Golf architecture is both an art and a science. It employs the principles of landscape aesthetics to sculpt a course which will challenge and engage participants. With our ever increasing understanding of the sensitivities of large scale landscape change, it becomes more and more imperative that golf architects embrace the science of landscape ecology alongside the art of golf course design.

Golf architecture is almost always process driven. Because of the sport’s potential for large scale landscape change, the process usually begins with a clear understanding of environmental, political and social sensitivities and resiliency’s. A detailed site inventory provides the framework for routing the course; telling the architect which areas are most suitable for tees, greens, fairways, housing, open space, and conservation. This evaluation is critical in determining early feasibility, commercial viability and other development related issues.

The design phase involves the preparation of several conceptual routing plans from which an optimal layout is eventually selected. The routing plans may evolve through several iterations to ensure that the final plan best reflects the site’s character, the appropriate golf challenge, and other multidisciplinary requirements.