If the architect is not a competent golfer, their design will reflect this lack of knowledge. In Europe, landscape architects build courses without knowing golf. It is reflected in their designs. For them it's another source of income what else could it be? 

2.  What great courses have you visited? 

There are no "schools" for golf course architecture. Studying the great courses and architects is solely dependent on the individual. Great courses are scattered worldwide, visiting them is a task; but one the passionate architect will fulfill. 

3.  What elements make a great golf course? 

The great courses feature superior greens, bunkers and strategies. They have an ebb and flow, consistent character, and compliment the landscape while being visually stimulating. Great golf courses are not dependent on massive construction budgets. Common threads found in the greatest courses: they were designed and built by those with an intense passion and knowledge of the game coupled with construction and maintenance experience. 

4.  What is the absolute best method for designing & constructing a golf course? 

A qualified architect personally drawing the plans, and supervising construction is unrivaled. It's as rare as being hit by lightening. The closer to this method the better for the investors, golf course superintendent and golfing public. It's a Best Practices Method (BMP) repeatedly proven throughout the last 100 years. 

5.  What characteristics from other projects reflect ours? 

Photos from other projects can clarify the rough concept of your facility. It's an easy way for the architect to illustrate his vision for your course, and further explain how these elements will be integrated. 

6.  Explain how your office functions? 

Does the architect delegate authority to associate designers in the field? Does he merely provide plans to contractors then use site visits or not visit at all? Does he use on-site associates? If yes, at what scale do "associates" have authority to make design alterations? What happens if the architect is not happy with the associate's alterations? 

7.  What is your involvement during construction? 

You'll discover their level of commitment to your project. More projects automatically means less involvement, which means less quality control. 

8.  Do you use site-visits? Please explain? 

Site-visits every week, few weeks or months equates to limited communication causing information gaps. Constructors then labor in ignorance opening the door to misinterpretation. 

9.  How many associates are involved with each project? 

The associates are the interpreters of the architect's vision. The architect provides the ideas, the employees draw the plans the constructors will bid upon and build. 
The more projects and associates, the greater the opportunity for error even with critical engineering! Page 224-25 in Driving the Green, a book by John Strawn is a telling example of "information gap." 

10.  Does an associate monitor construction on a full time basis? 

What are his qualifications? Does he play golf? If so, how well? Is the associate qualified to make the critical decisions to move the process forward? 

11.  How many projects have you completed? 

History is revealing most architects best work comes early in their career! Their effort is not divided amongst several projects, allowing them to closely monitor and communicate all design details to the constructors. 

A "laundry list" of projects allows little time for yours. 

For example with three simultaneous projects, the architect would have difficulty being at your site once per week. A few hours weekly a paltry commitment to the millions you invest? 

12.  What is your maximum number of projects at any one time? 

More projects mean more staff. This means more time training more time overseeing their work and more time spent looking for projects to pay the staff. It's a viscous cycle, translating to less and less involvement by the architect. 

13.  With minimal involvement how are important details accomplished? 

Some architects standardize their construction style, then stick by a few contractors familiar with it. Using their "pet" contractors you probably lose originality without these crews, quality is sure to suffer. For example Page 290-1, Driving the Green by John Strawn. 

14.  Who 'trains' the construction employees? 

There are few constructors knowledgeable in the multitude of design styles and their details. For example there are virtually none in continental Europe. Who will explain the overall concept and its particulars? 

15.  How many different contractors have you worked with? 

Limiting the number of contractors is one sure way to drive up costs, especially in busy times like today. 

Limiting contractors often means repetition. Repetition is not style. It is standardization. It's "McGolf" reducing golf architecture to its lowest form. Standardizing designs may make it easier for the architect, but imposing a style on the landscape in the name of efficiency is far from ideal especially for the investor trying to establish prominence in the market. 

16.  Any concerns if we hire a contractor unfamiliar with your work? 

If no, how will you ensure excellence? How will the design intent be realized? 

17.  Have you personally been involved with maintenance or construction? 

What is built directly correlates to maintenance costs. An architect clearly understanding maintenance can build dramatic features, maintainable within the prescribed budget. 

Understanding construction methods, the limits and roles of construction and maintenance machines has significant impact on aesthetics and the bottom line. 

18.  What is your experience with environmental groups? 

Environmentalists are a reality in modern golf course architecture. A positive track record can be instrumental in permitting and construction. 

Additional questions such as the following will help in your decision making process. 

19.  Which architects are your favorites?  

20.  What in particular make's them special?  

21.  Are you a member of a club? 

22.  The most significant tournament you've competed in? 

23.  What competitive advantage do you provide? 

24.  The project you are least proud of? 

25.  Are field-alterations the norm or are your courses built according to "plan"? 

26.  What happens when a field alteration is made and later isn't to your liking? 

27.  Is the area reworked for a third time? 

28.  What experience do the employees working on our project have? 

29.  Do they play golf? 

30.  How long have your employees been working with you?  

31.  Who trained these employees? 

32.  How are your golf courses distinct? 

33.  In what climates have you designed golf courses?