Tips for A Great Course Design
Location is Key
Think about the most memorable courses you have ever played golf at. What sticks out the most about these places? Maybe it’s a peak with an excellent view, or a coastline that fills the air with the sound of crashing waves, or a swampy course with dangling moss and huge trees. Whichever course stands out as the most memorable for you, probably does because it’s unique location. When possible always choose the site with the most unique and gorgeous land. Overcoming and working with the terrain is the kind of challenge golf architects relish.
Safety First
While there will always be stray balls, it is important to try to minimize the potential for injuries when you design a course. You want to ensure there is enough space between any common places, such as resort housing, golf clubhouse, etc. and the general direction you intend the balls to go. This not only reduces injury but also damage to property.
Sustainable Design
You will have to make sure, when choosing your location, that you are building somewhere with enough resources, such as water, to sustain the health of your golf course. It is no surprise, with the acres and acres of beautiful green turf, that golf courses require lots of water to keep healthy. Make sure you will be in a location where you can easily access the amount of water you will need, even through the driest times.
Not Too Easy, Not Too Hard
There is nothing more frustrating than a course that is improperly paced. No one wants to be rushed through difficult parts of a golf course, unable to enjoy themselves or beat the course. On the other hand, no one wants to just fly through a course with no difficulty at all. Examine your target audience, who will be drawn to your location. Once you define your target audience, the appropriate level of difficulty can start to take shape.
Don’t Forget What Is Important: The Green
While gorgeous landscaping and unique views are a huge influence on the success of a golf course, you can’t forget what matters the most- the turf. If you do not have healthy, organically flowing plains of green for the players to get out on and really show what they are made of, then you are missing the entire point of designing the course. Make it beautiful, and make it playable.
If you are interested in building a new golf course? Contact us today! We can help you every step of the way, from planning to publicity, to ensure you get the most out of your design.
Jeffrey D. Brauer/GolfScapes, Inc.
3809 Canton Jade Way
Arlington, TX 76005
Ph: 817-797-6376