Journal

Writing and conversations on golf course architecture.

A collection of podcasts, articles, project notes and talks exploring routing, strategy, restoration, construction, member communication and the future of golf course development.

Featured conversation

Podcast • Golf Badgers • 54 mins

046 - McDonnell & Cooper w/ Joe McDonnell

Summary Joe McDonnell joins Golf Badgers for a wide-ranging conversation on McDonnell & Cooper, golf course architecture, routing, design influence and the practical realities of working with clubs.

Read note

“
Good architecture is understanding the ground, the choices being asked of the golfer, and the practical route from idea to delivery.
”
Joe McDonnell

Latest from the journal.

Podcasts, articles, project notes and talks exploring golf course architecture, strategy and delivery.

Article • McDonnell & Cooper

Do you need a golf course architect?

Not every issue requires a full masterplan or major commission. But many clubs benefit from architectural input earlier than they realise, particularly before decisions are made about bunkers, tees, greens, practice facilities, routing, trees or construction budgets.

5 min readRead note

Article • McDonnell & Cooper

Why golf clubs need a strategic masterplan

A strategic masterplan is not simply a drawing of future work. At its best, it gives a golf club a practical framework for decisions, helping committees understand priorities, dependencies, phasing, cost, disruption and long-term course identity.

4 min readRead note

Article • McDonnell & Cooper

Why member communication matters in golf course architecture

Golf course change is rarely judged on design alone. Members need to understand the problem, the reasoning, the benefit and the route from proposal to delivery. Good communication helps clubs make better decisions and gives architectural proposals a fairer hearing.

4 min readRead note

Podcast • Golf Badgers

046 - McDonnell & Cooper w/ Joe McDonnell

Summary Joe McDonnell joins Golf Badgers for a wide-ranging conversation on McDonnell & Cooper, golf course architecture, routing, design influence and the practical realities of working with clubs.

54 minsRead note

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