ASGCA Foundation releases new book to help clubs make design decisions
The American Society of Golf Course Architects’ research unit – the ASGCA Foundation – has released a new book titled Designs on a Better Golf Course: Practical answers to common questions for Green Committees, which includes over 50 articles that touch on everything from master planning to bunker repairs.
The book, conceived and edited by Jeff Brauer, provides information on topics that may be raised by green committee members and other golf course decision makers as they consider projects at their facilities.
Designs on a Better Course is divided into 11 sections, including renovations, greens, hazards, and construction.
“This book provides helpful information for those making decisions about golf facilities,” said Brauer. “Whether a green committee member, superintendent or course manager, having a basic understanding of how golf course architecture affects all aspects of your course and operation is a first step to a finished product that is more playable and profitable. That’s where this book comes in.”
The book also features a number graphics and charts, including the life expectancy for a course’s infrastructure, maximum slope for green speeds, suggested size for tees and much more.
Author JJ Keegan previewed Designs on a Better Golf Course: “There were many fabulous things in this tome and some that surprised me,” he said. “The insights that ‘every design is a compromise’ and ‘the focus of some architects is to prevent what golfers want – a good score’ are among the candid comments that make this book a valuable resource. By itself, the charts on ‘Green Slope vs. Speed’ and ‘The Appropriate Size of the Green based on the Length of the Approach Shot,’ create fabulous guidance that validates why purchasing this book is a wise investment.”
“The information included in Designs on a Better Golf Course meets the ASGCA Foundation’s mission to ‘support the health of the game of golf by funding and administering programs that grow the game,’” said ASGCA Foundation President Lee Schmidt. “Jeff was assisted on this project by a committee of ASGCA members who provided content, comment and perspective, including Nathan Crace, Richard Mandell, Greg Muirhead and John Sanford.”
Designs on a Better Golf Course: Practical answers to common questions for Green Committees is available on Amazon.