Earth as a Medium: The Art and Engineering of Golf Course Construction

Abstract

Golf courses are engineered and amenity environments. There are approximately 32,000 golf courses played by about 50 million enthusiasts worldwide. Golf courses are found not only in the temperate regions where the game originated, but in tropical, subtropical, and even high latitude climates. In this chapter we examine the history of golf and the evolution of golf course construction from its origins as a simple task of clearing land to the megaengineering projects involving mass earthworks often required to build a golf course today. We also provide an analysis of the site planning process required for courses constructed in varying environmental and cultural settings, including a brief history of golf course architecture. Social issues discussed include: patterns of residential land use related to golf development; costs of development; environmental constraints; and golf’s social significance. We conclude by looking at the future of golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide, especially golf’s status within rising middle classes in the developing world and its role as an engine of development in countries promoting tourism.