By Design - Summer 2018

16 | By Design “I put a schedule together from the very beginning, starting with the first kick-off meeting,” says Wilczynski. “I find it useful to lock in dates early for committee meetings when you are trying to coordinate people, often busy professionals.” “Much of proper planning is also to do with funding or financing a project,” says Cervone. “The golf course architect not only helps determine the proposed work or improvements, but also develops cost estimates and scheduling of the construction. Without this information, the client won’t know what things will cost or how long it will take to implement the work,” says Cervone. “Often a client will ask for a plan that meets their budget, but also wants to know what else you might recommend. It’s great to dream big but can lead to clients saying: ‘I want all of this… within my original budget!’” says Hearn. “Each feature on every hole is itemized in my worksheets, and I break out labor and materials, so we can have meaningful discussions about additions and deletions,” says Hearn. “The architect’s involvement helps save money by providing the information necessary to determine the proper scope-of-work, costs, scheduling, and oversight during the construction process,” says Cervone. Common challenges While each project is different, golf course architects encounter common challenges. “The most common is managing client expectations,” says Crace. “That’s why you have to be brutally honest. A client may want to start quickly, but if they must obtain permits, secure funding, or the time of year is not right to meet the grassing window, you have to explain that it is important to perform due diligence. Doing it right the first time is always less expensive than doing it twice,” says Crace. “Some clubs can go through the process of totally ripping up the course and shutting it down for a year, but most can’t do that, especially where there’s a short season, so I think it’s really important to have a plan that’s feasible and realistic,” says Wilczynski. For Rogers, the key challenges during planning involve educating the client and members. “Getting them to see and understand the value of the proposed solutions—and gaining approval by the majority.” “It can take time to build trust in you as an expert. I play golf with committee members and that gives you the chance to spend four hours with somebody, talk to them, get to know them more on a personal level,” says Wilczynski. Leadership skills Golf course architects drive forward projects by providing a vision, and strong leadership. “The golf course architect must always lead the way when the golf course is the centerpiece—as we’re the sole resource who possesses the expertise and experience of having navigated the process repeatedly and successfully,” says Rogers. “I see myself as the quarterback, the one that is guiding the whole Golf course architects will educate clients and members throughout the planning process Doing it right the first time is always less expensive than doing it twice PLANNING Photo: kasto80/Istockphoto