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Read Baxter's feature interview on
Golf Club Atlas
Visit our Course Layout Section to see how Baxter describes the course, and gives tips on how to play it.

Robert Baxter Spann, ASLA
"This has been the most interesting and spectacular site I have ever had the opportunity to work with. The combination of on-site land forms and off-site views is second to none. We were given some 1500 acres to work with and the various possibilities and choices that were out there were somewhat overwhelming at first. But gradually you discover certain areas of the property that you want to be sure to use and become aware of other parts that are difficult or prohibitive to use, and the routing evolves from that. In addition, while there are no immediate plans to construct it, we wanted to have the flexibility to add another eighteen holes on the property at some point in the future.

Our design concept was to create as wide a variety of holes as possible, with each having its own memorable features that set it apart from the others. Dramatic bunkering and green contouring in keeping with the scale of the natural landforms are featured here, rather than extreme overall length. Wind is a major influence on this site, and we wanted a course that would be fun and challenging in calm conditions, but yet not impossibly difficult on the frequent days when it is blowing thirty or forty miles an hour.

The site has a wild Irish links look to it, particularly in the spring after a wet winter when the native grasses are leafy and blowing in the breeze. In keeping with this spirit, we incorporated some hidden target areas and semi-blind uphill shots which will require some local knowledge and familiarity with the course to negotiate successfully.

I can say that more than any other project, I eagerly anticipated every trip I made to this course during design and construction, always knowing I would find something new to experience and work with. I hope that golfers will feel the same way about Black Mesa."


Baxter Spann is Vice-President of Finger Dye Spann, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from Louisiana State University and is a Registered Landscape Architect in the States of Texas and Louisiana. Mr. Spann is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

A member of the Finger Dye Spann, Inc. design team since 1979, Mr. Spann has developed successful designs on some of the most demanding projects undertaken by the firm. His work includes master planning for golf course/residential developments and numerous remodeling projects, as well as dealing with environmental issues relating to golf course development.