Our primary goal in each project is to produce the most unique and natural product that also achieves the clients objectives. To begin each project we create or acquire the best possible base map to begin cataloging all aspects of the subject site in the greatest detail possible. This research not only yields information common to every site, but also identifies unique natural features that may be highlighted as a focal point for fairway landing areas or even green sites. In addition we also desire to illuminate any environmental or archeological characteristics that need to be avoided or otherwise preserved. This developing site inventory and analysis allows the further identification of the best golf corridors, sites and potential clubhouse locations.

Routing alternatives, various programming, and overall client goals are integrated into the planning process at this time to bring forth the strongest routing and land use pattern possible for the site. The best clubhouse site is also merged with the preferred routing, and as a result, many aesthetic, economic, and functional requirements are woven together to create the best in golf strategy, suitable and well located irrigation storage, necessary infrastructure and maximum golf course frontage.

Golf strategy and the best routing is further refined and detailed with the following design principles. Golf corridors and feature design is predicated on the x, y, and z dimension. Since golf is played in the vertical as well as the horizontal, much care is always taken to traverse changes in elevation. Extreme uphill playing holes are minimized or avoided by gaining elevation (by cart path) between the green and the next tee. Major downhill changes can be occasionally spectacular, but frequent drops which make more than one or two clubs difference also should be avoided by using valleys in the routing since just as the old railroad engineers knew, the easiest grade is up and down the valleys. Further, the terrain creates turns in the golf routing and the ball moves naturally with the terrain. The golf hole thus must flow with the ground and the landing area terrain determines strategy and green design; ie, a “cut” lie in the landing area; to a green site and green design that readily accepts fades and vice versa.

These green sites are preferably unique settings with good visual back drop and excellent air flow. Further, the landing areas need to be in especially well drained and ideally can be further enhanced by cross slope drainage swales that also visually define the landing area in terms of depth perception and the casting of natural shadows. The overall routing of a course should be especially sensitive to drainage patterns and subsequent topography so that good containment of the golf ball can be naturally achieved without excessive earthwork.

Finally, tees and especially green sites should be located so as to foster “shape in place” construction. This will supercharge playing and visual impact naturally with minimal import of dirt. Features designed and thus located will be subsequently enhanced even further whenever a minimal import of fill from lake construction is provided and utilized.

Budgeting and unit cost control measures are further introduced which provide limiting parameters for the production of construction documents. We then generate and furnish plans throughout the remainder of the project for bulk earth work, fairway cuts and fill, as well as green plans in three inch contours. To further maximize efficiency and creativity, we produce a unique three dimensional concept for shaping the entire course. In addition to the standard one foot contour grading plan, this technique portrays the look and character of landing areas, green sites, green surrounds, and other special features as they are planned to exist within the natural setting.

This procedure is also quite useful to owners to portray what the final product will look like prior to building, as well as to shapers who bulldoze the earth into the desired form. Thus the character and nature of the sketches are readily transformed into the built environment with much less changes subsequently needed, or required.