Sand Valley Golf; Design and Construction Blog: 7th Greensite Development Progression in Photos

Short Project History; The Good and Bad

This blog reveals a snippet of the daily challenge of building a special golf course. The only value in something like this for future investors and golf architecture aficionados is to tell the truth; warts and all.

Before arriving at Sand Valley the project was being constructed according to the "detailed plans" of another golf architect using a "golf course construction company" that had built a number of courses. They broke ground in June 2006. After 10-months the builder had proceeded to rape 14-holes and was fired.

I have been brought in to fix the problem, using locals to build the course. In the process all plans except the general routing scheme have been abandoned. The current course is being designed in the field, seizing every opportunity to improve the course as we go. That's the value of time. You can see the project from all angles, in all conditions, you have time to think about the problems and come up with the best solutions, and then refine them with the guys doing the building... in real-time. This is how many of the great courses were constructed. It only makes sense. More time, more input, more communication produces the best possible result.

That's why Sand Valley, though it had a rough start (using the "Typical Method") should have a fantastic finish.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

7th Greensite Development Progression in Photos

The bunker fronting the 7th green has taken the longest time to bring to completion. I began this work on July 5th, and have worked on it on and off. That's the value of having time to reflect.
July 5 Blog entry: Sunday Spent Edging

Though I liked the general idea, was never happy with the state if things, so... today was another attack.

The Bunker Brothers were doing the hard work of cutting and hauling in the sod slabs, and I spent the day placing them.

Finally I'm satisfied.