David Whelchel, ASGCA

David Whelchel, ASGCA shares some advice on developing a new golf course, including tips on how to get started and keys to creating a great course. Whelchel is the International Project Coordinator and a Senior Design Associate with Hurdzan/Fry Environmental Golf Design.

Getting started…

For developers looking at building a new course, it is important to determine what’s needed to get started while also figuring out what steps may be critical for success, although they may not seem necessary at the start. For example, sometimes developers want to get started on a project without having a topographic map, which can work in some cases. On sites that have lots of slope and contour, though, the developer usually saves money by having a topographic map made, rather than spending more money later due to bad data and the resulting mistakes in grading or layout. Keeping upfront costs down is certainly admirable—and feasible—but I advise developers to be careful, so they don’t end up wasting money or giving up the quality project they want.

Developing for the greatest potential…

When determining the best use of a site, course owners will want to be sure not to force inappropriate course development on a site. For example, if a site has insufficient space for a par 72, 18-hole layout, developers should consider maybe a par of 70 or even 68, or alternative facilities, such as 9-hole layouts or par-3 courses. Additionally, sites with gently rolling terrain are generally ideal, though flat terrain in usually better than steep. A site should also allow for orientation away from the sun for golfers when starting, finishing, or practicing.

Farmlinks Golf Course, Sylacauga, Alabama

Beyond the bells and whistles…

When a course is designed, its routing is the key that can really save owners money and create a truly great layout. The real strategy of a course is in its routing. A great routing can take advantage of a site’s terrain, while bad routing can misuse the terrain. When planning their courses, I encourage developers to seek out an experienced and recommended course architect who can get an actual understanding of the lay of the land. A skilled designer will have a “feel” for routing that goes beyond basic information provided in a book or article.

Blending disciplines…

In addition to positively impacting a course’s routing, a golf course architect blends all of the many disciplines involved in designing and constructing a golf course and combines them into a worthwhile and cost-effective project. When developers retain a golf course architect early in the development process, he or she can direct the project so it is an efficient process from start to finish. From market analysis to cost estimation, from master planning to construction, an architect understands and coordinates it all. To put all of these pieces of the puzzle together, developers should organize a design team, made up of a golf course architect and other industry professionals. This team will create a development strategy that reflects the developer’s vision and generates a course that is truly developed to its greatest potential.

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