Design Philosophy
The classic architectural style of Kyle Phillips is founded on letting the natural lay of the land dictate the course, avoiding moving the earth whenever possible. The result at Morgan Creek is remarkable, created landforms remain indistinguishable from the original landscape, and the terrain is so natural that it lends to the player a distinct feeling that the course wasn’t so much built, as discovered. And always, the course will challenge – demanding equal parts intellect and ability.
Course Architect
During his 16 years with Robert Trent Jones II, Kyle Phillips designed courses in more than 20 countries: an anthology which garnered him international acclaim as one of today’s most gifted architects. His extensive study and passion for the Heathland courses of the late 1800’s infuses his masterpiece at Morgan Creek. As a pioneer of a new era of naturalism, Phillips pays homage to both the classic course architecture and the softly rolling foothills of the Sierra here at Morgan Creek.
Heathland
The Heathland’s fine fescues grasses are ideal for golf – fast and firm for generous bounce and roll. Because some of golf’s greatest pioneering architects carved their masterpieces on this type of terrain, their architectural style has become synonymous with Heathland design. Phillips has paid due homage to these traditions. With fearsome, powerful bunkers and large, rippled greens Morgan Creek evokes the ancient, pastoral courses of the lowlands of England and Scotland. It is truly America’s Heathland.
