OUR DESIGN PROCESS

Golf Course Architecture is a multifaceted art form which requires broad knowledge ranging from Engineering to Landscape Architecture to Biology.  With Legacy Golf Course Architecture, you have direct access to the background experience, technical know how, and artistically driven design sense to propel your project to the next level.  We produce highly technical drawings which include preliminary master planning, final master plan design, finish grading, earthworks, drainage, staking, turf grass plans, and more.  Changes in the field during construction can be very expensive, which is why we have our time-tested design process in place to address the variables of a project before any dirt is moved on site.  Please scroll down through the page to learn a little more about what we do.

SITE ANALYSIS

 

The end result of a well planned golf project is a completed course that appears to have been etched out of the landscape by nature itself.  With this goal in mind, site analysis allows us to study the property in depth, noting important characteristics and potential of the site.  Whether it is protecting valuable plant species, highlighting natural features on the property, or maximizing views to or from the golf course, we seek to utilize every natural feature we can to enhance the final outcome.  Every place in the world has an intrinsic character and energy which we seek to tap into and integrate with our design. 

MASTER PLANNING

 

During the master planning process, we take a long look at the parameters and the goals of a project, integrating this information into a graphic layout of the proposed golf course.  Study of the site contour map along with our detailed site analysis allows us to work with the land to find the optimal routing for your golf course.  Each project has its own set of objectives and we are always flexible in our approach.  Our ability to integrate these variables in an artful and cost effective way is what makes us so valuable to your golf course project - whether it be new construction or remodeling of an existing facility. 

CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS

 

With owner approval of the final master plan, we begin the construction drawing design where we take a more detailed look at the project -  solving grading, drainage, and other issues before any dirt is moved.   Our detailed and precise construction drawings allow for pre-construction cost analysis and estimation, and can help to streamline the approval process for your project.  Our construction drawing package typically includes:

  • Finish Grading Plan
  • Schematic Drainage Plan
  • Cut & Fill Earthworks Plan
  • Turfing Plan
  • Feature Staking Plan
  • Landscaping Plan
  • Technical Specifications
 

GREEN DETAILS

 

In a way, golf course design involves a process of zooming in closer and closer to the golf holes and features, enabling better detail and accuracy as we increase scale.  Our green details are the end product of this, and offer the highest level of detail in the industry.  They are designed at 1:200 scale, allowing for careful crafting of the most prominent features on a golf course - the greens complexes.  Our detailed green's drawings are among the finest available.  With these drawings, a quality shaper can translate our vision accurately in the field.  This process saves you time and money by minimizing the earth moving, shaping, and drainage installation at each greens complex. 

CONSTRUCTION VISITS AND CONSULTATION

 

An integral aspect of any successful project is careful attention to detail.  During the construction process, we will make periodic visits to the site to inspect the work performed by the contractor and to help keep the project moving forward smoothly.  We will locate and report any issues with the construction, as well as check and fine tune the shaping progress.  We propose adjustments in the field when situations arise where site adaptations will beneficial to both your construction schedule and costs, as well as the playability and appearance of your golf course.  This flexibility in design approach ensures the course fits its environment, weaving surrounding nature together with the golf.