................................................29
3.7 DATA PRESENTATION......................................................................................................29
CHAPTER 04: FIELD STUDY AND ANALYSIS
4.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................31
4.1.1 Golf Courses in Kenya......................................................................................32
4.2 THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY LODGE AND GOLF RESORT (FIELD WORK)...........34
4.2.2 Golf......................................................................................................................34
4.2.3 Great Rift Valley Lodge, Why?.........................................................................35
4.2.4 Awarded Resort.................................................................................................35
4.2.5 Star Gazing.........................................................................................................36
4.2.6 Hells Gate National Park Excursions.............................................................36
4.2.7 Eburu Forest Nature Walk................................................................................36
4.2.8 Property Amenities............................................................................................37
4.2.9 Design Analysis of GRVL Golf Resort...........................................................38
4.2.9.1 Infrastructure within the great Rift Valley Lodge Resort...........38
4.2.9.2 Landscaping elements....................................................................38
4.2.9.3 Ecology (Botany and Zoology).....................................................38
4.2.9.4 Neighbourhood Study....................................................................40
4.2.9.5 Sustainable options.........................................................................40
4.2.9.6 Climatic Analysis............................................................................40
4.2.9.7 Environmental...............................................................................44
4.2.9.8 Circulation.....................................................................................45

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 4.3 VIPINGO RIDGE GOLF RESORT (FIELD WORK)............................................................46
4.3.1 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................46
4.3.2 LOCATION..............................................................................................................46
4.3.3 DESIGN ANALYSIS OF VIPINGO RIDGE RESORT.......................................48
4.3.3.1 Facilities....................................................................................................48

CHAPTER 05: CASE STUDY PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

5.1 CASE STUDY 01: STEENBERG GOLF ESTATE AND PRIVATE GOLF CLUB.............53
5.1.1 Brief Description of the Project............................................................................53
5.1.2 Specifications in the Project.................................................................................55
5.1.3 Facilities in the Project...........................................................................................62
5.2 LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE CASE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS.....................69

CHAPTER 06: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................71
6.2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS.............................................................71
6.2.1 The Principle of Eco-Society...................................................................................71
6.2.2 The Principle of Culture..........................................................................................72
6.2.3 The Principle of Place-making...............................................................................72
6.3 RECOMMENDATIONS...........................................................................................................72
6.3.1 Generation of form..................................................................................................72
6.3.2 The Need for Innovative Design Solutions...........................................................73
6.3.3 The need for careful innovative planning.............................................................73
CHAPTER 07: REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................................................74

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LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 02
Fig. 2.1 The game of paganica being played by the Romans
Fig. 2.2 The game of chuiwan being played in the country china
Fig. 2.3 Michael Hurdzan an American Golf Course Architect
Fig. 2.4 St. Andrew’s ancient Golf Club located in scottland
Fig. 2.5 st. Andrews ancient Golf Club located in scottland source
Fig. 2.6 The ball they used in the chuiwan sport known as the wack
Fig. 2.7 Sir Walter Scott
Fig. 2.8 Gutty golf ball
Fig. 2.9 First open championship in Europe, John Ball
Fig. 2.10 Sample of dog leg left and dog leg right in that order
Fig. 2.11 Old Tom Morris on the golf course at St. Andrew’s
Fig. 2.12 Axes and Scythes sample pictures
Fig. 2.13 Steam shovel on site
Fig. 2.14 The country club, club house, in present state located in brookline, U.S.A
Fig. 2.15 The country club, in present state located in brookline, (golf course)U.S.A
Fig. 2.16 Horses pulling scraper pans across adorning fairways in its raw state
Fig. 2.17 GCBAA foundation logo, company is comprised of certified builders
Fig. 2.18 Sample aerial view of the NPB country club Real Estate and homes for sale around the golf course
Fig. 2.19 Aerial view of a double loaded fairway with no housing units on its sides
Fig. 2.20 Aerial view of a double loaded fairway with no housing units on its sides but subdivided plots
Fig. 2.21 Surveyors plan of a golf fairway which is computer generated
Fig. 2.22 Truly natural Sand Hills Golf course located in Nebraska, U.S.A
Fig. 2.23 Truly natural Bandon Dunes Resort Golf course located in the oregon Coast, U.S.A
Fig. 2.24 Truly natural Bandon Dunes Resort Golf course located in the Oregon coast, U.S.A
Fig. 2.25 tools of mass excavation
Fig. 2.26 Tools of mass excavation
Fig. 2.27 Golf holes architectutal concept plans
Fig. 2.28 Golf hole perspective that is sketched
Fig. 2.29 Computer program used to generate a golf course and its various aspects before construction
Fig. 2.30 computer program used to generate a golf course and its various aspects before construction
Fig. 2.32 PGA pro Scott Clelland coaching his club golf juniors

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CHAPTER 03
Fig. 3.1 Basic Research Cycle
Fig. 3.2 Basic Research Cycle
Fig. 3.3 Picture of the lounge at vipingo Ridge Club House
Fig. 3.4 Picture of a sampled green at the site of Steenberg golf club
Fig. 3.5 picture of the club house located in the Great Rift Valley Lodge
Fig. 3.6 100-meter tape measure for extensive measurements
Fig. 3.7 8-meter tape measure used for compact measurements
Fig. 3.8 A random residential floor plan for example purpose
Fig. 3.9 Sample cameraused to take pictures for the purpose of this study

CHAPTER 04
Fig. 4.0 Map of Great Rift Valley Lodge Golf Resort.
Fig. 4.1 Picture of club house
Fig. 4.2 picture of 18th green and rift valley basin
Fig. 4.3 picture of the curio shop
Fig. 4.4 picture of tennis court
Fig. 4.5 picture of bicycles used for bike riding
Fig. 4.6 picture of swimming pool
Fig. 4.7 picture of restaurant
Fig. 4.8 picture of bar
Fig. 4.9 picture of pedestrian paths
Fig. 4.10 picture of road network
Fig. 4.11 picture of storm water drainage
Fig. 4.12 picture of garden lights serviced by underground
Fig. 4.13 picture of zebra on golf course
Fig. 4.14 picture of rock gaden / landscape elements
Fig. 4.15 image showing location of Naivasha town on map
Fig 4.16 location of Vipingo golf Resort in kilifi
Fig 4.17 master plan of Vipingo golf Resort in kilifi
Fig. 4.18 One of the baths located in the villa
Fig. 4.19 view of the lounge
Fig. 4.20 view of swimming pool
Fig. 4.21 View of external facade of villa

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CHAPTER 05:
Fig. 5.1 The above mentioned golf club is located in Cape Town South Africa
Fig. 5.2 Map of steenberg golf estate
Fig 5.3 The golf course master plan
Fig 5.4 The 7th hole before completion
Fig 5.5 The 8th hole before completion
Fig. 5.6 view of hole number 1
Fig. 5.7 view of hole number 2
Fig. 5.8 view of hole number 3
Fig. 5.9 view of hole number 4
Fig. 5.10 view of hole number 5
Fig. 5.11 view of hole number 6
Fig. 5.12 view of hole number 7
Fig. 5.13 view of hole number 8
Fig. 5.14 view of hole number 9
Fig. 5.15 view of hole number 14
Fig. 5.16 view of hole number 15
Fig. 5.17 view of hole number 16
Fig. 5.18 view of hole number 18
Fig. 5.19 Standard luxury rooms
Fig. 5.20 Superior rooms
Fig. 5.21 Family Rooms
Fig. 5.22 Family Rooms
Fig. 5.23 Premier Suites
Fig. 5.24 Dutch East India Heritage Suites
Fig. 5.25 Cape Colonial Heritage Suite
Fig. 5.26 Khoi Khoi Heritage Suite

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LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.1 showing a comparative study of the three different case studies selected
Table 3.2 showing a comparative study of the three different case studies selected.

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 INTRODUCTION:TRANSFORMATION OF GOLF RESORTS FROM COLONIAL TO CONTEMPORARY ERA

1.1 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this thesis research is to provide guidance and encouragement for Architects de-
signing within golf course community developments. The thesis analyzes the transformation of golf
resorts from the colonial era to contemporary era of design. This study is chronological hence is a
breakdown of the transformation of the golf resorts club house from colonial era to the contempo-
rary era the likes of Royal golf club, Eldoret club, Karen country club and new courses like vipingo
ridge.
The information obtained for this study ranges from learning from related literature review, se-
lection of case studies, data collection techniques, assumptions made, limitations in the research
process and alternative methods used in the study.
The examination of various facilities of the case studies concerned and giving a comparison with
similar cases around the world. This is to match the new world trends in planning and design of
spaces within the golf facilities in Kenya.
The forces being investigated in design of these spaces include external i.e landscape design, built
form, support facilities, as well as internal entrances, circulation, interior design-light, colour, tex-
ture organization of space, comfort-visual, thermal, ventilation, acoustics and effect of external and
internal sources of noise.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The specific focus of this thesis research is to provide technical guidance and encouragement for
Architects designing contemporary golf courses. Developments like Royal golf club, Eldoret club,
Karen country club and new courses like vipingo ridge have been upgraded from the old colonial
era of design. The investigation is about the chronological transformation of golf resorts club hous-
es from the colonial designs to the contemporary chic designs which are generally more modern.
The thesis hence settles upon the idea that there is a continuation of change from the colonial era to
the modern era which is contemporary.
This thesis also seeks to investigate how Architecture serves the game of golf.
Whether there is a specific Architecture of a golf club.
How golf resorts carry the character of the area.

1.3 RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES.

• To analyse the transformation of golf resorts from the older colonial resorts to new contem-
porary golf resorts e.g vipingo ridge in kilifi.
• To investigate the use of modern eco-friendly golf course maintenance techniques e.g the
use of oxidation ponds and water recycling for irrigation of the golf courses.
• The main objective is to isolate the identity of the golf resorts to their time of construction
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 INTRODUCTION:TRANSFORMATION OF GOLF RESORTS FROM COLONIAL TO CONTEMPORARY ERA

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS.

• Is the change of design in golf resorts over time a chronological journey through time?
• If the transformation of these golf resorts is due to the availability of materials or the
choice of materials?
• If the transformation of these golf resorts is subject to principles of design or the design-
er’s preferences?

1.5 STUDY JUSTIFICATION & SIGNIFICANCE.

This study justifies the recreational purpose of golf resorts and more so seeks to determine the
cause and effect of its change from the colonial era to the contemporary era in the world over.
The selection of golf resorts rather than other establishments is due to their rich colonial heritage
and the fact that there are several of these golf resorts which are spread out through the country
as a result of the white settlers intending to carry the identity of these golf resorts to the towns
they settled in.
The significance of looking into golf resorts is in order to get a futuristic projection of how golf
resorts will be designed in the future and this will be beneficial to the Architects who will under-
take the design of these golf resorts.

1.6 SCOPE & LIMITATIONS OF STUDY.

This study limits itself to the chronological change of golf resorts from the olden colonial era
designs to the contemporary golf course designs the golf resorts include Royal golf club, Eldoret
club, Karen country club and new courses like vipingo ridge.

1.7 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The bulk of the analysis will be done through case studies because:
i)Material available for literature review is limited as few books dwell on the subject of residential
dwelling units in golf courses.
ii)Countrywide few golf courses with residential dwelling units have been completed.
The rest of the study will be undertaken through.
i)literature review.
ii)Verbal interviews with proprietors and users of the golf resorts.
iii)Observation of the spaces in use by the golf resorts members.

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INTRODUCTION:TRANSFORMATION OF GOLF RESORTS FROM COLONIAL TO CONTEMPORARY ERA

iv)verbal interviews with the consultants involved in the construction if possible.

v)Analysis of the developments within golf environments in the country and with the help of drawings if
available.

The author has decided to study an Architectural design of a golf resort like Royal golf club, Eldoret club, Ka-
ren country club and new courses like vipingo ridge and any other local architectural design of a golf resort
influenced by a change from colonial to contemporary architecture.

CHAPTER BREAKDOWN OF THIS STUDY

Chapter 1 - introduction
This is the introductory chapter and comprises of the introductory remarks into the study.It constitutes prob-
lem statement, aims and objectives, scope and limitations,research questions, research methodology as well
as chapter breakdown.it is a pacesetting chapter of what direction the study takes in subsequent chapters.

Chapter 2 - Literature Review

This chapter comprises of literature review of previous works by other scholars, some of which have been
quoted in this chapter and the sources appropriately acknowleded, purely for academic purposes.This helps
in understanding the subsequent study

Chapter 3 - Research Methodology

This chapter is the research methodology chapter.This is the sequential scientific way in which the author
collects and analyses data. This helps in further elaborating and justifying the information obtained as relia-
ble and thus can be depended upon .several methods have been used including observation, field work,pho-
tography and most importantly case studies.

Chapter 4 and chapter 5 - International case studies and local field work and analysis
This chapter is comprised of an array of 2 literature reviews dubbed case studies as well as field work analysis
for the purpose of this study.They are basically intended to be a precursor of world trend into the cultural
influence in the architectural design of golf courses.

Chapter 6 - Conclusions and Recomendations

This chapter is the broader view of conclusions.Chapter 3 and chapter 4 have been concluded at their level of
analysis yet this chapter gives overall conclusions for the entire study based combined analysis of the entire
study.The study closes with an appendix of bibliography.

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