I actually diagree with Forrest, and according to his book, Forrest disagrees with Forrest!
He has a section called the "Rules of Routing". This may be semantics, but there are rules, whether we admit it or not. It's just that, unlike the "Golden Rule" which should never be broken, there are few real consequences, and occaisionally some real benefits.
I have only one set rule for routing - If a routing works well on first try; it probably has 17 or 19 holes.
Its hard to talk about routing, because it seems intuitive, but its not! Its a process, and the process itself is not site specific, or only rarely so. It goes in three phases/steps:
· Analysis.
· Concept Routings
· Refinement - plan and field
Analysis.
I carefully study of site features, including Parcel Shape and Dimensions, soils, drainage, geology trees, views, surrounding land uses, and utility easements, etc. This is the equivalent of "Don't shoot first, and ask questions later" and Forrest covers the basics well in his book.
Concept Routings
I walk the property, route a few schemes on topo maps and, then walk the property and route some more, making sure I cover every possibility. Nothing helps a routing like seeing the property again, with ideas in hand, unless its taking a break for a week and looking at it with fresh eyes.
In the concept phase it is important to do many quickly, and not “fall in love” with any scheme, or any particular hole too early. Often, others suffer. It also helps to break up this initial brainstorming with a weekend, or another project. It is surprising how often a few days break will change your perspective, as in “ Why did I work so hard to get that hole?”
I usually start by locating a few potential places for the clubhouse. If we can’t find a suitable way to get started, we usually need to find a better clubhouse location. Usually, one or two sites fit our criteria, and quick test routings see which one has the most overall potential to fit returning nines (in most cases! All but two of my courses – Cowboys and Wild Wing Avocet – have them.
We often find permiter and "nook and cranny" holes next, and then fill in the interior.
Usually, a few patterns showing generally the best way to fit in holes emerges. Another site walk often reveals the validity of the initial proposal. We always see things we did not see the first time around the site, and make many, many trips around before settling on one. The routing process resembles putting together a jigsaw puzzle, constantly testing options.
Refinement
I can only think about a few things at a time, so routing must be concerned first with fitting in desired facilities, and then finding natural golf holes. Later, after some good general patterns emerge, we think about which one provides good shot values and variety, playability, low construction costs, and lowest future operational costs, to name a few.
After changing them on the drawing board, and settling on one, we do so again many times in the field to save specimen trees, provide better vistas, or for other field conditions to improve it from the paper version. And, we do this all through construction!