Remodeling a golf course is a challenging and rewarding process. There are many similarities, and many differences, between the design of a new golf course and the remodeling of an existing golf course.
Similar to the design of a new golf course, we follow a thorough and comprehensive process, that ensure the highest vhealthportal.com/product-category/anti-anxiety/ quality final product, constructed within budget and in a timely fashion.
Unlike new golf course design, the usually more people involved with the process. Many existing golf courses are the home to memberships and/or constituencies that all have a different perspective regarding what needs to be done to their golf course. During the remodeling design process, we believe in educating those that have a vested interest in the club. We understand how to create consensus, and direct a team to create the best results for all involved.
Restoration and renovation are two words heard more and more in the golf world today. Even though they have different meanings, they both have a common theme — the changing of an existing facility.
Restoration projects are ones in which we bring back the old features once present on the golf course – provide a unique and rewarding historical perspective.
Renovation projects are ones in which outdated features are brought up to modern day standards – is as necessary to a golf course as replacing the roof on a building every so many years.
Whether the project is a restoration, a renovation, or a mix of the two, remodeling projects are often the most difficult projects to undertake. Unlike new course design, a remodeling project consists of many different and often contrary views about the nature and scope of the project — including those wishing not to do anything at all. Albanese & Lutzke specialize in being able to design a remodeling program that will accomplish the goals of the entire membership or constituency.
Our comprehensive and inclusive process allows the the client an opportunity to see the process evolve so there are no surprises. We have worked with many golf courses on improving their facilities, and we are able to create the highest vhealthportal.com/product-category/anti-anxiety/ quality Master Plans in the business today. Our planning and design process, which includes many meetings with the Owners, is synthesized into a comprehensive plan, report and estimated cost analysis. These Master Plans have proven exceptionally valuable tools to our past and present clients.
Goals and Objectives Meeting: Before pencils hit the paper, we work with the client to gain a clear understanding of the goals and objectives of the project. We will tour the existing golf course site and meet with the management and staff. During this phase, we will outline the schedule of events and tasks needed to create a successful project.
Base Plan Preparation: The following pieces of information are needed in order for proper planning and design to occur. We will work with the Owner in procuring the following and will input the information into our computer systems:
1. Aerial photographs 1″ = 100′ or 1″ = 200′
2. Topographic mapping 1″=100′ with a contour interval of 1 ft or 2 ft
3. Graphic property boundary survey 1″ = 100′
4. Survey showing existing utilities, easements and ROWS
5. Wetland boundary survey 1″ = 100′
6. Floodplain survey 1″ = 100′
7. Endangered of historical features 1″= 100′
8. Other applicable mapping
9. Engineering soil borings identifying topsoil type & amount , subsoil conditions, amount and type of rock, water table, well etc.
Existing Golf Course Inventory: Critical to being able to create the best design for a site, a thorough understanding of the site is needed. The following are the different analyses that will be completed:
- Existing shot value for each golf hole
- Topography or Terrain Modeling
- Vegetation
- Soils
- Opportunities & Constraints
- Environmental and Engineering consultant’s wetland, floodplain, easements, zoning, soil borings and other applicable mapping. (Review only)
Historical Analysis: If the golf course is one that has historical significance, and it is deemed worthy of restoring the integrity of the original design, we will research local and national archives and databases to find information regarding the original design. This will often include the compilation of old aerial photography and gathering of historical photographs.
Schematic Land Use Plans: This is the “brainstorming” part of the process, and we work at this phase until we and the clients are convinced that the best idea has come forth. During this phase we will work with all the consultants involved to ensure all possible ideas are put on the table. We will organize design meetings that will allow all parties an opportunity to be involved with the process. Subsequently, in our design studio, we will develop a host of different alternatives for utilizing the site to its greatest potential.
Master Plan: Once all the ideas have been reviewed, we will develop the ideas into a comprehensive Master Plan, which will be the foundation for the project. The Master Plan is a key tool for the remodeling an existing golf course. Once the Master Plan is created, an additional group meeting will occur in order to ensure all the goals and objectives are being met.
The following is provided during this phase:
An illustrative, complete color rendering of the entire project at a scale of 1″ = 200′.
A preliminary range of construction costs for the proposed golf course.
Detailed, multiple tee scorecard for the golf course.
Preliminary cross-sections of each hole.
Cost Estimate: Once the Master Plan is completed a detailed cost estimate will be create that delineates the specific costs for each phase of the project.
Design Development Drawings: Refining the design of all facets of the project is critical to keeping a project within budget and on schedule. We will take each golf hole and create a large scale drawing depicting how each golf hole will play strategically, and be constructed efficiently. For every golf hole, we will determine the detail design for every green, tee, fairway, sand bunker, water hazard, tree planting and additional aesthetic features needed to make every hole unique and memorable.
Preliminary Grading Plan: Prior to going through the regulatory process, we will develop a preliminary grading and irrigation plan that will determine the general areas that will be cut and filled, and how much water usage the project will require.
Permitting Assistance: We will assist the Owner in obtaining all the necessary permits needed to remodel the golf course. Permitting has become a very specialized field, and procuring the permits often takes a specialized understanding of the golf Design Process. Our relationships and expertise in this field has garnered our firm a stellar reputation in the regulatory world.
Construction Drawings: In order for the project to be made constructible in a cost effective manner, detailed drawings and specification are created for golf course. These documents will accurately describe to contractors what is needed to create the product. Depending on the project, the following are the drawings that may be produced:
1. Staking Plans at 1″ = 200′: This plan shows the precise locations of the greens, tees and landing areas that are to be clearly staked in the field.
2. Site Plan at 1″ = 200′
3. Clearing and Thinning Plans at 1″ = 200′: This plan precisely shows the different areas of the property that need to be cleared, thinned and grubbed for the golf course. The specific specimen trees that are to remain will be indicated and clearly marked to be saved.
4. Soil Erosion and Storm Drainage Plan: This is the responsibility of the Owner’s Engineer or Environmental Consultant. We will consult on this plan on an hourly basis if requested.
5. Grading Plans at 1″ = 100′ or 1″ = 50′: This plan will indicate the existing and proposed grades for the project using contour lines and spot elevations. The grades will be indicated to the nearest tenth of a foot and will show the detailed proposed grading for all features including fairways, tees, roughs, sand bunkers, grass depressions and other features. Great care will be taken to ensure that the proposed grading integrates and utilizes the natural terrain on site.
6. Tee Plans at 1″ = 50′: These plans show the specific elevations, slopes, and grassing details for all the tees including the practice tee.
7. Green Plans at 1″ = 20′: These plans show the specific elevations, slopes and grassing details for all of the greens including the practice greens. The grades for the green surfaces are shown every 10 feet.
8. Irrigation, Pump Station & Well Plans: This plan will show the detailed design for the irrigation of the golf course.
9. Grassing Plans: These drawings will show the locations of all the grass species and varieties to be planted on the golf course.
10. Golf Course Circulation Plans: This drawing will show the proposed circulation of the cart paths, bridges and boardwalks. This plan needs to be reviewed, finalized and approved by the Owner’s engineer.
11. Golf Course Landscape Plan: This drawing will show the proposed locations for specific varieties of deciduous and coniferous tree species. This plan will also indicate any wetland planting areas and planting beds. This plan does not include clubhouse, parking & entrance areas.
12. Main Line and Storm Drainage Plan: This plan is the responsibility of the Owner’s engineer and should include all controlled outlets off the site. RHPAGD will review and design the golf course drainage plan to tie into this plan.
13. Golf Course Drainage Plan: This plan will show the drainage system for the golf course only. The mainline trunk line for this network is to be designed, sized and sealed by the Owner’s engineer along with a storm water management system.
14. Construction Specifications: This is a booklet that verbally describes the materials and specifications for the work to be performed. This booklet will form the basis of a contract between the client and the Contractor.
15. Refined Cost Estimate: Using the construction drawings as a base, we will quantify the entire project and create a detailed estimate of construction costs. These costs will be analyzed to ensure the project stays within the proposed budget and time frame.
Bidding and Contract Assistance: Finding the right people to build a golf course is critical to success. Golf course construction is a very specialized field, and we work hard to find the best people to complete the jobs needed. We organize pre-bid meetings with all of the potential Contractors during which we will clarify the project and field any questions by the Contractors. Once bids are received, we will compile and analyze all of the bids received in a comprehensive spreadsheet. If necessary, we will then work with the client in negotiating the contract with the selected contractors.
Construction Evaluation: Being present in the field during construction is critical to ensuring the “final brush strokes” are made, which will raise the level of the golf course from simply good to great. If desired, our service provides the client with an experienced designer on the site from the start to the end of construction, ensuring all the fine tuning and details are constructed as per the vision of the project. Our services will also include approving any approximate percentages of work completed associated with payment requests, reviewing and commenting on any change orders or requests made by the contractor during the construction phase. Specifically we will provide the following:
1. On site Owner representation or numerous site visits depending on the stage and pace of construction.
2. Review of Contractor’s payment request related specifically to quality and amount of work completed relevant to each payment request. The Owner’s representative or attorney shall be responsible for all other specifics related to the payment requests.
3. Detailed site visit report subsequent to each visit and copied to the Contractor and related consultants.
4. Final inspection walk through and punch list preparation for the owner and contractor to complete the project.
Construction Management: Albanese & Lutzke are able to provided either full or part time construction managers that will ensure the construction of the project is completed on time and within budget. These managers will direct and manage the personell on site, and coordinate the delivery of materials. The managers will also be responsible for the coordination of subcontractors and specialized trades needed to complete the project.
Grow-in Services: “You only get one chance to make a first impression”, so establishing turf on a golf course is becoming exceptionally important to success. We will provide the Owner with a comprehensive grow-in program that will enable them to ensure the golf course is opened on time and looking as if it has been there for years.