Earthworks & Shaping
The bulk earthworks phase of the project covers the operations required to alter the basic topography of the site, as distinct from the subsequent fine-tuning of surface contours termed shaping. The main activities at the earthworks stage are cutting to reduce surface levels and filling to increase levels. It is at this stage that the largest equipment is required; accordingly, the potential for environmental damage is high.
On the Ground: Kingsbarns, St Andrews, Scotland. Kyle Phillips Golf Course Design, with Mark Parsinen.
From an aesthetic perspective, care should be taken to ensure that the exposed cutting faces are finished to leave no scars from machinery and that an irregular natural appearance is achieved. The distinctive geological properties of rock should be revealed.
Where rock excavation is required, drilling or blasting is needed. This is clearly a specialist issue, and it has the potential to create a significant vibration, noise and dust. In most countries, health and safety legislation will prescribe acceptable limits.
Final shaping of the surface contours of the golf course will significantly affect the final course appearance. The skill of the machine operators will determine the successful interpretation of the architect's drawings. Accomplished shapers are genuine craftsmen and are much in demand, because of their ability to interpret an architect’s vision, rather than produce a standard pre-defined shape.
The shaping operations will grade landforms below the finished surface level to allow for the respreading of topsoil and for green and tee construction layers. Respread soil may be prone to storm water erosion. Turfing can stabilize the area better than seeding, though sand-bagging, erosion-control fences, temporary ditches and other methods may be needed to stem soil erosion. In extreme cases, entire green complexes have been known to be washed out by storm damage.
