John,
We have used GPS in similar ways. I documented the use in my running series over on Cybergolf for my new Quarry Course, in Biwabik, MN.
While we didn't use GPS to topo the ground to start, nor did we used trained monkeys, if we ran into a problem where our topos were clearly off, the contractor walked the proposed fairway edges, etc. to give us true topo to adjust our design on plan.
In most cases, they simply compared our plans to actual topos and had stakes set in the field when I arrived. It was easy to tell if a tee would require too much fill, or if we needed more cut somewhere else. OUr computers talked with their computers, so by looking at a screen in the field, we could compare our maps existing topo, actual topo, proposed grades, and any releative differences (ie - our plan showed fill 6 feet in one spot, but actual was fill 24 feet - so we knew we had a problem)
The net result was that Park Construction was able to do the final field adjustments under my direction, rather than move earth once, let me look at it, and move it around again for me to look at again. After I saw the basic shaping, they would email photos so I could monitor progress from my computer - unless I was on GCA at the time!
Overall, I think technology will greatly assist us as arhcitects in building more site sensitive courses, and building them faster to keep costs down.