Abstract: Written construction proposals describe construction procedures and costs to golf course owners.
It’s time for the late-summer push to discuss golf renovation projects proposed for the fall. The ideas come from many directions; superintendents tired of a worn golf feature; members tired of a small tee box or a mutual need to spend a golf course construction budget.
A carefully worded narrative will sell any golf project to your members or ownership. Deliver content in a blog, newsletter, memorandum, or letter. Clear, concise content is more effective then long, drawn out reports. Three paragraphs will provide enough information without overdoing the discussion.
A golf project needs to be described simply. Golfer’s don’t care the technicalities of golf course management. Write a clear narrative describing what the project involves and how much it will cost. Write five paragraphs, then chop the content down to three good paragraphs.
The first few sentences should be loaded with information. A good opening is like this: ” Tee renovation at John Doe Country Club will provide additional tee area at nominal cost. Bunker reconstruction will increase playability and reduce maintenance costs.” Note that I used an active voice, not a passive voice.
The first paragraph should outline the project. Google Earth camera shots can assist in this process. Insert an image of the area under consideration in the document and describe what construction processes are needed. Try to explain how the project will look after completion.
Write as you talk. For example, write down what you said to your green chairman about the bunker on #4. Don’t try to be literary, just be factual. When you said: “We’ll dig out the bunker floor and use the fill on the back slope,” write it as: ” Lower the bunker floor by six inches and use the surplus soil to increase the mound size on the bunker slope.” Use simple words, don’t load the narrative with agronomic terminology. Complicated words confuse members.
I’ve written an introductory paragraph that describes a fictitious golf course project:
A typical par #3 should have 4000 square feet of tee top turf. Our tee #4 has only 2200 square feet. This lack of area has created an increased use of the usable tee turf, causing an abundance of divots and unsatisfactory turf. I’ve discussed this situation with the green committee, and they have directed me to write a proposal describing construction costs and methods.
This paragraph starts out with solid facts about par-3 tee sizes (I made-up the tee size). Be sure to credit your source to add credibility to the document. The next sentence explains why the tee looks ragged, and it empowers the members to do something about the situation. The final sentence describes why you are writing the proposal.
The next paragraph should describe the project. Journalists are taught to include who, what, where, why and how in their newspaper articles, and you should cover all these points in your narrative. I’ve drafted another paragraph describing the means and methods of this fictitious project.
I’ve developed a construction scenario that will increase the tee size to 4400 square feet. If approved. the project will begin after Thanksgiving. Staff members will remove the existing turf from the tee top, the side of the tee, and the area surrounding the tee. The existing sod will interfere with the construction process. It will be dumped and converted into topsoil for later use. The staff will remove the existing irrigation system; it will be removed and stored for reuse. A golf course contractor will expand the tee surface by installing fill and a blended tee mix on the tee top. After the tee top is leveled, new sod will be installed by staff.
The paragraph provides a summary of the proposed golf tee construction. Members will get an overview of the process, and you’ll explain how you’re saving money by using club employees (be sure they can do the work!).
The summary paragraph borrows information from the first two paragraphs. Explain how the project will improve the tee box, then discuss the cost’s associated with the work. Don’t submit a low estimate; submit a real estimate with a 20% contingency to cover unforeseen issues.
The project will take three weeks to complete. The new tee box will open on April 15, 201o. The project cost will be $21,239.00. This amount is currently included in the golf course construction budget. The new tee will provide additional square footage creating additional locations for tee marker placement. The new tee will make hole #4 at John Doe Country Club a pleasure to play.
The final paragraph includes a project timeline along with a real construction number. If individuals want a breakdown of labor and materials costs, be prepared to submit a spreadsheet with your budget calculations.
You don’t need a fat document full of construction verbiage to sell a golf course project. Three concise paragraphs will explain your proposal to your members without burdening them with information they don’t need. Be prepared to submit additional information to individuals that request it.
Village Links, Plymouth,Mass. by Ray Richard
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