"One reason why mathematics enjoys special esteem, above all other sciences, is that its laws are absolutely certain and indisputable, while those of other sciences are to some extent debatable and in constant danger of being overthrown by newly discovered facts." Albert Einstein
Golf course plans are mathematical solutions to artistic problems and are therefore insufficient.
Plans may work perfectly for a structure, who’s angles are known and easily measured. The same for roads, with their measurable curves, planes, and grades. Golf courses though, are works of art combined with engineering. It's subject to interpretation of the builder (remember... 10 different builders with the same plans will produce 10 different golf courses).
The last thing you want is a golf course to turn out exactly like it was designed on paper; like a computer model. Back at the turn of the century some architect's complained that the use of clay models resulted in features and courses that looked foreign to their native environment. Computer models, and an architect absent during construction have produced similar results... right down to the mowing lines. Ugh!
"Newly discovered facts" are unforeseen opportunities to better the project. Those the architect could never have conceived at the drafting table... which "overthrow" the original concepts, creating a whole new and better reality. Just one change on a hole can elicit a whole host of changes on other holes because you don't want holes to look or play similar.
The moral: Plans are not "absolutely certain and indisputable". We are humans after all, and to err is human. Therefore plans can only serve as a starting point for an expansive and expensive work of art, strategy and engineering. Only in the field can the architect make the swift and necessary adjustments to get the most from your site, budget and workers. You can't see opportunity from the next county or country, and you can't simply call in cutting-edge design changes.
The more time the architect spends leading construction, the better his decisions, the more opportunities seized, the more up to date are the workers... with new and critical "facts". All this added together improves the project drastically.
Tony Ristola
agolfarchitect.com
agolfarchitect@yahoo.com
+49 (0)173 450 4552
+1(909) 581 0080
