Keowee Key CC #9


“Those traditionalists who treat the game of golf with respect and honor will find a new appreciation for Monroe Country Club.”
–Monroe Enquirer-Journal

Cost Control Methodology


All of RMGA's projects have come in at or under budget. There are many reasons for this fact. Richard Mandell Golf Architecture begins with a preliminary cost estimate as a primary design tool. Our preliminary cost estimates act as an anchor for our design, from the master planning stage all the way to construction. With realistic construction costs delineated in the preliminary phase of a project, RMGA derives quantities which best utilize the funds available.

These quantities are referenced throughout the detailed design process and become an integral element of the final design. It is very easy for RMGA to guarantee that the proper funds are utilized on greens, tees, sand bunkers, drainage, and earthwork. With known quantities in the forefront of our thought process, we simply design to these quantities. For example, if our budget only allows 117,000 sf of greens construction, our Clients can be assured that the final plans will reflect that amount.

State of the art computer technology and leading edge applications enable RMGA to enhance the management of the design process and control costs. A CAD generated base becomes the ideal tool to assure proper quantities and field control. Our AutoCAD abilities allow for constant monitoring of quantities at the press of a button at any time during the design process, ensuring proper cost controls.

The thoroughness of an RMGA construction document package is directly reflected in the minimal field adjustments during construction. It is RMGA's contention that all design considerations should be addressed on the drawing board and not while machinery is running in the field. There is no excuse for adjusting strategic or playability concerns in the field. Every feature is well thought out on paper and properly transferred to the field. Creativity and design expertise shall be explored prior to construction. Field adjustments are adjustments to the field, not adjustments to the design.

The ability to control quantities and costs based on preliminary estimates, state of the art computer technology, and proper field work are ways that RMGA controls costs for all our projects from initial field visit to opening day. This philosophy is a true minimalist attitude: Knowing what our Clients? limitations are and creating memorable facilities with change to spare.