Ira,
Late to the party, but here is a slightly redacted "Designer Brief" from a current targeted (not full blow out) renovation project. (An odd name, considering most of us gca types might be called "tighty whiteys"...….
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It pays to make sure you and the client are on the same page, especially municipal work where they have to justify their expenses (whereas private owners may only need to justify to members or themselves) First, it minimizes a bunch of misunderstandings and potential re-works at our expense. Second, if they approve everything as you go, there is less chance of you being blamed for something that goes wrong. Step by step owner approval is probably the standard in any design endeavor.
I post this because it answers your question better for most of the less exiting real world projects that many of us undertake. We don't often have the luxury of designing a top 100 course, etc., so Tom's answer is not quite as relevant as I suspect you were looking for.
The design process is similar to the scientific process - Identify problems, test possible alternate theories/solutions, pick best and refine, etc. In golf, we often have to add "prioritize" to the problems and solutions.
A. Basic Construction Priorities
· Install New 18 Hole Irrigation System, including:
o Use North and South Pump stations as they have recently been refurbished
o Include new and larger pump station in Middle section to increase crossover capacity
§ Expand coverage:
· Generally, 4 rows, no part circles, except along existing residences.
· Row of outside perimeter heads around greens to cover walk ups better. (i.e., 60-70 feet from green edge throwing back in towards green.
· Part to Part coverage at greens desired
· To scoured areas:
o Remove trees for sunlight
o Expand to part path, using full circle sprinklers, no more than 50% of diameter from path
o Add topsoil to scoured areas, must find reasonable source.
§ No preference for either Rainbird or Toro.
· Reduce flooding impacts o Section C (holes 12-16) get the worst problems -Initial solution is new configuration to 13 & 14 / Elevate 15 fairway
o Section B has flow across holes 9 and 18
o Raise Greens above specified flood levels (in approximate order, 10, 3, 6, 7 and 5)
· Improve Surface Drainage Everywhere (subject to budget limitations)o Uplands (holes 1, 2, parts of 3, 4, 17, 18 Tee) by adding basins in low spots, minimal re-grading to reduce cost.
o Lower Areas –
§ Regrade to raise fairways to consistent flood protection – 13-14, 9, 18, 15,
§ Re-grade as required to minimum 3% grades to enhance every day drainage.
· Reduce Sand Bunkers o Reduce from 44,000 S.F. to as low as 22,000 S.F, focused on removing those that flood constantly.
o Add bunker liner (type TBD, but Better Billy Bunker is first choice) to remaining bunkers.
o Probably use buff colored, reasonable cost sand as it was used before.
· Greenso Raise greens as required for flood protection
o Eliminate drainage problems at many collars (via new drain tile and/or lowering built up lip)
o Noted problems on Greens 16 (back left) 14 (back right) 15 (front) 9 (front right) 18 (front right) and 3 (front)
· Teeso Increase Size on Par 3 Tees
o Add forward tees to shorten course
o Laser Level and add sand cap to tees to improve turf conditions
· Keep parts of course open for revenue generation:
o Require Contractor to work from North to South to keep course open as long as possible.
o In house crew:
§ May renovate range tee prior to construction so it will be open during construction for cash flow. (working with gca)
§ Is willing to contribute some labor to Contractor to reduce cost.