Bruce Hepner has been working with Tom since 1994 following four years with Ron Forse and a career in auto design prior to that. Bruce brings a big-picture approach to each project he handles, making sure all the component pieces mesh well in scale and composition. In addition to his work on new designs, Bruce is also the company's most prolific consultant, watching over and protecting fine courses like Cape Arundel, Ekwanok and Canterbury Golf Club to name a few.
What is the most underrated part of design?
"Properly handled, the transition from maintained fairway to native vegetation is virtually unnoticeable, allowing the golf course to blend seamlessly into the land. Much of our recent work has been on sites where turf grass does not naturally exist, like in the desert or arid dunes land, and we've spent an enormous amount of time making these transitions believable. It is a challenge we know we've met when the finished golf course looks and feels like it has always existed."
What is a favorite hole that you’ve worked on?
"The 18th hole at Ballyneal brings the golfer home in balance, connecting the rugged, 'chop hills' section of land into the quieter side of the property. The roller coaster ride of the previous holes is an exhilarating test of mind and body. This hole brings you back to center without trying too hard to catch up to the rest of the golf course. It is a fitting end to a great round of golf."
