By Design - Summer 2018

13 M uch like the graceful swan, when you play a great golf hole, it’s not apparent how much hard work has gone into making it so. For ASGCA members, that work begins long before a shovel has been wielded. The planning phases of golf course architecture can be the difference between project success—great golf delivered on time and within budget—and expensive failure. So where does the planning process begin? “I passionately believe that you have to spend a tremendous amount of time getting to know the site,” says Raymond Hearn, ASGCA. “I feel that the inventory analysis and site reconnaissance stage is by far the most powerful of the design process.” ASGCA Past President Rick Robbins, ASGCA, agrees. “The first critical step in the planning process is to have a complete understanding of the site and all of the physical features that may affect the design. While the use of maps and printed information about the property is very helpful, there is no substitute for thorough on-the-ground examination of the actual site conditions. Only being on site personally will such things as views to distant landmarks, heritage type trees, quality water features and many other features be able to become incorporated into the design.” “There are always parts of the land which are better than others when you route a golf course,” says John Fought, ASGCA. “The mix of the holes, the stops and Photo: PeopleImages/Istockphoto