Grand Designs

While the world basks in the afterglow of a successful London Games, the man charged with designing the course that will host the re-introduction of golf to the Olympic arena after a 122 year hiatus – Gil Hanse – has his eyes firmly focussed on Rio 2016.

It's been some months since the excitement of the bid announcement for you, has the enormity of it sunk in yet for Amy Alcott and yourself?

I know that for us, it has been quite an exciting time. I am guessing that for Amy, who has had a Hall of Fame career in golf, this is a little bit more in line with ‘usual’, but we are truly excited for the opportunity and we understand that there is a great deal of responsibility that comes with this selection.

Our goal all along has been to do what we do best, not to change our methodology based on the enormity of the project, and most importantly not to try and do too much to the golf course. The notion of restraint in design is one that we will constantly be reminding ourselves of.

How much time do you both intend to spend in Rio on-site during construction over the next few years?

I plan on being on-site for the vast majority of the construction process; my family will move down to Rio with me so that we can dedicate the time that we feel is necessary. My design partner, Jim Wagner, will also be on-site with me for long periods of time, and our shapers, Neil Cameron and Kyle Franz, will also be moving down there as well.

Are you aware if they have decided on a name for the golf course as yet?

No, at this time there has been no decision on the name. I have not been privy to any conversations about this topic so I am not sure where they stand on it.

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Written by Paul Prendergast

Photography by Courtesy of Hanse Golf Course Design

Click here to see the published article.

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