Architect’s Time On-Site

During Construction

100% 0 to 6%
Tony Ristola Typical
LEADERSHIP DRIVEN GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTURE

PREAMBLE

No architect will ever draw a perfect set of plans for the 60+
hectares it takes to develop a golf course. Even if one could, no
builder left alone for days, weeks or months at a time will build
the course the architect envisioned. In fact 10 different builders
would build 10 ten different golf courses.

The standard method of design-construction across the world is for

the architect to draw plans, pass them to the builder, with the
architect visiting the site every week, month or quarter. This is a
form of roulette… with millions at stake. Some projects turn out
OK, and others are failures. I am currently at a project started in
this roulette manner. Detailed plans were given to a golf course
builder. After 10 months of construction the builder was fired, and
I have come in to redesign the golf course.

Everyday during construction there are opportunities to improve

the project. If they are not incorporated the moment discovered
they most likely will be lost forever. Even if the project would turn
out alright, it is lost opportunities that cost developers dearly, and
because they never show up on any balance sheet, they don’t
learn about what was lost until it is too late.

Design and construction are not separate jobs, but different parts
of the same job, and that job is design. And time, not money is
the driving factor for achieving golf architecture excellence. It is
why many of the great courses were the first or among the first
designed by the architect… before they became popular and had
their time split between multiple projects.

Pebble Beach, Pine Valley, Oakmont, Merion, and The National

Golf Links of America, all Top 100 courses were the first designed
by the architect.

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In recent times, three new courses have cracked the Top 100 and
were built for budgets between 700,000 and 2 million Euros. More
money would not have made these courses better. In fact it would
have made them worse.

Time is the most valuable asset an architect can bring to

his work and mountains of gold no guarantee of excellence.

BACKGROUND

As a 23-year PGA member; a former tournament and teaching

professional I know golf from tournament pro to beginner.

Having spent a season in golf course maintenance I understand

the relationship between design and maintenance. This valuable
knowledge allows me to build dramatic features that are cost
effective to maintain.

Working for one of America’s best builders and on projects

produced by the biggest names in golf architecture; Nicklaus
Design and Dye Designs provided my grounding in construction.
Budgets ranged from a few million to $50 million. I’ve been
involved with projects in diverse areas and sensitive areas, from
the Tropic of Cancer to near the Arctic Circle; America, Mexico,
Finland, Germany and Poland.

These experiences and study of golf architecture history made me

realize the inefficiencies of modern methods. It is why I commit to
each project on a daily basis.

SERVICES AND DISTINCT ADVANTAGES

My working method, daily commitment, is historically proven to:

1. Improve the quality of the project dramatically

2. Drive down costs

What I do:

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The routing, which is the backbone of the project.
General strategy plan; this will be adjusted as construction
progresses.
Estimate quantities for work (mass grading, drainage, imported
materials (sand etc.)

I do not draw greens plans. I estimate quantities for the work, and
sculpt them in the field. It is faster and produces a superior
product. The developer I am working with has witnessed the great
benefits first hand. His name is Kai Hulkkonen and can be reached
at +48 502 172 655.

I work with the builders on a daily basis.

Contractually it may state 50 hours per week, for 5.5 days, though
anyone you speak with will verify I work between 80 to 100 hours
per week, 7-days per week, with 100 hours being closer to the
norm.

I can and do jump on heavy equipment to shape features. This is

a form of insurance that the project will go correctly. There is
nothing more efficient than an architect on a machine crafting his
vision.

I can and do accomplish finish work on the greens.

I usually work with general contractors; people with no golf

experience, and little to no golf course construction experience.
This reduces cost.

Though more expensive, most continental “golf course builders’

employ people with little or no golf experience. These individuals
have not made a study of architecture or the diverse styles and
possibilities. How will they accomplish a unique design when the
architect is not present? They cannot. Plans do not reveal the
thousands of details that make great golf courses great. It is one
vital reason most continental European courses are forgettable.

Being on-site daily, helping the builders understand my unique

vision for the project is what makes the difference in speed, cost
and quality. It does not matter if a golf course builder is chosen or

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a general contractor… as long as the builder is conscientious and
competent.

When a worker has questions, requires clarification or help… I am

only minutes away, not days, weeks or months. Likewise, there is
no waiting for days, weeks, or months to approve or modify work.
This is the difference between craftsmanship and an industrial
process. I adjust and refine daily, and can approve the work for
the next step the minute it is complete. With the standard method
of infrequent “site-visits” by the architect, he will rework areas
“built-according-to-plan” to the great frustration of the builders,
and then walk away for an extended period. Who is to say the
adjustments made in his absence are acceptable? The builder
won’t know until the next “site-visit”.

BOOK, BLOG AND MARKETING

As I am on-site daily, I will write a blog and a book, revealing

valuable information for the club, members, guests and media.
The book will explain the decisions made during the construction
of the course, and how the course should be maintained. It can
serve as a guide for future superintendents, and in later years, it
can guide the club in restoration-preservation purposes. In
America, historic clubs research their history at great expense;
about $80,000 on average. They would easily pay a million dollars
to have their architect provide full insight and guidance for their
project. Unfortunately for the clubs and golf historians, no
architect provided this critical information.

I can assist with marketing and golf course set-up. Having spent
my life in golf, I see things that can make the course that much
more distinct, while tying it into the local charm. Most courses do
not give these elements much thought, and is another area which
can help separate your project from the masses.

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 SUMMARY

(1) Leadership Driven Architecture is the most economical method

of design-construction. Design and construction are the same
job.

(2) I am on-site daily leading the builders

(3) I can and do operate heavy equipment

(4) Details are achieved which are unattainable from traditional

working methods.

(5) Unforeseen opportunities to better the projects are

implemented. Opportunities are a valuable yet unmeasurable
raw material.

(6) Eliminates the need to hire costly golf course construction

companies!

(7) Prompt decision making.

(8) A clear message to each individual on the crew... that “good

enough” isn’t… because I am there to help them achieve
excellence.

(9) Ensures the intended concept is built.

(10) Produces long term quality... something to preserve.

(11) Fewer projects mean I can to follow my previous works.

(12) I’ll write a book and blog and can assisting with marketing.

(13) Leadership Driven Architecture creates unique marketing

opportunities.

agolfarchitect.com
Leadership Driven Architecture
...Because Vision and Leadership are Inseparable
Tony Ristola
agolfarchitect.com
agolfarchitect@yahoo.com
+1 909.581.0080
Design and construction are not separate jobs, but different parts of the same job 5
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