Plover Cove Blends the Art and Science of Golf Course Design

Below are excerpts from an article that originally appeared in Golf Course Industry.

Plover Cove Golf Club is entering a landmark new phase of development following the recent groundbreaking of its clubhouse, while construction continues to gather momentum on what will become Hong Kong’s first private golf development in nearly 50 years.

As work progresses across the spectacular site overlooking Tolo Harbour, golf course architects Dana Fry and Jason Straka recently returned to Hong Kong for a latest site visit to their debut project in the city.

Speaking on-site during the visit, the Fry/Straka design team shared the philosophy behind crafting a course that maximizes the dramatic natural views of Tolo Harbour while responding thoughtfully to the region’s environmental and climatic challenges, with a long-term vision centered around sustainability, playability and lasting generational value.

Plover Cove Golf Club is being built on restored landfill in one of the world’s most densely populated cities. How do you approach designing a championship course under these constraints?
It’s an incredible honor to be designing a new golf course in Hong Kong, especially given how rare opportunities like this are. In a city with such high density, there are very few sites where a project of this scale is even possible.

What makes Plover Cove particularly special is that it’s being developed on a reclaimed landfill, or what we call a “brownfield” site. These are areas that have previously been underutilized, and transforming them into something meaningful, both for sport and the environment, is a rare opportunity.

Environmental design is core to our philosophy. Beyond creating a golf course, we’re enhancing the ecosystem, planting thousands of trees and introducing diverse vegetation, while also protecting existing habitats, including areas used by protected bird species.

What were the key engineering considerations in bringing this design to life?
One of the defining engineering elements is the scale of the retaining structures across the site. By the end of the project, there will be thousands of meters of retaining walls, which are essential in shaping playable landforms from what is effectively a large domed landfill.

These structures allow us to create flatter, functional playing areas while still working with the natural topography. The goal is not to flatten the site entirely, but to make it playable while retaining character.

Given the constraints, we are designing within much tighter corridors than typical golf courses, which adds a layer of complexity rarely seen globally.

How complex is this project compared to others you’ve worked on?
This is one of the most complex projects we’ve undertaken. It involves a large network of consultants, including civil engineers, drainage specialists and environmental experts.

Unlike more expansive sites where routing is flexible, here we are fitting 18 holes into a highly constrained footprint, while ensuring safety, playability and strategic integrity. It’s not just difficult, it’s highly technical and collaborative at every stage.

How does topography influence the design of the course?
Topography is central to the identity of the course. The site features significant elevation changes, and these directly influence how holes are designed and experienced.

We carefully consider how each hole plays, uphill, downhill, or across slopes, as well as how bunkers, tees and greens are positioned within that terrain. These elements shape both the challenge and the memorability of the course.

The visual framing of holes, what players see and remember, is heavily driven by these landforms.

Are there any standout or signature holes?
The 12th hole is likely to become a signature. It features a drop of approximately 13 meters, with expansive views of the sea, mountains and Hong Kong’s urban backdrop. It’s a visually dramatic hole that captures the essence of the site.

The finishing stretch near the harbor, particularly around the clubhouse, will also be a defining feature of the course experience.

In addition, several holes incorporate streams and water features, including waterfalls. These are not only strategic hazards but also enhance the sensory experience, players can both see and hear the water, which adds a calming yet dynamic dimension.

What are the challenges of integrating water features into the design?
Water features introduce multiple layers of complexity. From a design standpoint, they must be carefully positioned, whether running alongside a hole, crossing it, or protecting greens, to ensure they enhance strategy rather than feel arbitrary.

From an engineering perspective, there are also considerations around circulation and access, including how golf carts and players move across these features safely.

There’s also a strategic dimension, ensuring water hazards are positioned in ways that challenge players appropriately, whether on the left, right or directly in front of play.

How do you ensure the course is both challenging and playable?
Balance is key. The course is designed to challenge skilled players while remaining accessible to a wider range of golfers.

Different holes will favor different shot shapes. For example, some may suit a right-to-left ball flight, while others favor the opposite. This ensures fairness and variety throughout the round.

Importantly, from the forward tees, there are no forced carries, a deliberate design decision to ensure that less experienced players can still enjoy the course without excessive difficulty.

Which holes might present the greatest difficulty?
Difficulty varies depending on the player. For example, hole No. 18 may be more challenging depending on shot shape and how the hole is approached.

Other holes introduce difficulty through forced carries or water placement. For instance, No. 5 features water running along the left side of the green and cutting across the front, which can be particularly challenging for certain players.

Interestingly, water directly off the tee is generally less of an issue for experienced golfers, but can be more intimidating for beginners, so difficulty is always relative.

Sustainability is central to the project, how is that reflected in the design?
Sustainability is embedded throughout the project. One major innovation is the use of next-generation Zoysiagrass, which can reduce irrigation needs by 40 to 50 percent compared to traditional Bermudagrasses, and potentially reduce agrochemical use by up to 90 percent.

We are also implementing a sand capping and advanced drainage system, which ensures excellent water management. Even after heavy rainfall, the course will remain firm, fast and playable, with minimal disruption.

A key environmental feature is the rainwater harvesting system, which captures runoff from the site and recycles it for irrigation. This reduces water waste and helps protect Tolo Harbour from excess discharge.

Can you explain the turfgrass selection and its significance?
Traditionally, Zoysiagrasses fell into two categories: one that was more cold-tolerant but coarse, and another that performed well in warm climates but lacked resilience.

The grasses being used here are hybrids that combine both heat and cold tolerance, while also offering a finer texture for improved playing conditions.

We are also incorporating low-mow turf varieties, sometimes referred to as “low rider” grasses, which may only require mowing twice a year. This significantly reduces labor, fuel use and overall environmental impact.

Click here to read the full article on golfcourseindustry.com.