A golf course is a huge project: creating one of these giant installations on an open piece of land requires all of the skill of a seasoned contractor, dedicated planners and a savvy investor, and golf course construction companies will help project managers and land owners ensure quality on a challenging links building project.

Anyone considering the hiring of golf course construction contractors should be somewhat familiar with some of the key terms, concepts and agencies related to golf course construction. Online sites accommodate this by showing readers how golf course design and construction groups work, what to include in a plan and how to create a quality course. Readers might look for:

1. Information on how national design groups affect the architectural process with regard to golf course construction jobs, companies or trade unions, including golf course construction contractors key terms.

2. How golf course contractors can be certified through builder's associations and how these groups monitor best practices for golf course construction.

3. Other information on the technical aspects of constructing greens and what terms are commonly used.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about golf course construction contractor shops and design agencies

The American Society of Golf Course Architects is a main organization focused on informing, monitoring and standardizing golf course construction for best results. A project manager may want to know how the ASCGA works with architects and planners to get better links set up on a parcel of land.

I recommend: Find informative articles on how the American Society for Golf Course Architects plays a role in defining golf course design processes at the organization's news pages. For more about the ASGCA, check out the online Golf Course Architecture Magazine website to find out more about how the general golf course design community works in terms of golf course construction employment, design or consulting.

Find out about more trade group certification terms for golf course construction firms

Another big party involved in the construction angle is the Golf Course Builder's Association of America. Like the ASGCA, the GCBAA focuses on how to create quality courses, but its role is more in the construction process. Contractors should also be aware of how the GCBAA operates.

I recommend: The GCBAA Media Room details some ongoing updates about how this association works. Get more information on this and other golf course groups at News Weekly, a site extension of the Golf Course Superintendent's Association of America.

Look for terms and ideas on golf course construction

Some of the main concepts in golf course design are in the turf types used and the 'fill' or material under the greens that keeps them from shifting and sinking. Learn about these trade terms to get a handle on how a designer or a golf course construction company produces golf courses that stand the test of time.

I recommend: The United States Golf Association's Turf Management page is filled with terms related to fill, maintenance and turf growth. Get answers on technical golf construction terms at the Advantage Golf Greens of Washington website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  In addition to these resources for golf course construction, take an active role in knowing more about the subject as it relates to your land. Know about soil quality, placement of landscaping, and other issues as the project goes forward.

Great golf courses, such as incredible Pebble Beach and Augusta National, are created by the masters. Considerable planning goes into determining the skill level of each hole and the strategic placement of sand traps and water hazards. The key to well-designed links lies in the hands of golf course construction contractors and golf course architecture firms. Selecting the right firm and contractor takes time, patience and good research skills.

Rely on the recommendations of golf course officials, superintendents and greens chairpersons for your golf course construction jobs. Check out completed golf course construction projects to evaluate the workmanship of potential contractors for your particular golf course construction job. Steps to working with golf course construction contractors include:

1. Contact references for golf course construction companies, golf course architecture firms and golf course construction contractors.

2. Verify that golf course construction contractors and golf course construction firms are licensed.

3. Sign a contract with your golf course construction contractor.

4. Confirm that the contractor obtains all necessary permits.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the right golf course construction contractor for your job

Unless you know someone involved in golf course construction you probably need to rely on online resources to locate golf course architecture firms, golf course construction firms or golf course contractors.

I recommend: Consider Golf Works, located in Austin, Texas, for your next golf course construction project and let them perform any irrigation work you need. Have McDonald and Sons bid on your next project. The company offers new construction, renovation and design services for your next project. The Blue Book of Building and Construction allows you to search for golf course construction companies and golf course construction firms by state.

Renovate as part of your golf course construction

Often a golf course simply needs a face lift to give it new life. Find the right golf course contractor to make renovating your greens and fairways cost effective.

I recommend: Contact Links Crafters or Munie Greencare Professionals for your next golf course construction or renovation.

Design your own golf course construction job

Work with golf course architecture firms to create or recreate your golf course.

I recommend: The American Society of Golf Course Architects provides a list of golf course architecture firms. This website also allows you to take part in a virtual, step-by-step tour to design and build a golf course, or you can participate in the Society's "Short Course to a Better Course" aimed at remodeling golf courses. Forrest Richardson & Associates, Kelly Blake Moran and Herfort-Norby are some of the available golf course architecture firms.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Golfcourse construction contractors generally require partial payment prior to construction. One-third to one-half of the estimated total cost is the average. Contact the references of any prospective golfcourse construction firm before assigning the contract, to get feedback on the company's reliability, its ability to meet deadlines and complete the job within budget.
• •  Subcontractors also must have a contractor's license and be fully insured.
• •  Protect yourself with a signed contract. A written agreement detailing the specifics of your golf course construction job can prevent misunderstandings and assure the legality of your golf course construction.

Before applying for employment at golf course architecture firms or golf course construction companies it is important that you are up-to-date concerning any necessary qualifications. It may also be beneficial for your employment prospects as well as your paycheck to partake in education and training courses like those available at golf course architecture schools.

Consider the following to gain a better understanding of golf course construction contractors education and training:

1. Obtain pertinent education information regarding golf course construction before accepting a golf course construction job or working for any golf course construction firms.

2. Advance your individual education or attain additional certification for your golf course construction company.

3. Access supplementary materials and resources to aid you in furthering your golf course construction contractors education and training.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand what to study to become a golf course construction contractor

Before beginning a construction career, many golf course contractors complete landscape architecture, turf management or other related degree programs to enhance their knowledge-base and further their skill set. Having a solid educational background will better your odds when searching for employment. Utilize online resources to find the right school and program that meet your needs.

I recommend: Learn about the BSLA program at Colorado State University and receive a degree in landscape architecture. View information about the golf course and landscape technology program at Western Texas College and choose between an Associate in Applied Science Degree or certificate program. Take a look at the two-year golf course turf management certificate program offered by the Professional Golf Turf Management School at Rutgers University.

Continue your golf course construction contractors education or attain additional certification

Add to your individual or business qualifications by obtaining certification or enrolling in contract construction golf courses to further your education and credentials. Possessing additional expertise will increase your personal or business golf course construction jobs and ensure golf course construction employment in the future. There are a number of resources available online to help you understand how best to continue your education and add to your qualifications.

I recommend: Enroll your company in the Certification Program offered by the Golf Course Builders Association of America, a standard by which golf course builders have been evaluated since 1992. Learn about the MLA program offered by the School of Architecture at Auburn University and earn a masters degree in landscape architecture.

Utilize additional educational resources pertaining to contract construction of a golf course online

Obtain online resources to enhance your knowledge or help you in studying for a state contractor exam. Whether you are currently enrolled in a golf course construction class or plan on enrolling at golf course architect school, reviewing online content is an easy way to refresh or add to your skill set. Either way, there are a number of easily accessible online resources to help you.

I recommend: Access the information offered by the United States Golf Association in the Green Section's Construction Education Program. Take advantage of the links and resources provided by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards to prepare and register for the L.A.R.E exam, a necessary assessment in 49 states.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are unable to travel very far outside your geographical location, keep in mind that many colleges and universities offer online and distance learning degree programs. This will make beginning or enhancing your golf course construction contractors education and training a lot easier.