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<h3>Introduction</h3>When most people think about a golf course, they picture sweeping fairways, a well-placed bunker, or the drama of a water hazard. Rarely do they stop to consider the mind behind it all—the golf course architect. For me, it never occurred to me that designing golf courses could be a career until I played a course designed by Arnold Palmer (some background <a data-mce-href="https://linksmagazine.com/golf-architects-the-moment-i-knew-i-wanted-to-design-golf-courses/" href="https://linksmagazine.com/golf-architects-the-moment-i-knew-i-wanted-to-design-golf-courses/">here</a>).Our role extends far beyond drawing lines on a plan. We’re tasked with creating an experience that balances beauty, strategy, and sustainability. A golf course should stir the imagination, challenge players of all levels, and serve the greater community and environment in which it lives. That’s the true craft of golf course architecture.<h3>More Than Design: A Role of Responsibility</h3>A golf course architect must wear many hats. We are designers, planners, and collaborators. We study landscapes, climate, water, and soil as carefully as we study shot values and playing strategies. We listen to clients, committees, and communities. And we guide a project through constraints of budget, permitting, and construction, ensuring the vision is not only inspiring but also achievable.<figure id="figure-hum34849pqmfmxhqme"><img id="hum34849pqmfmxhqme" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dkWsY1nqx0ybE2HFZfvUq7L5glOOwi5713Z4eBR7twdS1eE2AmdGcnMG6wLzpQ2.jpg" alt="Jeffrey Danner, Stuart Rennie and Paul Lawrie discuss renovation plans for Troon Links Darley and Belleisle Golf Course for the South Ayrshire Council " title="Jeffrey Danner, Stuart Rennie and Paul Lawrie discuss renovation plans for Troon Links Darley and Belleisle Golf Course for the South Ayrshire Council " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dkWsY1nqx0ybE2HFZfvUq7L5glOOwi5713Z4eBR7twdS1eE2AmdGcnMG6wLzpQ2.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>At its best, architecture creates places where people feel connected—connected to the game, to nature, and to one another.<h3>Philosophy Matters</h3>Every architect carries a philosophy that shapes their work. For some, it’s about restoring history. For others, it’s about innovation or sustainability. For me, it’s about finding the balance: respecting tradition while designing courses that are resilient and inclusive enough to serve generations to come.Golf’s lifeblood is participation. If we don’t design in ways that welcome new players—short courses, flexible layouts, ADA access, family-friendly practice areas—then the game cannot sustain itself. Inclusivity and accessibility are not afterthoughts. They are fundamental.<figure id="figure-mcsywgtxddmfmxg34m"><img id="mcsywgtxddmfmxg34m" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1645031616/photo/father-repositions-golf-ball-while-giving-daughter-golf-lesson.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=XwttP0i6kiOZPct99YRw9PysIXK6zZUxt1GRZJBW3BE=" alt="Father repositions golf ball while giving daughter golf lesson" title="Father repositions golf ball while giving daughter golf lesson" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1645031616/photo/father-repositions-golf-ball-while-giving-daughter-golf-lesson.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=XwttP0i6kiOZPct99YRw9PysIXK6zZUxt1GRZJBW3BE=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><h3>Collaboration is Key</h3>A golf course is never designed in isolation. Success comes through collaboration—with superintendents, engineers, biologists, contractors, and the community itself. The architect’s job is to synthesize those voices, protect the project’s intent, and ensure the details are executed with clarity.I often remind clients: the best results happen when everyone is heard, and the architect provides the roadmap to bring those voices into a coherent design.<h3>Budgets, Timelines, and Realities</h3>Vision must be balanced by practicality. Renovations and new builds can range widely—from practice centers under $1 million to full renovations well beyond $15 million (as of 2025). A skilled architect helps navigate these realities, identifying cost drivers like greens, irrigation, and drainage, while planning phases that protect member experience and minimize disruption.<figure id="figure-bx9zuxpmu5mfmxsjak"><img id="bx9zuxpmu5mfmxsjak" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3vhNQicPZfOaVL9JEHK9cHXJtTkSNW83v8XWk8g9hqDtjL9SXCDddrJr5jRciTIN.jpg" alt="Image of news clips about golf course renovation and busgets." title="Image of news clips about golf course renovation and busgets." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="From a recent presentation to Private Clubs." data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3vhNQicPZfOaVL9JEHK9cHXJtTkSNW83v8XWk8g9hqDtjL9SXCDddrJr5jRciTIN.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">From a recent presentation to Private Clubs.</figcaption></figure>Budget is not the enemy of design. It is a framework within which creativity thrives.<h3>Innovation and Stewardship</h3>Today’s golf architecture is evolving faster than ever. We are leveraging drone surveys, GPS-guided grading, AI-based shot data, and robotic mowers. We’re restoring habitats, reducing turf footprints, and designing with water as both a precious resource and a strategic element.<figure id="figure-m930tgpe08mfmxyker"><img id="m930tgpe08mfmxyker" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2c9ef7mFFWG99eh1vsN9MKnNQW8IIc1O6lD99kF5Dw5WpbivLu5CoByseLlLXQwo.jpg" alt="Image of Jeffrey Danner observing a survey drone with Hilary Mason's quote " title="Image of Jeffrey Danner observing a survey drone with Hilary Mason's quote " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Jeffrey Danner observing a survey drone." data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2c9ef7mFFWG99eh1vsN9MKnNQW8IIc1O6lD99kF5Dw5WpbivLu5CoByseLlLXQwo.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Jeffrey Danner observing a survey drone.</figcaption></figure>The goal isn’t novelty for its own sake—it’s resilience. Golf courses must endure drought, flood, and shifting economies. Innovation allows us to design with foresight, so the course thrives long after ribbon-cuttings and press cycle.<h3>Choosing the Right Architect</h3>Ultimately, selecting a golf course architect is about more than resumes or renderings. It’s about trust. Does their vision align with yours? Do they understand your site, your community, your goals? Do they balance art and science, tradition and progress?The right architect doesn’t just build holes. They build golf experiences that endure—spaces where golfers feel challenged, welcomed, and inspired, while landscapes are respected and stewarded for the future.That’s the real role of a golf course architect.<figure id="figure-l9tqcgdwzimfmy1gx6" class=""><img id="l9tqcgdwzimfmy1gx6" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/151RVFMA4mmwTBlaS2A04rEQW83gR8siqzBbVuo8MWBW6YXAoXVQUIbT33iW93dl.jpg" alt="Image of Jeff Danner and Stuart Rennie walking Troon Darley, South Ayrshire, Scotland (2024)" title="Image of Jeff Danner and Stuart Rennie walking Troon Darley, South Ayrshire, Scotland (2024)" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Jeff Danner and Stuart Rennie walking Troon Darley, South Ayrshire, Scotland (2024)" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/151RVFMA4mmwTBlaS2A04rEQW83gR8siqzBbVuo8MWBW6YXAoXVQUIbT33iW93dl.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Jeff Danner and Stuart Rennie walking Troon Darley, South Ayrshire, Scotland (2024)</figcaption></figure>

The Golf Course Architect: Shaping Experiences, Stewarding Landscapes

Red marker golf tee box on rural golf course

Introduction Adding forward tees is a crucial strategy for older golf courses, significantly enhancing playability, inclusivity, and overall enjoyment. This post explores the benefits of integrating forward tees, highlighting their importance for various golfers and course management.&nbsp;How to design forward tees is a separate topic in and of itself; after all, every site and set of circumstances is different. Therefore, consulting a qualified Golf Course Architect to meet your specific needs is always advisable. However, for fun, here is a video demo of how we approached forward tee design on a current project with some challenging terrain: <figure id="figure-9kgvl4v6hrlyf1q1vo" class="selected"><iframe id="9kgvl4v6hrlyf1q1vo" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GdriV3DZlRg" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtube.com/shorts/GdriV3DZlRg" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GdriV3DZlRg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>Forward tees are a valuable investment and should be part of every course's long-term strategy. Here's why:Inclusivity and Accessibility Golf for Everyone: Forward tees make the game more accessible to players with varying skill sets or shorter driving distances, allowing a broader spectrum of players to enjoy and compete relative to their skill level.Beginners: Newer players benefit from forward tees, which provide a less intimidating introduction to the game. Success helps build confidence and skill without the frustration of navigating longer holes, making learning more enjoyable. Flow (Pace of Play) Better Flow: Forward tees can improve the flow of play by allowing golfers with slower swing speeds to reach greens more efficiently, reducing time spent on each hole and avoiding backups on the course. Enhanced Enjoyment Achievement: Forward tees allow more players to reach greens in regulation, increasing their chances of achieving par or better scores and enhancing overall enjoyment and satisfaction.Consistency: Like the handicap system, forward tees equalize the playing field, providing a similar experience, strategy, and challenge relative to each player's ability.<figure id="figure-9lvnhgadjflyf1wjjt" class=""><img id="9lvnhgadjflyf1wjjt" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/182101939/photo/high-five-for-a-good-drive.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=TO9kxYbjVViBsXcNUMIi6UDNNjahG27KSHR1oZCvLhY=" alt="High five for a good drive." title="High five for a good drive." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/182101939/photo/high-five-for-a-good-drive.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=TO9kxYbjVViBsXcNUMIi6UDNNjahG27KSHR1oZCvLhY=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Maintenance Wear and Tear: Distributing play across more teeing areas can reduce wear and tear on specific parts of the course, leading to better maintenance and overall condition. Promotion of the Sport Attracting More Players: Making the course more accessible and enjoyable with forward tees can attract a wider range of players, promote the sport, and potentially increase membership and revenue.Junior and Family-Friendly: Courses with forward tees are more family-friendly. They encourage juniors and families to take up the sport together, fostering a love for the game from a young age and supporting future golfer development.<figure id="figure-825gscx2v8lyf1yf58"><img id="825gscx2v8lyf1yf58" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/174968358/photo/junior-girl-golfing-silhouette-with-young-caddie.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=8sQDaEBgxg4Q7YJf6Sk0mWzBbRKJL4z-coynOrDmB8k=" alt="Junior Girl Golfing Silhouette with Young Caddie" title="Junior Girl Golfing Silhouette with Young Caddie" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/174968358/photo/junior-girl-golfing-silhouette-with-young-caddie.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=8sQDaEBgxg4Q7YJf6Sk0mWzBbRKJL4z-coynOrDmB8k=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Handicap System Compatibility Accurate Handicaps: Forward tees enable a more precise calculation of handicaps for players with different driving distances, ensuring fair competition and appropriate course ratings for all skill levels. Conclusion Incorporating forward tees benefits all golfers, from beginners to experienced players. It enhances individual enjoyment and contributes to the sport's growth and sustainability, making golf more inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for all.<figure id="figure-mcuwbrihtklyf1zeon"><img id="mcuwbrihtklyf1zeon" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1282290073/photo/golf-ball-against-background-of-hitting-woman-closeup.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=kOJw2fzvLU8fa5A08edE61BvwW1OJ5vZwiBN7d3l-bA=" alt="Golf ball against background of hitting woman closeup" title="Golf ball against background of hitting woman closeup" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="'One World - Better Together'" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1282290073/photo/golf-ball-against-background-of-hitting-woman-closeup.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=kOJw2fzvLU8fa5A08edE61BvwW1OJ5vZwiBN7d3l-bA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">'One World - Better Together'</figcaption></figure>

Forward Thinking

<figure id="figure-tfzrjhphwlt38speb" data-full-width=""><iframe id="tfzrjhphwlt38speb" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mBxygCZ-FNA" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/mBxygCZ-FNA" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mBxygCZ-FNA" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>Perspective sketching was never my strength entering University. Like many, I needed more confidence in my sketching abilities. It is something I had to work very hard at. During my time with Golfplan, I enjoyed learning from one of the best, Terry Storm. He always emphasized that you must love it to be good, and every pencil stroke meant something; sometimes, less is better. He also encouraged keeping yourself within a toolkit that made the creative process more manageable. In other words, avoid fancy sketch pencils, varied lead weights, etc. Instead, master a single tool that is easy to find wherever you are. Find an easily accessible tool and stick to it. The person who can master a No. 2 pencil on notebook paper will come out ahead of everyone else. I still like a Medium wash 4b "lead" on double-sided matte mylar, for now.<figure id="figure-1xtd49t0tmlt38q5d0"><img id="1xtd49t0tmlt38q5d0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1ffAwu5NU2aSh67taZa3o8R2z2qesN5PEPtGpyTIPyYV9isTyiK7AGFrSd05xogq.jpg" alt="@dan.asaki" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 65% 100%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="65%" data-positiony="100%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1ffAwu5NU2aSh67taZa3o8R2z2qesN5PEPtGpyTIPyYV9isTyiK7AGFrSd05xogq.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 65% 100%;"></figure>

Sketchbook Post

Welcome to the Pangaea Golf Architecture blog, a platform dedicated to chronicling our endeavors within golf architecture. It is a forum for sharing insights and experiences from our professional journey. It is imperative to note that the perspectives articulated herein are attributable solely to the respective authors and may not necessarily reflect the collective standpoint of Pangaea Golf Architecture. Enjoy!

Welcome

<h3>Introduction</h3>Proper sequencing is at the heart of any golf course project, as with any successful development endeavor to ensure sustainability, resilience, and cost-efficiency. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of project sequencing and how it plays a pivotal role in maintaining budgets, phasing, and overall success in golf course construction and renovation.<h3>The Importance of Project Sequencing</h3>I've recently had numerous conversations with potential clients who have undertaken the replacement of their golf course infrastructure, specifically their irrigation system, only to realize the need to address other deferred maintenance later on, like greens or bunker remodeling, tee leveling, turf reduction, partial reconfiguration, safety mitigation and more. Unfortunately, these facilities that have put the proverbial cart before the horse must either work around or pay again for retrofitting their new irrigation system later.For example, a complete replacement irrigation system typically amounts to approximately $34.5K (or more) per irrigated/maintained acre. The price is changing as we speak! For easy math, if a course has 100 acres (40.5 HA) of irrigated/maintained turf, the projected expense for a new system would reach $3.45 million. However, by planning and discovering that you can reduce the irrigated/maintained acreage to 70-85 acres (15-30%), you could save anywhere between $500K to $1 million in this scenario. Proactive, well-sequenced planning proves to be a significant cost-saving measure.<figure id="figure-q4ufbgh37emfloa8ge"><img id="q4ufbgh37emfloa8ge" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/836558368/photo/money-increase.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=573vZv0eRwuL5A3lsUd_uBz-5AwLvETwE6w8IiYv63g=" alt="Business man looking up with triumphant smile and fists in the air as money rains down." title="Business man looking up with triumphant smile and fists in the air as money rains down." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/836558368/photo/money-increase.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=573vZv0eRwuL5A3lsUd_uBz-5AwLvETwE6w8IiYv63g=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Our example above closely resembles a recent project I was involved with. The municipality replaced its irrigation system in full without approving the budget for other items well past their useful lifecycle. This led to a limited scope of work and hundreds of thousands of dollars in added costs due to the need to partially retrofit the irrigation system when additional improvements were approved two years later.&nbsp;The key takeaway is that investing substantial money in an irrigation system without carefully considering other related golf course components can be incredibly costly.<figure id="figure-cuxjxtcbsnmflobznw"><img id="cuxjxtcbsnmflobznw" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2213054622/photo/symbolic-image-of-burning-us-dollar-bills-amidst-fiery-logs-in-a-fireplace-representing.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=BqH2yJAj6za2IK_GmP82pszEIOLpHdwCZSBIm_ppqzY=" alt="Symbolic image of burning US dollar bills amidst fiery logs in a fireplace, representing financial loss, economic crisis, or wasted wealth. Bright flames consume the currency." title="Symbolic image of burning US dollar bills amidst fiery logs in a fireplace, representing financial loss, economic crisis, or wasted wealth. Bright flames consume the currency." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2213054622/photo/symbolic-image-of-burning-us-dollar-bills-amidst-fiery-logs-in-a-fireplace-representing.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=BqH2yJAj6za2IK_GmP82pszEIOLpHdwCZSBIm_ppqzY=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Sequence Planning for Cost Saving</h3>Proper planning in golf course construction is essential for avoiding these unnecessary expenses. Here's how thoughtful sequencing can lead to significant cost savings:One of the most significant cost-saving opportunities is reducing the maintained/irrigated turf areas throughout the course. Savings are realized both in the installation and on-going maintenance. When you think about it, identifying opportunities to reduce turf by 15-30% saves water. Still, the size and cost of your irrigation system will also be smaller (i.e., fewer heads, fewer pipes, etc.). Now, the Superintendent (thank them every day!) can reallocate the saved time and resources (i.e., labor, diesel, time, etc.) to other projects that need attention elsewhere.<figure id="figure-405dcmnlzqmflode7w"><img id="405dcmnlzqmflode7w" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4iKlcULWDenx18jyoEsZ4ABXjSDlVIQtcjl6wA1dP6C2GQ6NgkC3W2OwtQBdOCTB.png" alt="Before image of turf reduction or conversion." title="Before image of turf reduction or conversion." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Before turf reduction or conversion." data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4iKlcULWDenx18jyoEsZ4ABXjSDlVIQtcjl6wA1dP6C2GQ6NgkC3W2OwtQBdOCTB.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Before turf reduction or conversion.</figcaption></figure><figure id="figure-ziuc6df67emflofct8" class=""><img id="ziuc6df67emflofct8" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10glNrdnQe4lphEWbtsUCC5r8C7Ok0fLsJerbT07zeikoIbCakIvhY3kxdwp0CiW.png" alt="Image of After turf reduction or conversion." title="Image of After turf reduction or conversion." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="After turf reduction or conversion." data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10glNrdnQe4lphEWbtsUCC5r8C7Ok0fLsJerbT07zeikoIbCakIvhY3kxdwp0CiW.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">After turf reduction or conversion.</figcaption></figure>The same is true for other areas of deferred maintenance, including Greens, Tees, Bunkers, Fairways, Drainage, Cart Paths, Landscape, and Tree Management. Identifying and addressing issues that overlap with the irrigation system is critical. By not doing so, we might be ignoring something that is a ticking time bomb.&nbsp;I always try to emphasize to my clients that the Preliminary and Master Planning phases of a project generally make up the smallest percentage of consultant's fees but provide the best value. Typically, 7.5-15%, according to the European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA). The early design phases provide the framework, setting the tone for the rest of the project.Understanding the Critical Path for any project is a good strategy. The Critical Path helps identify and prioritize the various interrelated or interdependent tasks forming the logical path forward. If delayed or not executed in order, the sequence of tasks would result in project delays or cost overruns. The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a technique widely used in the project management industry.<h3>How to Find the Critical Path</h3>First, list all the project components and tasks using your site inventory, analysis, programming, and project brief with clearly stated goals and objectives. After capturing your scope of work in a Master Plan or Design Development Drawings, you can create a basic relationship diagram to draw your conclusions as they relate to all the dependencies for the different activities and components of the scope of work. The diagram illustrates how the phasing of activities affects your desired budget and timeline. After visualizing the results, estimate the completion times, factoring in weather, scheduled events or intentional delays, and the typical growing season. Patterns will reveal themselves, and the Critical Path will become apparent.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-rf246b4x9rmfloi35p"><img id="rf246b4x9rmfloi35p" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1cab3ntCG7CpBZzYgKbghwFk0hhVsosUDGVWPnmZEd0BZ6LQWDHD94KNP6G4G7G7.png" alt="Critical path analysis from example from templatelab.com" title="Critical path analysis from example from templatelab.com" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Example from templatelab.com" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1cab3ntCG7CpBZzYgKbghwFk0hhVsosUDGVWPnmZEd0BZ6LQWDHD94KNP6G4G7G7.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Example from templatelab.com</figcaption></figure><figure id="figure-sgly8071sfmflojire"><img id="sgly8071sfmflojire" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/162DwQb9z7RvIiidSeLhMicyvrFKF1VX7oMSBO7UiuoBrhHr0Y5THXqFCmGlvDqe.png" alt="Project management example from templatelab.com" title="Project management example from templatelab.com" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Example from templatelab.com" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/162DwQb9z7RvIiidSeLhMicyvrFKF1VX7oMSBO7UiuoBrhHr0Y5THXqFCmGlvDqe.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Example from templatelab.com</figcaption></figure><figure id="figure-ebeck9u0xmflokroa"><img id="ebeck9u0xmflokroa" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/14yICGZubvmsi1LyVpP4VY8VxLdDyGpiXraUpzXXLH2ssDzXY3PYuPjuQDy81vXR.png" alt="Critical path tracker from example from templatelab.com" title="Critical path tracker from example from templatelab.com" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Example from tamplatelab.com" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/14yICGZubvmsi1LyVpP4VY8VxLdDyGpiXraUpzXXLH2ssDzXY3PYuPjuQDy81vXR.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Example from tamplatelab.com</figcaption></figure>The benefits of thoughtful and deliberate planning are realized through optimized project timelines, better task-dependencies management, and effective resource allocation. The approach allows us to set realistic timeframes, improve future planning, and prevent bottlenecks in the project execution.&nbsp;<h3>Conclusion</h3>In conclusion, early and efficient planning is crucial for avoiding unnecessary expenses. Sequencing of work, understanding the value of consultant fees, and employing logical project management tools like CPM can lead to cost-effective and timely completion, ensuring a successful project. At the end of the day, it never pays to put the cart before the horse.<figure id="figure-v87r9n5o5emflomare"><img id="v87r9n5o5emflomare" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/26CdDZnmjFxy8zS8vMyPfJAqecUQqrtbpDrcqyq6xCXBHyGqXEdjukmwv64eHd0f.png" alt="Vintage Cart Before The Horse image from Popular Mechanics. April 1907, p. 425" title="Vintage Cart Before The Horse image from Popular Mechanics. April 1907, p. 425" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Popular Mechanics, April 1907, p. 425" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/26CdDZnmjFxy8zS8vMyPfJAqecUQqrtbpDrcqyq6xCXBHyGqXEdjukmwv64eHd0f.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Popular Mechanics, April 1907, p. 425</figcaption></figure>

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