From there, basic golf-course templates with typical hole styles and lengths are placed on the map to see whether 18 holes fit. Top dollar Nobody in the world receives more to design a golf course than Jack Nicklaus. A select few are done each year. The first and 10th holes begin near the clubhouse, for example, and the ninth and 18th holes end there. And the property must have room for a driving range, practice putting greens and other ancillaries.
Balance also is important.
Some fairways dogleg left and some right. Perhaps the most critical factor is visibility. Nicklaus gets involved with a course design early and stays with it through completion. Once a course gets the go-ahead, Nicklaus typically walks the property. He then designs a course plan that includes strategic aspects, such as locations of sand bunkers and water hazards.