Key Points
The personality of the golf course is expressed through the fine shaping of the golf features, which is a further refinement of bulk earthwork and rough shaping.
The relationship between the golf course architect and the shaper(s) is vital for an aesthetically and strategically cohesive golf course.
The best shapers are not only independent and efficient but also understand the strategy and shot values that the golf course architect is trying to achieve, and can balance the form and function of the landforms.
Once the clearing, bulk earthwork, and storm drainage operations have moved through a portion of the site, the rough and fine shaping operations can follow (see Step 6: Surveying, Site Prep, and Clearing, Step 7: Bulk Earthwork, and Step 8: Storm Drainage Design and Installation and an Overview of SuDS to learn more). If bulk earthwork endeavors to bring subgrade to within 2-3 feet (1 meter) of the design elevation, then rough shaping will get the subgrade to within 6 inches (15 cm) of finished design grade. Fine shaping is the final refinement and will achieve the grades and look that the golf course architect desires prior to the placement of topsoil.
Where the Artistry Happens
At face value, the shaping that happens after bulk earthwork is simply a further refinement in the realization of the golf course architect’s design, using smaller machinery to achieve greater accuracy. However, in reality, the rough and fine shaping phases (also known as feature shaping because it’s when the greens, tees, bunkers, and fairways take form) are when the personality of the golf course finally begins to shine through.
“Shapers” differ from other equipment operators in that they often are given much greater artistic license by the golf course architect to manipulate the final look of the golf course. Even if a golf course architect provides grading plans that are accurate to within 1 foot (30 cm), there’s still plenty of room for interpretation by a talented shaper. Golf course architects will typically make every effort to consistently work with the same shaper(s) from job to job (for the comfort of familiarity, their ability to achieve the “look” that the golf course architect desires, their shared “mental database” of golf references, etc.). For jobs that are being coordinated by a golf course builder, golf course architects are known to ask the client to hire their favored shaper(s) as independent subcontractors outside of the golf course builder’s contract. For design-build jobs, the golf course architect and his or her shaper(s) are effectively serving in the role of golf course builder while scheduling, coordinating, and overseeing the work of all of the other specialized subcontractors on site (drainage, irrigation, bulk earthwork, landscaping, etc.).
While the greens, tees, bunkers, and fairways will theoretically be just as functional in the hands of a similarly qualified but less artistic machine operator, the artistically-inclined and golf-literate shaper is potentially able to collaborate with the golf course architect to heighten the aesthetics and strategic values of these features. This will potentially draw more media and public attention to the golf course, which is, of course, in the best interests of the client, the golf course architect, and the golf course builder.
The best shaping successfully combines strategy and beauty.
The Relationship Between the Golf Course Architect and the Shapers
One of the keys to maximizing the potential of the golf course is the relationship and communication between the golf course architect and the shaper(s). If the golf course architect is not doing all of the shaping him- or herself then he or she will have to put a certain degree of faith in the shapers to understand and buy-into the vision of what the finished golf course will look like and how it will be played. A big part of the golf course architect’s job is to figure out how to communicate this vision so that every one of the shapers understands what the golf course architect is hoping to achieve and are on the same page.
Perspective before-after visualizations are a good way of communicating the end goal of the design.
There are many ways to effectively convey a design idea.
When the shapers work for the golf course builder and are not as familiar with the design intent of the golf course architect, the golf course architect may need to produce very detailed plans and provide additional supervision to ensure that this vision is achieved. When the shapers report directly to, and have a familiarity with, the golf course architect (e.g. in the case of a design-build), the golf course architect may be more comfortable giving the shapers some leeway, taking comfort in knowing that they have a shared history and understanding of what they’re trying to achieve. In both cases, the best results are achieved when the golf course architect is present on-site to keep everyone moving in the same direction.
Whether working for the golf course builder or with the golf course architect, the very best shapers are artistic, independent, and efficient and have a thorough understanding of historical references, site context, and strategic theory and a more than passing familiarity with the world’s greatest golf courses. In an ideal situation, the golf course architect and the shaper can have an open and honest dialogue throughout the project, continually updating and refining the golf course architect’s preliminary ideas while staying within the boundaries and consistent with the golf course architect’s overall vision (and schedule and budget). In addition, he or she must be efficient enough to do this without delaying the progress or significantly affecting adjacent works by other subcontractors, such as the installation of drainage and irrigation.
Shaping Sustainability and Accessibility into Tees, Greens, and Bunkers
This is perhaps a good time to touch upon some of the underpinning ideas and concepts behind designing more sustainable and accessible golf courses. While these ideas certainly won’t apply universally or to every golf hole, a golf course architect would do well to at least keep these thoughts in mind to design and build a golf course that is accessible to as broad a range of golfers as is possible. These points will be covered in greater detail in step numbers 11 - 13, spotlighting sustainable design of tees, bunkers, and greens.
Minimize or eliminate overly steep slopes on fairways and greens that require time-consuming hand mowing. Shape bunkers so they repel overland flow and are not prone to wash-outs and don’t require a lot of time-consuming hand labor.
Build fewer and smaller sand bunkers to lower maintenance costs and increase the pace of play. Use the fewest bunkers needed to dictate strategy and challenge primarily the best players. Use grass features instead of sand bunkers for variety and to minimize maintenance time and costs.
Ensure access to greens, tees, and bunkers for mobility-challenged golfers by reducing steep slopes and steps and considering entry and exit points from cart paths. Reduce long walks between greens and tees to encourage walking.
Tee placement for ALL tees should give full consideration to angles, distances, and forced carries to the landing area to ensure that shot values are similar for long and short hitters.
Minimize blind shots and keep sight lines clear to accommodate the hearing impaired.
Contact Sustain Golf for more information!
A talented and efficient shaper who understands what the golf course architect is trying to achieve will always yield the best results. Over many years in the golf industry, we have had the opportunity to develop good working relationships with many talented and artistic shapers. We would be happy to make recommendations or answer any questions that you might have about sustainable golf course design or construction. Visit www.SustainGolf.com or contact us at the following address for more information: Contact@SustainGolf.com.
The European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA), in partnership with the GEO Foundation, has developed a continuing professional development program for its members called Raising the Standard of Sustainable Golf Course Development, or RSSGCD. This is the industry’s only structured program in the world to specifically train golf course architects in sustainable golf course design, construction, and maintenance best practices. A Sustain Golf team member has attained Stage 3 of this rigorous program.
A Sustain Golf team member is also currently serving on the EIGCA’s Sustainability Committee and is a GEO Certified Accredited Sustainability Verifier.
We firmly believe that common sense sustainable design, construction, and maintenance practices are the keys to the long-term survival of the game of golf. We aspire to be on the leading edge of applying sustainability concepts to golf course design, construction, and maintenance.
We will spend every day for the duration of the project on-site and/or coordinating with all contractors, subcontractors and professional consultants to be sure that no opportunities are lost and that the best golf course for your property is realized.
Up Next:
Step 10 – The Design and Installation of the Irrigation System
Sustain Golf is a collaborative group of like-minded qualified golf course architects. We are also qualified and experienced as civil engineers, vertical architects, and project managers. We have the breadth and diversity of experience and knowledge to offer a full suite of golf course design and construction services, from first concept to opening day on your new or remodeled golf course.
References:
Hurdzan, Dr. Michael J. Golf Course Architecture: Design, Construction & Restoration. Chelsea, MI: Sleeping Bear Press, 1996.
Excerpts from an essay by Schiffer, Matthew & Cutten, Keith, (2019). Compare and Contrast: Design-Build vs Contractor Model of Golf Course Construction
Photo Credits: Retrieved from http://www.nicklaus.com/design/alhama/
Peer Review:
Dr. Keith Duff, former UK government wildlife agency Chief Scientist, current Golf Environment Consultant
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