About Course designコース設計とは

Course Design Flow

master plan

The "master plan" for golf course design is a comprehensive plan that provides the basic layout and design guidelines for the entire golf course. It serves as the foundation for the construction and operation of the golf course and includes the following

1. Hall placement (routing)It determines how each hole on the golf course will be arranged in succession. Routing is planned taking into account the flow of play, ease of movement for players, and characteristics of the terrain.
2. Design elements for each holeIt includes the placement of playing areas and hazards such as teeing areas, fairways, rough, bunkers, and greens. Distance, shape, and location of obstacles are devised to reflect the difficulty and strategy of play in the design.
3. Environmental Protection and Landscape DesignConsideration for the natural environment and design that makes the most of the landscape are also important. Waterways, ponds, forests, plantings, etc. are designed while considering the balance between landscape and ecology.
4. Infrastructure PlacementThe master plan also includes the layout of facilities used by players and staff, such as the clubhouse, parking lots, cart paths, and walkways.
5. Legal and technical considerationsLand use regulations, environmental impact assessments, and technical considerations for civil engineering are also important factors. Appropriate designs are made according to local conditions, such as land topography and drainage plans.

The master plan is an important design phase that determines the completeness of the golf course and the satisfaction of the playing experience, and serves as a guideline for maintaining overall balance and harmony.

Site Plan

A "site plan" in golf course design is a plan showing in detail how the golf course and related facilities will be located on a particular site. This is the stage in the design process where the specific details of the location and placement of individual areas and structures are designed based on the master plan. A site plan typically includes the following elements

1. Details of the layout of each hallWe plan in detail how areas such as tee grounds, fairways, rough, and bunker greens for each hole will be located on the site. The design will be adapted to the undulations of the terrain and vegetation conditions, and will take into consideration the strategic nature of play and the landscape.
2. Location of nearby facilitiesThe site plan also includes the layout of facilities for the use of the golf course, such as the clubhouse, restaurant, parking lot, and cart storage area. These facilities will be planned for accessibility and convenience and to be appropriately located in relation to the golf course.
3. Infrastructure and flow line designDetailed plans are also made for cart paths, sidewalks, roads, parking areas, and other traffic flow lines for player and staff movement. Infrastructure such as the location of water supply and drainage facilities and electrical systems will also be located and designed to suit the characteristics of the land.
4. Landscape and Environmental Protection AreaTo enhance the landscape and protect nature, natural areas such as planting areas, forests to be protected, ponds, rivers, etc. may be established. This will ensure that the golf course is both beautiful and ecologically sound.
5. Technical considerations for constructionIt will also clearly indicate where topography needs to be altered, the extent of civil engineering work, and the landscaping plan. This allows for efficient and sustainable construction during construction.

The site plan guides the specific construction work on site and is an important guideline for ensuring that the golf course is completed as planned. Detailed layout and infrastructure planning also plays an important role in the long run, as it affects the efficiency of operations and maintenance.

design plan

A "design plan" in golf course design is a design guideline that embodies the playing experience, landscape features, and the difficulty and character of each hole during the overall visual and strategic design phase of a golf course. The design plan is intended to provide enjoyment and challenge to the player and includes the following elements

1. Hole-by-hole characteristics and strategyIntentionally design the difficulty level, theme, and strategic nature of play for each hole. For example, we balance risk and reward by placing bunkers and lakes so that certain holes require challenging shots.
2. Hazard design and placementWhere hazards such as bunkers, lakes, rivers, and vegetation are placed is also an important factor. This gives players a variety of shot options and determines the overall strategy and difficulty of the course.
3. Landscape DesignWe also consider the beauty of the golf course and its harmony with nature, and design landscapes that integrate with the surrounding landscape and vegetation. For example, we will design the landscape to make the most of the existing trees and terrain while making the scenery attractive to view while playing.
4. 

   Image permission Narusawa Golf Club
   Design artwork by Tadashi Shimamura

   

   Photo permission Narusawa Golf Club

5. Green shape and slope designThe size, shape, and degree of slope of the greens are determined to enhance the difficulty and strategy of putting. Since the slope of the green affects the direction and speed of putting, precise design is required.
6. Teeing area designAdjust the position and height of the teeing areas to accommodate a wide range of players, from beginners to advanced players. The position of the teeing area can change the difficulty level of the hole.
7. Fairway width and shapeThe width, undulations, and curving design of fairways change the ease and strategy of shots. They are designed with the flow of play in mind, for example, by creating curves that favor shots from certain angles.

The design plan is an important design phase that provides a "playful" and "challenging" experience for the players, while at the same time harmonizing the aesthetics and environment of the golf course as a whole.