Golf Course Renovation Tips

One thing course designers keep in mind is challenging the average player. The challenge doesn't have to be length--it can be forcing the golfer to use his mind and every club in the bag. This is done by giving the player opportunities to create shots competitors might not see. For example, creating an uphill approach on a par-5 might allow a golfer to chip the ball at the flag stick rather than pitch it at the hole. A chip shot takes creativity to see and execute, and golfers will appreciate the opportunity.

If the course has gotten the reputation of being "friendly" and scores have been coming down over the years, it's time to put in a few new challenges. This can be done by building new bunkers and putting in trees to punish poorly executed shots.

Over the course of time, tee boxes tend to get worn down by traffic. A worn-down tee box has plenty of brown patches and can make a lush course look rather despondent. Turn this around by making the tee box as lush as the rest of the course, rebuilding it and putting in new grass that can withstand the foot traffic.

One of the things a golf course designer can do to enhance the course is to resurface and rebuild the greens. Undulating greens are often the most memorable, and greens can rebuilt to get the up-and-down effect that makes for the most challenging putts.

A good course redesign should take advantage of the natural surroundings and not try to change them. Don't cut down trees or other natural assets simply because you want to change the look of a hole. Former PGA Tour pro Mark McCumber, now a course designer, says taking advantage of the area's natural beauty is the way to go when designing a course.