According to American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) President Steve Forrest, it is wise for golf course owners and developers to assemble a team of experts including a professional golf course architect, builder and superintendent when developing a new course or remodeling an existing one.
Forrest addressed the topic at the recent Golf Industry Show held in Orlando, Fla. from Jan. 31 - Feb. 2. He argued that owners and developers are almost always best served when they can draw upon the select expertise and guidance of these professionals, who possess detailed knowledge of design, construction and management principles.
Forrest notes while every project is unique, almost all projects still benefit from a collaborative approach.
“Golf course projects benefit from the broad range of opinions and perspective these professionals have to offer,” Forrest says. “They provide a built-in system of ‘checks and balances’ that help ensure a project’s success.
“Course development and renovation projects can suffer when team members are asked to work beyond their scope of experience,” Forrest adds. “It is unfair to expect the golf course architect to perfect the nuances of course maintenance, just as it is equally unfair to expect someone other than the architect to possess the experience necessary to design and oversee the project.”
ASGCA offers several free brochures highlighting aspects of golf course remodeling, development, master planning and choosing a golf course architect. In addition, the ASGCA Environmental Committee has recently published the third edition of “An Environmental Approach to Golf Course Development.” This full-color, 57-page book includes original case studies illustrating 18 examples of successful collaborations in golf course development and renovation. The book is available for $10.
For more information about ASGCA, golf course development brochures or to purchase “An Environmental Approach to Golf Course Development,” call 262-786-5960.
