Master Planning forGolf Courses

Questions & Answers

A publication of the American Society of Golf Course Architects

Master Planning yields greatreturns for anyone managing a golf courseor considering a remodeling project.The American Society of Golf CourseArchitects (ASGCA) has prepared thisdocument to help superintendents,club owners, managers and leadersunderstand the benefits of MasterPlanning– and its important component,Life Cycle Planning – for golf courses.

Wh at are the benefits ofmaster planning?

Master Planning allows a club to anticipate and schedule mainte-nance and renovation. Rather than reacting to emergencies, hav-ing a plan in place allows for budgeting of both time and moneyand keeps those enjoying the facility “in the loop” during theprocess.

Who should be on the masterplanning team?

An experienced golf course architect has the skill set to leadthe Master Planning team. Important members of the teaminclude:

• Golf course owner• Club manager• Golf course superintendent• Golf professional• A small cross-section of club membership/leadership, such as

green committee members, if the project is for a private club.

Wh at’s involved inMaster planning?

The Master Planning process looks at the entire scopeof a facility to identify areas of possible improvement andmaintenance:

• Demographic research and feasibility studies to determinethe appropriateness of proceeding with the project.

• Hole-by-hole analysis of physical condition of layout from thestandpoint of strategy, tree management, irrigation, etc.

• Review of golf maintenance staffing and expenses.

Once the facility has been analyzed, a Master Planwill detail implementation of recommendations:

• Prioritization of the goals and objectives• Club member and staff communication

strategies — How to communicate the plan sothat members and staff understand and supportthe implementation.

• Advice on bidding and supervision of maintenanceand/or construction.

• Follow-through on grow-in and any other newprogramming.

A Master Plan may include a visual plan of theimprovements. Equally important are the writtendetails of budgets, costs, phasing considerations andimpacts to the course. Impacts can include bettercourse conditioning, strategy, playability, safetyand pace of play.

I s a c o m p r e h e n s i v e m a s t e rp l a n a lway s n e c e s s a r y?

No. Golf course architects recognize that while aMaster Plan is a useful tool for overseeing all aspectsof the health of a course, a more targeted approachmay be appropriate. Budget, time, course conditionand age…a myriad of reasons dictate the extent ofplanning that should be implemented.

The important concept to consider is thatplanning, whether in the form of a comprehensiveMaster Plan or a simple list of scheduledreplacement of key components of a golf course,helps a course budget time, money and personnelto keep a facility in good condition.

“Items on a golf course simply wear out overtime and will need periodic replacement to ensure

optimum playing conditions.”

— TO M MA R Z O L F, A S G C A PA S T P R E S I D E N T

H ow do i establish a budgetfor a master plan?

A golf course architect will help develop budgetoptions with the Planning Committee, and suggestthe phasing schedule of the Master Plan with theavailable funds. Follow-up inspections are conductedduring construction and at the completion of theproject. This directs that capital outlays are spentwisely and that the work followed the Master Plan.At private clubs, remodeling programs aretypically financed through borrowing, use ofexisting funds, capital funds, dues increases orspecial assessments. At municipal courses, fundscan be generated with municipal bonds, a surchargeon daily green fees or existing revenue streams.

H ow will the projectbe phased?

Each course’s plan should be phased according toindividual circumstances. There is no rule of thumbto use when deciding whether to close a course andfinish the work quickly, or to complete the requiredwork over time. The preparation of the schedule isgoverned by budget and prioritization of problemswhich need immediate correction. If work is to becompleted in phases, it will typically be confinedto contiguous holes so that the construction areapresents a minimum amount of inconvenience andinterference.

Wh at are the servicesprovided by the golf coursea r c h i t e c t ?

The following services may be performed by a golfcourse architect during a Master Plan project:

• Site inspection• Review the age and condition of course components• Consultation with the Planning Committee to

determine the scope of work, and develop budgetsand timelines

• Preparation and presentation of preliminaryMaster Plan

• Preparation and presentation of finalMaster Plan

• Plans, specifications and instructions for all golfcourse construction work

• Bidding process and construction contract award• Coordination of phasing of Master Plan

Wh at are the roles ofthe team members?

The individuals listed should be included not only to helpgather data and provide input for improvement, but tounderstand and help with the implementation of the planand the “buy in” of the membership. Master Planning isbest accomplished by a team of diverse individuals who eachbring unique experience and expertise to the process.

Once the project is underway, the team needs to keep playersinformed about the benefits of the plan. A good communica-tions program will help build enthusiasm and acceptanceamong the users of the facility.

H ow does the team eva l uatethe course?

The golf course undergoes a detailed hole-by-hole evaluation todetermine what, if anything, needs renovation or maintenance.Here’s what the evaluation typically includes:

• Tees – Tees are a prime target for improvement. Dependingon the age of the course and the ability of players, tees mayneed to be rebuilt or added.

• Fairways – Fairway improvement may include adding orreshaping of mounds. Major grade work may be required toimprove drainage, eliminate blind spots or to soften severeterrain. If tee boxes need to be added, fairway widths mayneed to be adjusted.

• Bunkers – Bunker evaluation can include review of placement,strategy, playability, the quality of sand and drainage, andalso methods to minimize labor and other expenses.

• Water hazards – These features will be evaluated for visualimpact, water quality and utility as storm water retentionand irrigation sources.

• Irrigation System – This part of the course make-up will beclosely scrutinized. Technology in the irrigation industryis constantly improving the efficiency and efficacy ofsystems, and the importance of responsible water usecan’t be overstated.

• Greens – The size, shape and cupping areas of each greenwill be evaluated. The age of the greens and the soilstructure will be examined.

• Landscape Treatment – A long-range tree planting, pruningand removal schedule will be created. Proper tree placementresults in more strategic shots, healthier turf and morepleasing aesthetics.

Resources:

Free ASGCA Publications:

• The Golf Course RemodelingProcess: Q&A

• Selecting Your Golf CourseArchitect: Q&A

• Golf Course DevelopmentProcess: Q&A

• ASGCA Membership List• Request for Proposal for Golf

Course Architectural Services

Other Books available from ASGCA:

Building a Practical Golf FacilityMichael Hurdzan, ASGCAASGCA (2005)

An Environmental Approach toGolf Course DevelopmentBill Love, ASGCAASGCA (2006)

ASGCA also offers the acclaimededucational symposium series, “RemodelingUniversity: A Short Course to a BetterCourse.” The series features an impressivepanel of ASGCA member architects andother experts who offer insights into theplanning and implementation ofgolf course remodeling projects.

For more information visit www.asgca.orgor call ASGCA at 262-786-5960.

H ow do i get sta r t e d?

An experienced golf course architect can help you determine what kindof planning would benefit your course. The American Society of Golf CourseArchitects publishes a list of its members, all of whom have the experienceto guide you through the planning process.

To obtain a list of ASGCA members, call (262) 786-5960, or visitthe ASGCA website at www.asgca.org.

Wh at is “Life Cycle Planning?”

Life Cycle Planning is an important component of Master Planning whichspecifically looks at the components of a golf course and considers how longthey will last. Having a time table in place for component replacementhelps clubs budget and plan, not only for capital expenditures, but for dis-ruption in play as well.

ASGCA has worked with a number of golf industry suppliers and expertsfrom the Allied Associations of Golf to develop a timetable, included below,for clubs to consult when planning for replacement.

H ow long should various componentsof a golf course last?

Following is a list of golf course components and a typical lifespan in years:

Item: Life Expectancy / Years

Greens 15 to 30Bunker Sand 5 to 7Irrigation System (Varies by quality) 10 to 30

Irrigation Control System 10 to 15P.V.C. Pipe (Under pressure) 10 to 30Pump System 15 to 20

Cart Paths (Asphalt) 5 to 10 (Or longer)Cart Paths (Concrete) 15 to 30 (Or longer)Practice Range Tees 5 to 10Tees 15 to 20Corrugated Metal Pipes 15 to 30Bunker Drainage Pipes 5 to 10Mulch 1 to 3Grass Varies

Note: Component life spans can vary dramatically depending uponlocation of a golf course, quality of materials and many other factors.Golf courses are encouraged to work with their golf course architect,superintendent and others to assess the longevity of their particularcourse’s components.

American Societyof Golf Course Architects

125 North Executive DriveSuite 106Brookfield, Wisconsin 53005Phone: (262) 786-5960Fax: (262) 786-5919

w w w.asgca.org

Cover Photograph: Arizona Biltmore Golf ClubPhotography by Mike Houska / DogLeg StudiosEntire Contents ©2006 A S G C A