Golf Architecture International - Professional Golf Course Design UK

JAMES BRAID SYMPATHETIC RESTORATION

James Braid has left an indelible mark on the game of golf as both a player and a golf course architect. Not content with being a successful amateur and professional golfer, as well as renowned club-maker, Braid is credited with having a hand in the design or re-design of around 200 golf courses in the UK.

With many of Braid’s courses being accessible member courses it is not a great surprise that many courses have changed. Ill-conceived alterations and the natural, yet detrimental, effects of play and maintenance can combine to dilute the original design intentions and playing characteristics.

As a much treasured part of British golfing history, the design legacy of James Braid should be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. The influence technology has had on golf course design since Braid’s day can also be integrated into this design process.

Sensitive Restoration…

In order to offer our Sensitive Restoration service, Kenneth Imrie has acquired an intimate knowledge of Braid’s design principles. This has been achieved through desk studies of Braid’s courses as well as playing and research visits to many courses to identify examples of original features.

Golf Architecture International has also been fortunate to have worked on two James Braid projects. Girvan Golf Course and Elderslie Golf Course are both Braid designs and have provided a valuable insight into two very different examples of his work. This continued exposure to Braid’s work has resulted in a detailed process for sensitive restoration which is outlined below:

Consultation with Golf Club
	establish aspirations for golf course restoration establish budgets to implement and maintain changes
Online Assessment
	establish original design principles gather evidence of original Braid features
Desk Study
	establish alteration history of all features timeline creation comparing golf course features with other Braid designs interpretation of technology on current golf course layout
Design Proposals (Concepts)
	graphical representation of sensitive restoration show re-instatement of original features, tee alignments, and hole strategies suggest development phases
Detailed Design
	construction drawings accurate project costings construction specification
If you are interested in any further information please do not hestitate to contact us.

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