Design practice Schmidt-Curley has started its own golf course construction firm.

Green Dynasty Golf Course Construction Management will focus on the Chinese golf industry, where Schmidt-Curley has established itself as a leading name.

Principals Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley have experience running a contractor, having founded Flagstick Construction Management in 1997. Flagstick's built the two massive Mission Hills projects in China, plus Thailand's Amata Spring Golf Club and others around the world. Schmidt-Curley sold its interest in Flagstick last year and has now created Green Dynasty to concentrate on China.

Green Dynasty's main focus will be Schmidt-Curley projects; however, the company is open to providing services to other golf course architects should mutually appropriate opportunities and circumstances exist.

“Through our many years of golf construction management experience – especially in China where language, logistics and cultural differences can pose additional hurdles to successful completion of projects – we have assembled an all-star staff to ensure clients receive the best possible product in a timely and cost-effective manner,” says Lee Schmidt. “There has been a recent rush of architects looking to break into the country, but our comprehensive understanding of the market is a huge advantage we enjoy over competitors.”

Green Dynasty will be managed by its president and partner, Owen Hester, formerly with Flagstick. Its first project is a 36 hole Schmidt-Curley-designed facility in Kunming, overlooking Lake Foshan.

Hester said: “Our initial engagement is taking shape on one of the best sites under construction today, and we intend to create a golf experience that will soon challenge the top courses in the country.”