In the July/August 2010 edition of BoardRoom Magazine, Gary Linn, ASGCA discusses the roles and responsibilities an architect can take on when a golf course is looking to renovate.
Linn writes that a golf course architect has the knowledge of golf and its history, is familiar with financing, and is educated on all aspects of course construction. A good architect is also fluent in the two languages spoken most often in the golf course realm: technical skills and business skills.
According to Linn, the technical language means the architect has the knowledge and experience to make final decisions and provide input, decision, and insight on numerous issues. The language of business means the architect has the ability to communicate well in boardrooms.
Linn encourages courses that are planning a renovation to strongly consider bringing in a golf course architect to assist with the process, but to do so from the start. Working with an architect from the beginning allows courses to help set priorities for what needs to be done, what can be done, and what can be accomplished while adhering to the budget, according to the article.
Architects can ask the right questions, both broad and specific. They can also communicate with a club’s members, including explaining the need to avoid the “quick fix” and instead taking the steps necessary to ensure any additional renovations are a part of the distant future and not just down the road. Additionally, Linn points out professional architects develop courses that not only benefit players, but also meet the economic and environmental needs of the communities in which they work.
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