Course Design:
What does it take to design a course?

• First and foremost, the focus is on increasing the safety of players, spectators and property.
• Create challenging, fair designs that require skilled shots from an understanding of how disc actually fly.
• Find the best utilization of the property that incorporates as many “signature holes” as possible with a flow that is conducive to safety and tournament play.
• Use of risk and reward elements and challenging greens that create excitement and scoring diversity.
• Create situations that force decisions and a wide variety of shots.
• Use of false fronts, prevailing wind, elevation, obstacles including trees, rocks, out-of-bounds, water hazards, brush and natural textures to present diversity and execution of required shots that will in time, develop players into skilled competitors.
• Focus on a design that will be a fun, recreation and exercise experience. Tailor the course to be appealing to players of different skill levels and ages.
• A property is a blank canvas. Use it to design the best course it will allow. Make it one that will draw competitors and players to the park and become a return destination for local players and those who travel to the area.

• Licensed and insured, one of the most acclaimed designers in the sport with over 50 years of experience and 70+ projects.
• Bring instant recognition and credibility due to his reputation of quality and top-level design.
• Courses are routinely used in PDGA sanctioned tournaments and have been hosts for world championships and national events.
• Praised by the world’s top professionals and favorited by players of all levels.
• Courses provide a positive economic impact on the community because of the draw.
• Designed to be safe and blend into multi-use properties.
• The highest level of understanding of flight paths, distances and how discs are thrown is crucial for safety, appeal and challenge to all skill levels.
• Experienced using all of the design elements, including natural texture, elevation, obstacles, false fronts, prevailing wind, proper distances, hazards, etc. to force shot diversity and create scoring separation results in the best designs in the world. Lavone knows how to do this using a blend of required skills, shots, disc selection and execution. The end result is a course that is safe, fun, challenging and exciting for both players and spectators.
• Lavone has a Masters in Organization and Management with 25 years of Operations Management experience with fortune 500 companies. His attention to detail, communications and professional approach will be evident and greatly appreciated.
• Diverse and vast experience working with parks, churches, schools, resorts, corporations and individuals to provide the best course for the property and budget while seeking win-win solutions. A common example is when the client has equipment and operators available to greatly reduce the cost of the project.

Site evaluation

The property is first evaluated for the potential to install a course. Consideration is first given for the safety and protection of people and property. The site will also be evaluated for the cost of design and installation. Many elements are important and can affect the overall cost of design, construction and installation of a course. It is sometimes possible that the designer can use mapping apps such as Google Earth to provide an initial evaluation and estimate without an onsite visit. Acreage requirements can range from 15 to 100 acres depending on the density of trees, type of terrain and desired level of course.

What type of course is desired or feasible?

After evaluating the property, the designer will provide his recommendation for the use of the land and the type of course that is feasible. A common package for professional and recreational use includes 25 targets, 18 concrete tee pads, 18 signs, and an information board. This provides 6 holes with permanent short and long targets in place which makes the course very conducive and appealing for players of different skill levels. It also includes a practice target positioned for warm-up.  Championship level courses are longer and require more property. They will generally have permanent long and short targets on at least half of the holes. It may also have long and short tee pads on several holes. Smaller properties and budget constraints may only allow a recreation level course with fewer amenities. While nine-hole courses can be installed, eighteen-hole courses are required for tournaments and the more active players seek these out for regular play.

Cost

The costs of design, excavation, clearing and installation can range significantly depending on the terrain and density of the trees and undergrowth. Other factors are the number of targets, size, number and type of tee pads and the type of signage. Other amenities such as an information board / kiosk and benches will affect costs. The cost can be very inexpensive for a basic course on open land but most courses on relatively open land average $50,000 to $80,000. However, costs for championship level courses are still very affordable compared to most park and recreation equipment. One with top level signage and multiple pin positions and multiple tee pads per hole can range to six figures. Courses in heavily wooded and or hilly properties that require substantial excavation, tree removal, tee pad installation, foot bridges, additional back fill, gravel and materials, benches, pavilions, etc. will affect the total cost. However, many customers have resources, equipment and labor that can be shared to significantly reduce the cost. Our experience and expertise will all combine to give you the best course for your budget.

Give us a call and let’s work together to find that win-win solution!

A. Targets are professional grade targets with 28 chains and lockable installation sleeves. Targets are approved for PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) sanctioned tournament competition. Targets are heavy duty for permanent installation in a high traffic environment. They are be weather tested for all seasons and made of galvanized and powder coated steel, galvanized chains and stainless-steel hardware.

B. Flag Kits are affixed to the top of the targets and provide an increased level of visibility, safety and professionalism. Flags are 200 denier UV resistant nylon with numbers and fly freely to help players properly navigate the course and read the wind direction to aid in throws. The poles are .5” diameter and mounted into a durable base bolted in the target pole to help prevent theft.

C. Tee Signs measure 12” x 18”. For durability, we suggest using 1/8” aluminum frames for the signs that fit over a 4” x 4” pressure treated wood post. Signs are professionally designed with color graphics allowing for logos, multiple pin locations with distances and pars. Inks are UV resistant. Other signs and frames are available.

Course Map Sign measures 24” x 36”

D. Tee Pads are 6’ X 12’ X 3.5” concrete, level and approximately .5” above grade. The surrounding grade is sloped to prevent water from draining across the surface. The concrete has a cross broomed texture to help provide traction. Top soil and backfill may be required. We suggest a 2’ apron built on the front of the pad and filled with crush to prevent erosion and the formation of muddy areas. Other sizes and types of tee pads are available.

E. Information Board / Kiosk covered with a Metal Roof with 2’x3’ Course Map mounted on ¾” birch or oak plywood.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.