By Bob Graves, ASGCA Past President (deceased)

I.  WHY DO WE NEED A MASTER PLAN?

   A.  General modernization

   B.  Improvement (or change) in golf course playability

   C.  Problem correction

   D.  New facility addition

   E.  Renovation

II.  WHAT THE GOLF CLUB SHOULD DO

   A.  Establish a governing committee to oversee the master plan process.

   B. Selection of design team (Golf Course Architect, plus other required design professionals)

   C.  Collect and disseminate design project data (See Data Sheet).

   D.  Establish a governing committee to oversee the master plan process

   E.  Selection of design team (Golf Course Architect, plus other required design professionals)

   F.  Collect and disseminate design project data (See Data Sheet).

III. AFTER THE GOLF COURSE ARCHITECT IS HIRED

   A.  First meeting

   B.  Design Team & Golf Club Representatives

1. Preparation of Final Master Plan Program, Budget and Schedule
2. Identification of basic development concepts controlling future design and maintenance

   C.  Design Team

1. Sketch studies, site checks and consultation with pertinent parties
2. Preparation of preliminary Master Plan (alternate solutions if required), Design Analysis, preliminary construction cost estimate and schedule
3. Review of basic development concepts in relation to preliminary work above

   D.  Design Team and Golf Course Representatives

1. Site check and consultation on all preliminary work
2. Decision on best alternate solution(s) as required
3. Second review of basic development concepts in relation to preliminary work
4. Approval of all preliminary work

   E.  Design Team

1. Preparation of final Master Plan, Design Analysis, Construction Cost Estimate and schedules

IV.  GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS DURING MASTER PLAN PROCESS

   A.  Golf Club Commitment

1. Commitment of Golf Club governing body to Master Plan process and to its long term implementation

   B.  Scheduling and Accommodation

1. Golf play
2. Maintenance and operational procedures
3. Available work force (staff and outside forces)
4. Available funds
5. Weather

   C.  Allowing Golf Play to Remain As Normal As Possible

   D.  Maintaining Continuity in Design, Construction and Maintenance of Golf Course Components When Accomplished Over An Extended Period of Time

   E.  Retention or Improvements of Aesthetic Qualities

1. Interest
2. Attractiveness
3. Satisfaction
4. Conventional or traditional golf course characteristics with redeeming value

   F.  Retention or Improvement of Technical Qualities

1. Uniform soil conditions
2. Complete and functional irrigation system
3. Complete and functional drainage system
4. Best possible turf condition
5. Practical and economical construction requirements
6. Practical and economical maintenance and operational requirements

PROJECT DATA FOR MASTER PLANNING

I.  SITE DATA

   A.  Base map (reproducible 100 scale drawing on photo mylar or Autoca .dwg file) of project site and surrounding

1. Legal boundaries of property, right-of-ways, easements
2. Topographical survey, (maximum 2’ contour interval)
3. Coordinate system for future location
4. Location and general description of the existing golf course showing tees, fairway edges, bunkers, greens, lakes cart paths, and any other visible components
5. Location and general description of other existing features, such as buildings, roads, fences, utility lines and major plants
6. Location and general description of other existing features, near the project site affecting golf course remodeling/renovation work

   B.  Aerial photographs of the project site; scaled verticals are best

   C.  Climatological Data, including:

1. Average monthly rainfall
2. Average monthly wind direction and velocity (day and night)
3. Average monthly temperature, humidity and evapotranspiration 

   D.  Soil analysis, chemical and physical, with separate analyses for different type turf areas as required

   E.  Available utilities (location and capacity), including:

1. Water
2. Electricity
3. Sewage disposal
4. Storm drainage

II.  GENERAL INFORMATION

   A.  Existing or proposed master development plan for the overall project including the golf course site and adjacent areas

   B.  Comprehensive list of golf course problems, deficiencies, and proposed improvements as related to the playability, maintenance and operation of the golf course

   C.  Proposed participation of owner during construction phase, including:

1. Water
2. Electricity
3. Sewage disposal
4. Storm drainage

   D.  Proposed time schedule for planning and construction phases

   E.  Proposed budget covering planning and construction costs

   F.  Proposed administrative, operational and maintenance procedures affecting golf course remodeling/renovation