Increasingly, many forward-thinking clubs are realising that the proper way forward to advance their course into the new millennium is to obtain the services and advice from independent, qualified, experienced golf course architects and agronomists.

• For too long, most clubs have been altered or “improved” by a succession of unqualified Greens Chairmen, or even Captains, whose aim during their period of office appears to be to create a memento of that period in effecting changes to the layout.
• Often, these changes are then reversed by the following officials, leading to a situation in many clubs where bunkers are created then filled in a few years later, paths moved and changed, and a multitude of course alterations without the benefit of a long-term goal.
• Prior to undertaking any alterations, it is essential to have such long-term aim, whether a 5 year, 10 year, or even, on some courses, a 25 year programme of alterations and improvements, so that every alteration is part of that long-term goal.
• DWGD have been involved in many such programmes, starting with an initial course audit based on a detailed “hole by hole” inspection of the existing layout. A written report, often with plans of each hole, details not only the condition of each individual element but also that element’s contribution to the overall play and strategy of the hole.

As is stated on the adjacent section on bunkering, often many bunkers are found to be almost completely redundant, yet continue to be maintained (at considerable cost) by existing greenstaff.

• The overall aim of the course audit is to produce a snapshot of its condition and playability at that particular time. In discussions with the club and its officers, the audit can then be translated into a long-term plan. Many clubs, lacking financial resources to undertake the work, either quickly or by outside contractors, have determined to undertake the work ‘in house’, often using greenkeeping staff during the quieter winter months, with the work being undertaken over a 10 year period. Conversely, other clubs have decided to make the alterations during one winter, thereby reducing the time of disruption and bringing the changes into play quickly, although this approach normally does require the use of an experienced golf course contractor.
• DWGD have considerable expertise in putting together the necessary documentation to allow competitive tenders for such work to be obtained from contractors, including the provision of detailed working drawings, a full specification and often a bill of quantities for the work. In this way, members can be confident that the work will be undertaken to the standard required, to an agreed cost within budget, and on programme.

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