This tidbit takes us back to the 15th century, when Filippo Brunelleschi was selected to construct the dome for the Florence Cathedral (Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore). He not only designed the dome, but the construction-hoisting machinery.
The design for the dome was ingenious and required supervision from a capomaestro, an-architect-in-chief, to design the project and explain the work.
Today of course planning and construction for structures is a simpler affair, with precise planning, skilled labor and all manner of machines to be bought, leased or rented. Golf courses... are somewhat different.
Constructing the best golf courses, on the other hand, takes us back to the early 1900's... which is far closer to the 1500's than today. Builders need help, and there is a limited supply. Even "qualified" builders require guidance if you seek to create something wholly unique.
Even with the most precise planning the vision is certain to require adjustments, and the "ingenuity" is locked in the architect's mind. Unlike a structure, only he can decipher what his plans really mean. It's why all great golf courses had a capomaestro... someone who lead construction and had absolute authority to alter the plan as he saw fit.
More than ever, due to the mammoth size of modern construction equipment, their speed, the lack of builders that understand golf and the vast array of architectural styles, a capomaestro need be present to lead the effort and help the team build excellence... the first time.
Tony Ristola
agolfarchitect.com
agolfarchitect@yahoo.com
+49 (0)173 450 4552
+1(909) 581 0080
