With more golf courses considering renovation, golf course decision-makers need to think carefully about long term planning, says Greg Muirhead, President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).
"Faced with increasing, competitive pressure in the marketplace, the effects of wear and tear, changes in clientele and technological advances, successful golf course managers have responded by electing to remodel their facilities," Muirhead explains. "Part of a smart remodeling plan is the development of a long-term master plan. Having a master plan in place allows clubs to adopt and implement a thoughtfully-conceived and financially-responsible blueprint for the future of the facility that provides continuity during committee turnover and stability in the budget process.
"One of the most important benefits of the master planning process for course decision-makers is the realization that the various components of a golf course each have a life expectancy. Course managers are wise to consider the ‘life cycle’ of their golf course components, paying particular attention to recurring costs of items like irrigation, drainage and sand bunker construction," he continues. "These items have specific life expectancies, thereby enabling prudent managers to plan ahead for eventual replacement. Doing so maintains course integrity, improves the user experience and can even save money in the long run."
Muirhead noted that ASGCA now offers a brochure, "Master Planning: Questions and Answers," that can help golf course managers, superintendents, professionals and owners understand the process of developing a master plan and the importance of assessing the typical life expectancies of golf course components. ASGCA has also produced two other publications that can help clubs who are investigating the planning process: a one-page chart that lists golf course component "life cycles" and a brochure titled "The Remodeling Process: Questions and Answers." Each year, ASGCA also presents several "Remodeling University" programs, designed to educate course decision-makers about the intricacies of course remodeling, including planning, financing and execution.
These free brochures and more information about Remodeling University may be obtained by calling ASGCA at 262/ 786-5960, emailing at info@asgca.org, or writing to ASGCA, 125 N. Executive Drive, Suite 106, Brookfield, WI 53005.
ASGCA Background
Founded in 1946 by 14 leading architects, including Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of 176 golf course designers located throughout the United States and Canada. Members are actively involved in the design of new courses, the renovation of existing layouts, and issues affecting the future of the game.
For more information about ASGCA, including a current list of members and other available publications, log on to the ASGCA website at http://www.asgca.org or call 262/ 786-5960.
Contact:
Aileen Smith
262-786-5960
aileen@asgca.org