Services - New courses

The design of a new golf course typically consists of several phases. The earlier the architect is hired the better, as the project lies on a more secure foundation with the architect onboard. During construction the architect's role is vital. His skill and experience enable him, together with the contractor, to make decisions that will seamlessly fit the course to the property. These decisions made during the construction phase can significantly improve the cost effectiveness of the project without compromising the quality of the construction nor of the golf course.

Site Selection

A new project usually starts with the selection of a property. This phase has great implications for the rest of the project in terms of a timetable and expenditures. Furthermore, any environmental questions need to be answered as early as possible. For example, there might not be an adequate water supply available for the irrigation of the golf course. Therefore, regardless of how good the grounds otherwise seem, it may be better to start looking for another property.
Tilander Golf Design (TGD) can assess the available options and give the project a realistic timetable and cost estimate from the beginning.

The Preliminary Design

The preliminary design phase consists of making several alternate routing plans for the golf course. For the best results, the architect has to meticulously acquaint himself with the property. This will require the use of proper maps as well as aerial photographs in some cases.
During this phase, the zoning of the property and any possible restrictions to construction are also clarified. In addition, the coordination of various permits and studies belong to this phase.

Consultation with the Contractor

Golf course construction differs greatly from the general construction of public works. Thus, it is important that those involved have an understanding and experience in building a golf course. Depending on the job at hand, the precision required can change from millimetres to metres, and only an experienced builder will know how to best approach each task.
Furthermore, how construction is handled has great impact on workflow and the costs of the project. Usually, a general contractor is hired or the developer can act as his own contractor hiring local subcontractors. An experienced architect can assess the pros and cons of how to build each course.

The Master Plan

The final planning includes the agreed-upon routing plan, known as the master plan, and various other detailed plans and narratives. TGD always designs a fully shaped golf course where all water - whether from rain or melted snow - can surface drain to wells or depressions outside of the area of play. When needed, TGD will consult with the best specialists available. During the master plan phase, decisions regarding the final appearance of the course will also be made, including decisions on mounding, bunker styles, types of grass, mowing lines and possible future plantings.

Supervision of Construction

No matter how accurate and encompassing the plans are, the best courses are not born in the architect's office. Each visit to the construction site will give new ideas on how to improve the course. In addition, each visit can also generate further decisions on how to build in a cost-effective way.
To date, TGD has been intensely involved in the construction of all the courses it has designed, and will continue to provide this much-appreciated service to all its clients for all future projects.

Visual Finishing of the Golf Course through Maintenance

Poor maintenance can significantly diminish the level of excellent design and construction. A course that is interesting to play and visually rich has to have many contrasts. These are both naturally occurring as well as built upon during construction, through design choices and shaping. For example, the grasses used are picked not only for the playing surfaces they present, but also for the colours and contrasting heights that they provide. The architect's final job for a new course will include setting the growing boundaries of the various areas that the golf course staff will maintain.