Well,
I would do the design of the whole clubhouse complex so that it fits around with the golf course with green building principles - have a large rainwater runoff to water the practice green that could be on part of the clubhouse roof and could have the first championship tee above the pro shop roof - Boony could work on this with me as we are Architects. A sustainable clubhouse for the 21st century.
The Golf Course - would do the layout alonside a good layout architect maybe Mr Doak of course and we could therefore give a template/area of each hole to 18 different architects on GCA forum to be further designed and detailed - could be the perfect GCA composite course. I would have the final say over the design of each hole to try and make sure it blends with the rest of the course - difficult task but possible.
Its a dream..........
Cheers
Ben
Ben,
You beat me to it on most counts there... and Sean's idea of being so rich it doesn't matter would be handy!
Regardless of the site I'd certainly do the clubhouse myself, but I'd leave the exact style of the clubhouse till I've walked the site.
Assuming this site is reasonably local to me here in the Midlands then knowing Mr Stephens well, I'd find it difficult not to let him have a crack at it. If the site was further afield, I'd probably look for a local architect, but if I couldn't find one I was happy with then I'd probably also join the Tom Doak Appreciaition Society. Afterall it was reading both his Anatomy and Confidential Guides that first really got me interested in all this... If it was further afield I'd certainly ask a local building architect to help me out, to cut down on needless travelling.
I'd also open up the design of at least one hole as a competition to you lot on here?
I'd leave the design of the course to the GCA but would obviously love to have some input? I'd certainly be happier with a sub 6,000 yard course to a par of 69 than a 7,000 plus at a par 72 but it would really depend on the GCA? And I'd let the GCA know that I've always been a fan of fun green complexes, with plenty of options. So it would also have a pretty substantial practice chipping area and none of those damn "No Chipping Practice" signs!
I'd also want the course, clubhouse and the surrounding land to be built and looked after as environmentally sustainably as possible. All that land out there why not double up as a nature reserve in the wilder spots. I'd certainly rather glance into the trees or sky and see a sparrowhawk, fieldfare or robin rather than some bloody housing or a hotel and leisure complex! Plus, I can keep my wife happy as she's an ecologist so she can look after that side of things. And while I'm at it, my brother would certainly be a good bet for head pro... And it might not make a great business model, but anyone from on here can play whenever they like!
Low cost, low key, low impact? A friendly, family run place? Sounds good to me?
Cheers,
James