Symbiotic relationship

We’re all aware of the current golf course construction boom taking place in our industry. In virtually every project undertaken across the country, one aspect is present: the golf course architect.

Selecting the right architect is one of the more critical decisions a club will make when implementing a project — if not the most critical. The architect wears several hats and is heavily involved in virtually every aspect of any project, including:

• Design
• Scope
• Sequence
• Specifications
• Member relations
• Contractor selection
• Communication
• Quality
• And, often, how successful the superintendent is in navigating and managing the implementation of the endeavor

As we continue to work with our clients supporting various aspects of golf course projects — and the architects working with them — we can’t help but view the process from the lens of a superintendent.

However, we find it relevant to relay some of the observations we have made from our new roles. First, the life of a golf course architect is by no means glamorous. These individuals usually live out of suitcases, airports and hotels. Second, they are often at the mercy of unrelenting, indecisive, uninformed individuals who, even with the best intentions, do not and likely never will understand what it takes to successfully do their job. (Sound familiar?) In addition, there aren’t enough of them to keep pace with the required scope of work found in today’s marketplace. They are stretched thin without the necessary human capital and resources to support the growth of their business. Although several architectural groups have already expanded their workforce and others are working to do so in the most expeditious manner, the industry is expanding faster than they can keep up.

Our intention of highlighting all those previous observations is not meant to make you feel sorry for golf course architects. Their chosen field also has plenty of benefits. However, a clearer understanding of the issues they commonly deal with can sometimes provide an improved means for relationship building, support and collaboration.

From a superintendent’s perspective, developing a productive, respectful, professional relationship with your golf course architect carries great significance. Having someone on your team to help navigate club politics, vouch for different methods and materials, and procure additional project investments are all vital aspects to help you succeed. A positive relationship with your architect will also enable the two of you to optimize the design for the agronomics and, consequently, optimize the agronomics for the design. Open, honest, direct conversations held with mutual respect and flanked by healthy accountability are not only beneficial — they’re necessary. A unified voice to lobby for a better schedule, enhanced scope or the contractor of choice will undoubtedly have a higher likelihood of resonating with your decision makers than segmented, unsupported recommendations independently delivered from one another.

The architect-superintendent relationship is truly symbiotic in every fashion. The best strategic, breathtaking designs will fail without great turf, and the best turf will not be fully valued if it’s grown on an unplayable or uninspired design. It is undoubtedly in both parties’ best interest to work together in every facet and support one another to the greatest extent possible.

Just like superintendents, architects are a different and diverse breed. Some are analytical, some are artists, some are a blend of both. Connecting with your architect by supporting their challenges and accentuating their strengths professionally and personally will allow each of you to productively collaborate with each other and reap the benefits of a great project.