Norby Golf Course Design specializes exclusively in the design of golf course communities, golf courses and golf practice facilities. This includes new course design, long range master planning, renovation design and construction observation services.
New Course Design
We have been fortunate in recent years to have designed a number of new golf courses. Some of these are stand-alone courses or additions to existing facilities while others are golf course communities where we routed the golf course and created the overall master plan for roads and home sites. The development of new golf courses is largely driven by the housing market and understanding safety corridors and the proper relationship between the golf course and the surrounding homesites is critical to minimizing safety issues and providing a safe and enjoyable experience. Among our most recent and most notable new courses are The Harmon Course at Floridian National and The Preserve on Rathbun Lake. The Preserve was recognized by and Golf Inc. as runner up best new course in America and Top 10 Best New Course by both Golf Magazine and Links Magazine. Also, in 2021 we debuted Fox Hills, our newest course, in the oil fields of North Dakota.
Master Planning
A long range master plan is essentially a road map or business plan to identify existing issues and to clarify those improvements that will be most beneficial to setting the facility on a path to financial success. Golf is a business and – whether you are selling shoes, cars or golf – it is important to have a long range vision for where that business is going. Understanding who the competition is and what your niche is in the local market will tell us how to design your course and what amenities or improvements will help attract members or increase revenue.
At Norby Golf Course Design, we have extensive experience in golf course master planning and are widely regarded as one the industry’s leading authorities in the area. There are many consultants who offer master planning services for golf courses but our experience and the in-depth nature of our process is unique and unparalleled in the industry.
Our studies include an in-depth assessment of the golf course and other competing courses in the area as well as interviews with stakeholders and employees, full-color master plan drawings, cost estimates, detailed phasing strategies and an Action Plan. If desired, we can also provide an in-depth market analysis and operational review for your course.
Renovation Design
Because of our reputation and expertise in golf course master planning, much of our work involves renovations to make those visions to reality. It’s exciting and gratifying to see our clients implement those master plan recommendations and to be part of the process to make their course more enjoyable, more playable and more financially sustainable.
We have a great appreciation for the old classic courses and the work of those golden-age architects like William Langford, A.W. Tillinghast, C.B. MacDonald, Thomas Bendelow, Tom Vardon and Donald Ross who crafted courses without the use of bulldozers and scrapers. These courses have a unique look that requires a thorough knowledge and familiarity in order to execute a successful renovation.
Construction Observation
During construction I make frequent visits to the site to monitor progress and to look for opportunities to make the course better. I have developed a reputation for providing an uncommon level of hands-on service. Being on site every couple of weeks during construction simply isn’t enough to stay on top of the issues and provide the contractor with the guidance he needs. As the saying goes, “the devil is in the detail”. Often times this is simply minor adjustments to the putting surface, enhancing drainage or what we call “naturalizing the features”. Having a regular presence on site allows me to focus on the subtle details of the design and to insure that the project stays on schedule and on budget.
