| Since we are primarily a golf course
architectural firm with additional capabilities in land
planning and landscape architecture, almost all of
our work consists of designing golf courses from
master plan thru construction documents and construction inspection.
A typical golf course project scenario is as follows:
Phase I – Master Plan
The existing site is analyzed through topography maps, site
visits, aerial photographs, etc. in order to locate where
the golf course may best be located, away from sensitive environmental
areas or large beautiful trees. The master plan is then prepared
showing the location of each golf hole, the clubhouse, access
road with parking, maintenance building, driving range, practice
putting and chipping greens plus any other features that the
owner is interested in locating. Once the owner approves this
plan the construction document phase is started.
Phase II – Construction Documents
These plans show the detailed grading of the golf course in
two foot contours with blow ups of the greens, all drainage
pipe, irrigation and other features needed for the construction
of the golf course by a qualified golf course contractor.
We also include detailed specifications, which are the basic
“nuts and bolts” of the project. For example, specifying
the type of greens mix (sand particle size, etc.), drainage
pipe, irrigation pipe and sprinkler heads, turf type, fertilizer,
excavation requirements, etc. Throughout this phase we work
with environmental engineers and civil engineers to make sure
the golf course does not have a negative impact on the environment
and that the plans can be approved thru local regulatory agencies.
Phase III – Construction Project
Bidding and Contracting
Once the construction documents have been approved, we assist
the owner in bidding the project to qualified golf course
contractors. Since our plans are very detailed, we can give
our plans to several contractors who will all be bidding “apples
to apples,” and as a result, we are able to obtain a
very competitive price proposal.
Phase IV – Construction Inspection
During construction we perform periodic construction inspections,
usually two (2) site visits per month to ensure that the golf
course is being constructed to meet our design intent. We
can provide continuous on-site inspection for the duration
of the project if the owner wishes. Normally we recommend
that the owner hire his greens superintendent at the beginning
of construction and have him act as the day to day construction
inspector making sure the pipe installed is the right size
and type, etc. This also allows the greens superintendent
to learn where everything is located on the golf course. |
