Golf course design

Abstract

Fulfilling the intended objectives of developing a design proposal for an 18 hole championship golf course, involves several stages of investigation. It is intended, firstly, to research the physical requirements and criteria for golf courses, especially those of a championship standard, and this knowledge will be essential for developing the design programme. A specific site has been chosen by intuitive means (shape, size, location and terrain were considered suitable) in which to impose a design upon. It is not of critical importance to select the "ideal" site for a golf course because considerable change of the site can take place with excavation, tree planting and artificial control of the water and soil. By these means a site considered almost unsuitable initially, can be transformed into a functional and successful golf course. An investigation of the physical, cultural and visual factors of the site will be undertaken so as to become aware of the existing character of the site and its environs. These factors will be evaluated in terms of the site's projected use. A design will follow from the evaluation whereby information will be synthesised so as to determine the location of elements on the golf course. A refinement of the programme will lead to a detailed design proposal of the 18 holes and clubhouse complex.