An Interview with Greg Muirhead about designing "The Shoe"
Golf course architect Greg Muirhead, renowned for his work with Rees Jones Inc. on some of the world’s most celebrated courses, lent his expertise to Golden Horseshoe Golf Club’s latest offering: The Shoe, a new 9-hole par-3 course at Colonial Williamsburg Resorts. In a recent interview, Muirhead shared insights into the design process, the unique challenges of crafting a par-3 course, and how this new addition complements the historic offerings of the Gold and Green courses.
A New Opportunity for Colonial Williamsburg
When Greg first received the call about designing The Shoe, he was immediately excited. The project presented a unique opportunity to enhance the golf experience at Colonial Williamsburg. "You’ve got the legendary Gold Course, with its storied history, and then the more modern Green Course, which offers a very different experience with its forested setting. The Shoe offers something fresh—a new and fun experience that will attract golfers of all ages and skill levels," Muirhead explained. With The Shoe, golfers will now have access to a new and exciting challenge, offering a different kind of experience that complements the resort’s existing courses.
A Smaller Footprint, Big Fun
Known for working on expansive, high-profile courses, including the 7,100-yard Green Course, Muirhead found the change of pace with The Shoe to be a rewarding experience. Designing a par-3 course on a smaller piece of land allows for a more compact, fun-oriented approach. "The strategy is still to create challenge and interest, but we lean more towards fun and creativity. It's not about the same level of difficulty you’d find on a regulation course. Here, it's all about accessibility, enjoyment, and creating features that appeal to a wide range of golfers," he said.
The challenge with a par-3 course lies in making each hole distinct and exciting, while keeping the design user-friendly. "Every hole presents a different setting and strategy. We want players to experience something new on each hole," Muirhead noted.
Signature Holes: Fun and Challenge Combined
Though all of the holes on The Shoe are designed to offer fun and engaging challenges, a few stand out. Muirhead points to the fourth and sixth holes as particularly interesting examples. The fourth hole is a long, downhill par-3 that will test players' precision, while the sixth hole features a unique backboard design. The backboard, maintained at collar height, allows players to hit a shot past the green and watch the ball roll back towards the hole. "This is a feature you might not see on larger courses, but here, where the emphasis is on fun, it creates a real possibility for a hole-in-one," he said.
A Course for Everyone
One of the greatest strengths of The Shoe is its ability to attract golfers of all backgrounds. Muirhead believes that this course will become an essential part of the Williamsburg golf experience, complementing both the Gold and Green courses. "It’s what’s in vogue right now in golf—offering a course that appeals to all ages and skill levels," Muirhead explained. The Shoe will cater to beginners, seasoned players, and anyone in between, offering a quicker and more accessible alternative to the traditional 18-hole rounds.
For the seasoned golfer who may not have time for a full 18-hole round, The Shoe offers an ideal solution, allowing them to enjoy a round in less time while still experiencing the thrill of a quality course. "This is a great place to introduce new golfers to the game, and it also offers a more relaxed, fun experience for those who have been playing for decades but don’t have the time for a full challenge," Muirhead added.
The Legacy of The Shoe
Looking ahead, Muirhead envisions The Shoe becoming a key part of Colonial Williamsburg’s golfing legacy. Just as the Gold and Green courses have become staples for golfers from across the globe, The Shoe has the potential to introduce new generations to the sport. "I hope that one day, people will look back and say, 'I played my first round of golf on The Shoe. That’s where it all began for me,'" Muirhead said.
This course isn't just for experienced players—it's for families, beginners, and everyone in between. In decades to come, Muirhead hopes that The Shoe will be a place where grandparents introduce their grandchildren to the game, creating lasting memories for generations to come.
A Warm Welcome Awaits
The design of The Shoe reflects a passion for creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for golfers at all skill levels. It’s a new chapter for Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, adding a lighter, more fun course to complement the challenges of the Gold and Green courses. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned pro, The Shoe is sure to provide a memorable golfing experience for all.
Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting new course takes shape, and prepare to experience the fun and challenge of The Shoe soon!
