Typical Design Services - New Golf Course

PHASE 1 - CONCEPTUAL PLANNING
Task A - Pre-Planning Meeting
Task B - Golf Course Master Plan
Task C - Master Plan Report

PHASE 2 - CONSTRUCTION PLANNING
Task A - Construction Documents
Task B - Bid Process
Task C - Construction Administration
Task D - Post Construction Services

ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Design Consultation
Computer Design, Drafting, Graphics
Design Collaboration

GOLF COURSE DESIGN AND CONSULTANCY FEES

The design process is a team effort.  In addition to the Golf Course Architect, the project may require a Landplanner, an Engineer, an Environmentalist, and an Irrigation Designer, among other consultants.  At the request of the Client, all services may be provided under a team proposal wherein one firm acts as the Lead Consultant under whom the other consultants are subcontractors; or each consultant may submit individual proposals for their portion of the work.  In either case, elaborate collaboration between consultants is essential to a successful design. 

Based upon a scenario in which each consultant is working under a separate contract, the following is an outline of some of the services, Golf Solutions would typically provide during the design and development of a new golf course facility.  The exact services provided vary from project to project, and this list is adjusted to meet the specific needs of each individual course, site, and Client.  Though an attempt has been made to briefly explain each Task, this should still be considered an outline. For more detail regarding any of these items, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

PHASE 1

Phase 1 is considered the conceptual phase of the design process.  Various ideas, approaches, and philosophies are reviewed and considered in an effort to meet the needs of a specific Client.

Task A - Pre-planning Meeting

1. Review the objectives and criteria for the project with Client and other team members

   It is important from the start to know whether a proposed facility is intended to be private, or public access; will it be a resort destination; will their be adjacent housing; etc.  In addition, though some Clients tend to prefer leaving the design and character of the golf course entirely in the hands of the Golf Architect, some have very specific expectations for the finished facility based on any number of factors. at Golf Solutions, we respect these opinions and input and welcome the give and take of ideas with our Clients.

2. Designate responsibilities of each consultant on the design team

   Once again, assuming that all consultants have been or will be hired under separate contracts, it is important to determine where the responsibilities of each firm begins and ends.  This will ensure that no tasks are omitted or performed twice.

3. Resolve necessary base map material

   Typically, we will need an engineered topographic map, preferably at 2' contour intervals.  Additionally, this map should indicate any existing site features or constraints such as the property boundary, trees, streams, adjacent roads, wetlands and buffers, endangered species, etc.  If this base material is not available, its preparation and distribution may fall into the responsibilities of the team Engineer and/or Environmental Consultant.  

4. Establish the planning schedule

   Depending on the project's geographic region, the planning schedule may vary slightly, however it is always established in accordance with the construction schedule which, in turn, is based upon the most practical planting window for the proposed turfgrass species.

5. Inspect and review the site

   Though not essential during the conceptual design stage (it will be essential later in the planning), it always helps to visit the site in order to get a feel for its character. 

Task B - Golf Course Master Plan

1. Prepare preliminary concept plan(s)

   With the aforementioned base map 'in-hand', and having both received input from the Client and performed some preliminary reconnaissance of the site, we begin to consider various design concepts to arrive at a preliminary plan showing:

   1. Layout of golf course, including entrance, parking and clubhouse area.

   2. Creation/designation of adjacent, development parcels and roadways (if appropriate).

   3. Allocation for any other components of the overall project.

2. Submit or present the preliminary plan

   Once a preliminary plan has been prepared which meets all of the proposed criteria, we will make a presentation explaining our philosophy behind the design and any details about the golf course which my be appropriate.  The primary purpose for this presentation is to:

   1. Receive feedback from Client

   2. Co-ordinate revisions/adjustments with other team members.

3. Prepare the finalized Golf Course Master Plan

   Based upon feedback regarding the preliminary plan, any required adjustments will be made and the plan will be put in final form, to include:

1. All appropriate, conceptual details of each hole (tees, fairways, greens, hazards, etc.)

2. Recommended golf course boundary/setback line.

An illustrative (rendered) copy of this plan will then be provided for promotional purposes.

Task C - Golf Course Report

Based upon the finalized Golf Course Master Plan, we would prepare a detailed Report which includes the following:

1. Description of the course, including scorecard.

2. Construction cost estimates and recommendations for implementation.

3. Construction/development schedule.

PHASE 2

Phase 2 is the heart of the design process wherein those conceptual ideas become specific design elements. 

Task A - Construction Documents

1. Staking Plan - This plan will to show in detail the staking of the critical points of the golf course: centers of greens, tees, and landing areas; and other features as deemed necessary.

2. Clearing Plan - This plan will show those areas that need to be cleared completely of existing trees, bushes, etc. as well as those areas where trees are to be thinned out and underbrush removed.  Detailed procedures will be included to ensure that the clearing is properly accomplished, without causing damage to trees that are to remain.

3. Golf Course Grading Plan - This plan will show all existing contours throughout the site as well as the proposed contours and elevations to which the course will be constructed. Care is always taken so as to maintain and preserve any and all natural, advantageous features of the site wherever possible.

   All tees (typically three or four per hole) will be individually designed on the Grading Plan. Their size, shape and location will be carefully planned and designed to allow for proper and adequate diversity in length, challenge and ease of maintenance.

   Additionally, the Grading Plan will show all other intended features such as fairways, sand and grass bunkers, mounds, etc.

4. Green Construction Plans - Each green will be individually designed at a scale of 1"=20' showing 6" contours and spot elevations to 1/10th of a foot, which will provide a thorough description of the proposed finished surfaces. We will discuss the various recommended procedures for the 'seedbed mix' and specify the appropriate criteria for construction - be it USGA guidelines, California style, or otherwise.

5. Grassing Plan - This plan will specify the exact location and limits of each species and variety of turfgrass throughout the golf course.

6. Irrigation Plan - We will review and discuss with the Client the options, costs, advantages and disadvantages of the different types of systems and pumping stations available. An Irrigation Plan would then be prepared by an independent irrigation design company or manufacturer, incorporating the criteria agreed upon.

7. Landscape Plan - A detailed Landscape Plan will be prepared to show where plantings will, by adding color, shade, guidance, etc., improve the overall aesthetics, challenge, and playability of the course. Though this plan often details long-term landscaping throughout the entire course, emphasis is typically placed on those areas to be planted prior to opening the course.

8. Golf Car Path Routing Plan - This Plan will show the proper routing of a complete system of golf car paths.

9. Construction Specifications - As a part of the construction documents, a booklet style set of specifications will be prepared detailing materials and procedures related to every aspect of the construction of the golf course. They will employ the most up to date and efficient methods for the proper completion of the work.

All of the aforementioned plans are prepared to scale and include construction details (such as typical sections, elevations, etc.).

Task B - Bid Process

As a part of the bid process we can assist the Client by doing any or all of the following:

1. Provide bid forms to ensure that all prospective builders submit comparable bids.

2. Recommend and invite several qualified golf course builders.

3. Hold a Pre-Bid Conference to help answer any questions that the builders might have and to minimize the potential for discrepancies between bids.

4. Assist the Client in analyzing bids received.

5. Provide a sample 'Owner/Builder' Contract.

Task C - Construction Administration

1. Make periodic inspection visits, coordinated to coincide with key phases of the work.  The supervisory visits are an essential part of the design process and help to ensure that the course is built to the character and quality intended during the design.  Depending on various factors, the construction of a new golf course may require between 15 and 25 visits by the project architect.

2. Provide forms for contractor to use for monthly payment requests, and approve or adjust those requests at the time of that visit.

3. Provide a detailed report (to Client and builder) subsequent to each inspection visit.

4. Make final inspection for releasing of builder.

Task D - Post Construction Services

1. Make visits and consultations with Client and golf course superintendent during grow-in period.

2. Remain as consultants to the Client regarding all aspects of the golf course facility.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

At the Client's request, or as may be required for a particular project, the following services can be performed (some at additional cost) as a part of our design contract: 

Design Consultation

During the construction and grow-in periods of the golf course, we can provide the following services:

1. Recommendations, input and design concepts for the development of specific areas such as community open spaces, recreational areas and amenities, entrances and interface with surrounding developments, etc.

2. Recommendations and input to the building architect regarding the function and circulation of an operating facility, golf car storage building, maintenance facility, shelters, etc.

3. Assist the Client in locating and hiring a qualified golf course superintendent.  This superintendent is very important to the success of the golf course and should be on site at the start of construction.

We currently have the ability, using the latest (AutoCAD) computer design, drafting, and civil engineering software available, to perform such tasks as 3-d modeling, earthwork calculations and quantity estimating as well as fast, accurate file and information sharing with other project consultants.

In addition, we have the ability to enhance and manipulate photographs so as to incorporate some of these computer generated golf features.  The end result is often a fairly accurate simulation of the proposed work.

Design Collaboration - by a PGA Professional Golfer

On numerous occasions Ault, Clark & Associates has teamed with a PGA professional golfer for the design of a high profile golf facility.  This allows the course to benefit from the added recognition of promoting and marketing a TOUR Professional's name along with ours.

It should be noted that typically, it is the responsibility of the Client to obtain all official approvals, permits, zoning, etc. for the development of the golf course and related facilities as may be required.

Also, if the Consultants are working under separate contracts, it is responsibility of the Client's Engineer to provide any necessary field engineering (staking the course out), final design and engineering of any necessary bridges, dams and other stormwater and erosion control features, as well as to review and process construction drawings, etc., submitted by the golf course architect so as to conform to any applicable laws and regulations.

As always, however, we work closely with the Engineers and and other Consultants, providing them appropriate input, basic design criteria, etc. for these items to ensure they are properly incorporated into the golf course and to help ensure a design continuity throughout the development while establishing a recognizable image that will prove to be superior to any competition.

GOLF COURSE DESIGN AND CONSULTANCY FEES

1. As a percentage of construction costs ( Percentage Fees ) or Fixed Price Fees

A typical 18 hole golf course construction project would fall into a fee scale of between 8 and 12%, excluding travel costs, whilst a modest renovation project's design fees could be between 12 and 15% of the construction cost, excluding travel costs.

Typically fixed fees for an 18 hole project would be in the range of 8% to 12%, excluding travel expenses.

2. Stage Payments / Payment Schedule

The table below gives our typical breakdown of a design fee

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