New Course Design

Golf course design is best described as that of taking what nature has provided in terms of soil, topography, vegetation and water, and converting these into a visually stimulating yet playable and enjoyable golf course. For over one half of a century, Jerry Matthews Natural Course Design has been dedicated to the profession of golf course architecture. Our firm offers a variety of complete and comprehensive services to successfully guide a project from concept to reality.

Jerry Matthews Natural Course Design works on projects that range from exclusive private country clubs and upscale resort courses to nine-hole additions. These designs often include large-scale real estate developments. Our firm’s high level of quality and experience in land planning allows us to optimize commercial or residential areas while integrating them in and around our golf courses.

Our years of experience in new course design, remodeling, golf-related real estate development and the permit acquisition process provides us unique knowledge to serve our clients’ needs exceptionally well.

Golf Course Remodeling and Renovation

A golf course is a living entity. The passing of time with its accompanying wind, rain, erosion and natural growth changes many of the physical features which constitute a total golf complex. These natural factors along with increased competition from new courses, changes in maintenance practices, golf equipment and golfer ability all contribute to the decision to remodel.

A complete remodeling study requires a comprehensive analysis of the existing course, focusing on tees, fairways, greens, bunkers, irrigation systems, water features, tree plantings, golfer circulation patterns and potential safety issues, and design issues that effect good maintenance. Any proposed changes must emphasize aesthetics, playability and maintenance, while preserving the original identity of the course. Upon completion, we provide a well-conceived remodeling master plan that consists of a long-range program of improvements that meet the present and future needs of an existing course. As an alternative to a complete remodeling study of the entire course, we can isolate any of these components for individual remodeling projects.

Throughout the process of preparing and implementing remodeling studies, our goal remains to enhance the overall playability of a course while maintaining the integrity, character, look and feel of the existing course with minimal disruption. Jerry Matthews Natural Course Design has successfully completed over one hundred remodeling projects to date. We have demonstrated that the our design philosophy applies exceptionally well to the remodeling process, allowing us to completely analyze your unique problems and investigate all practical design solutions. Back to top.

Observation of Construction

Jerry Matthews Natural Course Design believes the design process does not stop when construction commences, but continues in the field. And while accurate and detailed construction plans are imperative, the intended character and beauty of a course cannot be expressed in plans and specifications alone. Quality observation of construction incorporates the elements of the land, an understanding of the construction process and respect for the integrity of the design. It requires the ability to translate the two-dimensional plans to three dimensions in the field, making adjustments as necessary to maximize the intrinsic potential of each golf hole.
It is an artistic translation of form following function while maintaining harmony
with the environment. Back to top.

Permit Acquisition

Jerry Matthews Natural Course Design is proud of our position and successful track record of working with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, US Corps of Engineers and other governmental agencies when assisting our clients in securing the proper permits. By combining our resources with those of our highly qualified consultants, we offer professional services to expedite the permit acquisition process for the owner. Back to top.

Land Planning

Golf course real-estate developments that feature golf holes adjacent to residential areas require prudent and efficient land use that maximizes return on investment.

Factors such as soils, wetlands, riparian rights, easements, rights-of-way, set backs, scenic views, spatial relationships and governmental requirements are analyzed and incorporated into decisions regarding the real estate frontage on a golf course. Jerry’s Masters degree in Urban Planning combined with many years of designing golf and real-estate communities provides the expertise to create the optimal land use and developmental compatibility that is imperative to the successful combination of golf course and real estate. The result is a truly compatible residential and recreational environment. Back to top.