Getting involved in designing courses

[DJBackhand]

Hello fellow disc golfers.


I was just looking at a video of one of the Sabattus courses, when I got a little inspiration, which led to a couple of questions.

1)How do you get involved in designing disc golf courses?
2) Is there money to be made in that?

Thank you!

[esdubya]

1) start volunteering with your local club.
2) If you're lucky your costs would be covered, but not until you have experience. There are a very small few who actually get paid to design disc golf courses.

[ohtobediscing]

1. D'Iberville asked the designer of the Biloxi Hiller Park course to design a course for them, and as he's a good friend whom I've helped with redesigning and trimming of holes there, I got asked to help design the D'Iberville course.
2. John Houck makes money doing it, but there's probably not enough demand for more than a very few to make a living designing courses.

[davetherocketguy]

Originally Posted by DJBackhand

Hello fellow disc golfers.


I was just looking at a video of one of the Sabattus courses, when I got a little inspiration, which led to a couple of questions.

1)How do you get involved in designing disc golf courses?

Find a property owner just itching to get a course installed. (Good luck)

Originally Posted by DJBackhand

2) Is there money to be made in that?

LOL WUT

IMHO - there is but not worth the hassle. I have a friend that designed two courses 'round these parts and I have an inkling into what he charged (i.e. what the clients were willing to pay) and how much time he put into it and I doubt he made much above minimum wage once the dollars per hour are calculated. Seriously.

I think unless your name is Houck and are willing to fly all over the country and can find clients with deep pockets (again, good luck) there just isn't much to be made. Not saying you shouldn't get into it - I just don't think there to be riches made off of the venture. If you're passionate about this sort of thing and have a love for designing courses go for it.

[Moose33]

I have helped with a redesign, and actually have don’t layouts for 3 courses, but for two the money never came through for the course and one is greatly delayed. It’s tough to get into even when you have good ideas.

[Jenga54]

Originally Posted by DJBackhand

Hello fellow disc golfers.


I was just looking at a video of one of the Sabattus courses, when I got a little inspiration, which led to a couple of questions.

1)How do you get involved in designing disc golf courses?
2) Is there money to be made in that?

Thank you!

You're not alone - pretty much everyone begins dreaming of designing a course once you get into the game. If you're serious, look into the Disc Golf Course Designer's Group (http://www.discgolfcoursedesigners.org/) which is run by Chuck Kennedy and others.

There are important factors to consider when designing and unfortunately we have a lot of courses that are, shall we say, sub-par for what they could be. Land is typically a premium and if we are lucky enough to get some land to build on - it should be done well. I'd rather have one great course to play regularly than 5 places that are not inspired/dangerous and a waste of potential.

Take a look on that list, there's probably at least a few in your area. Contact them and see if they would let you tag along to see their process. Also know that it could be part of their livelihood - so designer's don't typically give away good leads to fresh up-and-comers.

That being said - if you have or know about some private land - I would still consider joining the group and using the resources to build a quality course. In the end it's worth it!

[jeffmonty]

Almost every time I drive by an empty piece of property I'm designing a course. I haven't made a penny.

[Jenga54]

Originally Posted by jeffmonty

Almost every time I drive by an empty piece of property I'm designing a course. I haven't made a penny.

Hilly wandering clearings under power lines just beg for a basket placement

[DavidSauls]

Originally Posted by jeffmonty

Almost every time I drive by an empty piece of property I'm designing a course. I haven't made a penny.

You're ahead of the game. I've spent tens of thousands of dollars to design a course.

[Getty]

Originally Posted by Jenga54

You're not alone - pretty much everyone begins dreaming of designing a course once you get into the game. If you're serious, look into the Disc Golf Course Designer's Group (http://www.discgolfcoursedesigners.org/) which is run by Chuck Kennedy and others.

I joined it today. My second course should be going into the ground by June 1 outside of Seattle.