I am widely recognized for my ability to design an upscale golf course for an affordable price. While this is a slight hindrance in fame and fortune, it is very satisfying to help others. My designs reflect a lifetime in golf. I have experienced and know all facets of the golf course business. I have been a superintendent for public and high end private clubs and I have operated a public course for profit. These experiences influence how I design a course. Challenging and beautiful golf courses can still be efficient to build and operate. I create courses that epitomize value golf...Emerald Vale, Hidden River Golf & Casting Club and Angels Crossing. Private club memberships recognize my knowledge of their course’s historical value. I communicate with committees and memberships what, where and especially how and why a project is necessary. I spend the time on site to insure the work blends seamlessly with the surrounding character. I love golf and nature, but the memories are built with people involved with the project. The biggest rewards of a job involve working through the trials of a problem, the joy of seeing the golf hole become what it was expected to be, and the look of recognition on an owner’s face as the project develops. My clients are for a lifetime…after the project is finished, it is a delight to reminisce together. |
It is no secret that the world of golf course architecture is shrinking. The National and world economies have raised havoc on new development of any kind, let alone recreational expenditures. Private clubs have seen memberships drop and in some cases, plummet. Daily fee play is shrinking with disposable income. Opportunities expand as others contract. I have stepped into golf course operations and experienced a coveted teaching assignment at Michigan State University as well as continuing with golf course design. |
Golf holes that utilize the site’s natural land forms create
strategy and produce an aesthetically pleasing layout that is
economical to build and efficient to maintain. Proper
routing is the foundation for future success. I work with
every client to ensure careful integration of their goals with
each site’s unique character and the game of golf. Ultimately,
golf courses are a business. The doors have to stay open
so golfers can enjoy the sport.
Detailed construction plans and technical
specifications are the instruments to insure efficient construction
practices and quality materials. As Alister MacKenzie said eighty years
ago, working out problems on paper during design development
is much more efficient than wearing out soil from excess movement. I
stake the tees, turning points and center of greens on the land. Adjustments
take place before construction, saving unnecessary change orders
or later design changes. 
Great golf courses lead golfers through
great golf holes. Golf
holes are developed by attention to detail and ample time on
site during construction. I enjoy the construction process;
I am there communicating with the shaper, owner and contractor. Quick
field decisions save money and produce better results in the
final project. I get the best green design ideas on site
and will often draw a sketch for the shaper at the greensite. 
