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Design Process

Our process includes:

  1. Initial site visit and walkthrough
  2. Contracting 
  3. Initial Design Work and Review
  4. Final Design Phase
  5. Construction Phase 1
  6. Final Construction Phase

Additional Services include:

  1. Course Signage and Wayfinding
  2. Course Branding and Promotion

1. Initial Site Visit and Walk Through

We will meet with the client to do an initial two to three-hour walk-through of the property to better understand what it looks like and what areas the client would like to use. During this visit, we also explore initial parameters, budget, and general questions that the client might have regarding the design or construction of the course. We ask the client to bring and provide detailed copies of any aerial photographs, GIS map and survey of the property so that we have more details while doing the initial walk-through.  

Gathering GPS Coordinates for the Cherokee Fire Mountain Disc Golf Sanctuary

2. Contracting

Once we better understand the property and the client’s desires we are able to put together a proposed service contract for the client to review. The contract details all of the services that we are to provide to the client based on their desires and amount of involvement. All fees and costs are explained and documented.   After the client has reviewed we make changes and additions based on input from the client. Once the contract is signed and we receive one-third of the total price for the project we begin the Initial Design.

3. Initial Design and Review

During this phase, we make multiple visits to the property walking and exploring every usable section.  We identify all unique features and natural elements that the property has to offer.  We are willing to meet with any local players or other stakeholders who the client would like to involve in the process.  We listen to their input and take note of their thoughts.  We then begin to create different hole configurations and layout options.  Once we have a rough idea of how the course could be laid out, we get further input from our own team with a keen eye placed on how to improve this initial design.  Revisions are made and then we create an initial map for the client to review. 

We meet with the client again on the property to thoroughly discuss the proposed design layout and walk the hole configuration.  During this walk-through, we discuss any changes or additions that the client might desire.  We also discuss the construction aspect of the course, being thorough with what will have to happen for the proposed fairways to be playable.

4. Final Design Phase

We take all the feedback that we receive during the initial review and finalize the design so that construction can begin.  We mark the placements of teepads and basket locations.  We mark all fairways that are to be cut showing the width of each fairway as well as which trees will be cut and which ones will remain.  Our goal is to make it extremely clear so the construction crew can easily figure out what has to be removed.  This way if our client elects to do the construction in house or with their own subcontractor crew they will know specifically how to proceed with the removal of all necessary brush, undergrowth, and trees.

Once the fairways are playable (construction phase one) part of our final design phase is to temporarily mark the basket placements with PVC pipes so that the holes can be played.  We then spend time throwing each of the holes to better understand the experience of actually playing the hole as it is currently laid out.  We also do the best we can to recruit other seasoned local disc golfers to come play the holes and give input on any changes they think ought to be made.  Playing the course is an important step in the final design process because we are able to make final changes to basket and teepad locations based on our experience playing the actual hole before it is finalized.  We then make any necessary changes based on what we learn moving basket locations, teepad locations, and marking any other foliage that must be removed.  Once we are satisfied with the design layout we then present a final electronic map to the client to finish all necessary construction.

Jay removing small trees from the fairway on the Highland Brewing Back nine.
Jay removing small trees from the fairway on the Highland Brewing Back nine.

5. Construction, Phase 1

Clients can elect for us to handle all construction or they can use their own crew.  The initial construction phase begins once all the fairways, basket and teepad locations have been marked by our design team.  During construction phase one all initial foliage, brush and trees are removed so that the hole can be somewhat playable.  It is important to understand that we do the best we can to save as many trees and foliage as possible during phase one of construction.  We do not want to remove too much initially because our philosophy holds that you can always take out more later.  

6. Construction, Phase 2

At this point, all the holes are somewhat playable and our design team has made final changes to the holes.  All teepad and basket locations have been finalized and all other necessary foliage or trees that still need to be removed have been marked.  Teepad dimensions have been reviewed and finalized by the client and have been marked accordingly on each of the holes.  The construction crew then finishes all necessary foliage removal, sets the basket sleeves, and builds the form for each of the teepads assuming the client has elected to use concrete.

Although you can “play” the course after construction, it is important to consider the signage and branding/marketing of your course as well.

Digging at Teepad at Fire Mountain Disc Golf Sanctuary
Digging at Teepad at Fire Mountain Disc Golf Sanctuary

Additional Services

Main Course Sign at Cherokee Fire Mountain Disc Golf Sanctuary

1. Course Signage and Wayfinding

Visitors to the course really like knowing how to play the holes, and navigate the course. At this stage, or before launch, Course Signage, including a main Course Sign, individual Tee Signs, and Wayfinding arrow/pointers should be designed. Using our designers, and print shops, we can ensure you get the experience you need to create compelling and usable signs.

2. Course Branding and Promotion

And, if you need branding, and help on how to promote your disc golf course, we can consult on that as well. Most likely we helped you find a name that works best for your property, and we certainly helped you determine the right type of course to fit your needs. Let us help you craft the message and story of your course and tell people about it. In the future, we plan to add video and drone footage to our promotion services…. making Disc Golf Design Group a turn-key solution for course design, construction, and promotion!