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Step 2: Choosing a Golf Course Architect
Not sure where to turn for designing your course?
In a perfect world, there would be a single resource –
an organization made up of the most acclaimed and experienced
professionals in the business. Fortunately, the Association
of Golf Course Architects was founded in 1946 for this very
purpose.
 What a Golf Course
Architect Brings to the Table
A professionally designed course reflects the training and
experience of the architect. On the other hand, improperly
built greens that soon require rebuilding, poor drainage that
leaves standing water around the course, dangerous traffic
patterns that can cause serious accidents, and short range
planning that increases maintenance costs in the future are
some of the problems that stem from faulty design and construction.
The game of golf and its myriad of subtleties
developed through the years is the catalyst that must be incorporated
into every design decision. Therefore, your course cannot
and should not be approached simply as an exercise in landscape
architecture. Nor can it be looked upon simply as a major
construction project. Your golf course architect, much like
a musical conductor, must blend a variety of disciplines into
a worthwhile and unique project. This is the point at which
golf course architecture moves from a profession to an art.
Coordinates Work in Many
Areas
Only through a thorough knowledge of the game
of golf can the architect develop a true understanding of
strategy, shot value, limitations of players and equipment, and
realistic design possibilities. Today’s golf course
architect also must have the training and experience to coordinate
work in other areas.
Landscape Architecture: Only the most
competent land sculptors can design courses that are compatible
with the natural landscape, while also properly featuring
and preserving the surroundings.
Civil Engineering: A knowledge of surveying,
how to operate a transit and level, aerial photography and
topographic maps is basic to planning the routing of the course.
Hydraulic Engineering: Design of irrigation
systems demands understanding of hydraulics, pumps, piping
systems, creation of ponds, lagoons, waterways, etc.
Agrostology: A solid background in turf
culture and care is critical when specifying and preparing
turf areas.
Heavy Construction: The considerable
earth moving necessary to build a golf course requires an
understanding of heavy equipment and its capabilities.
Plans, Specifications: Detailed plans
and specifications covering all phases of construction, clearing,
excavation of ponds or lakes, grading, irrigation installation,
green and tee construction, planting of grass and trees, and
early maintenance must be prepared.
Cost Estimating: The preparation of
plans and specifications makes it possible to present realistic
budgets so that adequate financing can be arranged.
Since golf course architecture is such a specialized
field, each new project requires solutions for specific problems
of earth moving, drainage, pond or lake design, irrigation,
water supply, conservation of trees, and ecological considerations.
Therefore, fees for professional service are at relatively
higher levels than those which might be applicable for standard
architectural or engineering work.
The Golf Course Design
Process
The golf course design process is complex, yet each step helps
ensure that a course will be enjoyed for many years.
Here are key steps that your golf course architect
may take during planning and construction:
- Preliminary Site Survey
- Program Development
- Preliminary Design Studies and Cost Estimate
- Preparation of Master Development Plan and Final Cost
Estimate
- Inspection of Construction
- Implementation of Golf Course Operation and Maintenance
- Checklist of Follow-up Procedures
Next: Site
Selection
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