Connect on The Merger for Family Fun & Friendly Competition

Completed in fall 2025 as the newest addition to the golf experience at Barnsley Resort, The Merger 18-hole Himalayas style putting course offers a fun and exciting new way for guests and resort golf club members to come together for camaraderie and competition. Special events such as ongoing Family Fun Putting Tournament at The Merger and Masters at The Merger viewing parties create fun ways to activate the course. Designer Bill Bergin, ASGCA, of Atlanta’s Bergin Golf Design, shares some background about the design and development of The Merger (including the name). 

For those unfamiliar, what makes the Himalayas putting greens special in golf history?
As mentioned previously, Himalayas is the name of the Ladies Putting Club green at St. Andrews.  As far as I know, it would be the impetus of all of these type of facilities.   

How would you describe a putting course for someone who is not very familiar with golf? 
A putting course would typically be more heavily contoured than a green that you would find on a golf hole.  It would also be significantly larger, with putts of a wide variety of lengths.   

Were there specific elements of those courses you wanted to reinterpret at Barnsley?
Our location at Barnsley dictated much of the design.  Wedged between the pool (link) area and the lake in front of Woodlands (link), The Merger has such an appealing location.  Long and thin, it sets up well for an out-and-back routing of holes.    

How do undulations and contours affect the game?  
The undulations combined with hole positioning can create an endless number of layout options.  Great care with fun in mind should be taken during setup.  It is ok to push holes to the edge of fairness, as we are trying to explore the entire gamut of options on this green. 

How did you design the course to be engaging for both casual players and serious golfers?
Both groups will find this a fun spot to enjoy camaraderie and golf.  Serious golfers might just take on a more competitive attitude! 

How do you envision different groups—families, kids, avid golfers—using the course?
Golf can feel intimidating if you don’t play, and it’s a hard game to just pick up. That’s why we created a space where both golfers and non-golfers can come to laugh, play, and have fun without pressure. It’s a place where anyone—especially kids and beginners—can have a quality experience, build confidence, and leave saying, “I want to do that again.” The goal is always to leave people wanting more. 

Why did you suggest it be named The Merger?
I suggested the name The Merger because this course is all about bringing people together. It’s a natural gathering place, whether for weddings (link), business outings (link), or simply friends spending time before or after a round of golf. Barnsley itself so beautifully and naturally fosters connection, and this course extends that spirit.