Select a golf course architect
As a developer creating a new course, or a golf club extending or renovating existing layouts, the single most important action you need to make for your golf course construction is to find the right golf course architect to engage. Your golf course architect is the person who eases the process from concept to successful completion providing you with exciting and original ideas, a cost effective golf course design, whilst taken into account environmental sensitivities.
What does a golf course architect do?
Your golf course architect is the conductor to your orchestra as they are responsible for making the design become a reality. They will coordinate the team of professionals including engineers, land planners, environmental specialists, construction contractors, course maintenance and management personnel.
They will be your project leader and assist in developing an accurate and realistic construction programme. In addition to designing your course, your golf course architect will regularly visit the site to ensure the construction is on track and being built according to the contract documents.
To find out more on how to build a golf course, read our guide.
What you need to do
EIGCA members have the skill, experience and training to design and supervise the construction of golf courses to the highest standards. Membership is only granted to those who have satisfactorily demonstrated their experience and understanding of a wide range of subjects, including:
the single most important action you need to make for your golf course construction is to find the right golf course architect to engage
- Golf course master planning, course routing and hole layouts
- Land planning and permit processing
- Environmental planning and ecological issues
- Green, tee and bunker design
- Golf course safety
- Detailed design, specification and tender documentation preparation
- Earth moving and shaping
- Drainage and irrigation
- Agronomy and botany
- Golf course maintenance and management
The first step is to search our member database by either membership category or their geographical location. Each member has their own page which contains biographical information, case studies of projects undertaken and contact details.
Once you have identified potential candidates we advise considering the following questions to determine which you will add to your shortlist and consider for your project:
- Does the candidate have relevant experience of the type of project envisaged, be it a major resort course development or a simple course upgrade?
- Does the candidate have relevant experience of the type of terrain and climate involved?
- Have some of the candidate's completed projects been inspected and has his standard of service provision been discussed with his previous clients?
- How cost effective has this service proved to be in the medium to long term?
- Who is the individual architect responsible for the design and supervision of the course and is his personal experience appropriate to the task?
- How often will site inspection be carried out and by whom?
- How will the personality of the candidate fit in with the development team?
- Does the candidate have the requisite management and personal skills to ensure the smooth running of the project that ensures that his design is built according to plan, on time and within budget?
Let us help you
If you would like us to do the legwork for you, use our Member Referral Service to send a brief to us and we will distribute it to our members on your behalf.
