The Five-Step Program

by Larry Williamson (editor@clubandresortbusiness.com)
November 2007
 

Barry Jordan, a New York-based golf course architect who has collaborated with golf course superintendents on numerous improvement projects, says these are the five essential stages for superintendents involved in renovation or restoration projects:

1) Project Initiation—the foundation for the entire project is laid out and contractual agreements between the owner and the architect are established, with the superintendent serving as the liaison between the two parties.

2) Site Analysis and Research —the architect gathers information pertaining to the project, and the golf course superintendent is usually his primary source.

3) Design Development—the architect initiates the actual design solutions and provides cost estimates for construction.

4) Construction Documentation—the architect presents the plans and specifications to bid the project and provides detailed planning for the improvements of specific course areas, such as tees, greens or bunkers.  

5) Construction Supervision—the architect partners with the golf course superintendent to ensure that construction is properly executed. During construction, the superintendent is usually responsible for setting up temporary greens and tees; when construction is finished, he or she is responsible for maintaining the course and  ensuring that its new greens are properly seeded.