Here is the letter I received today from Kevin Ramsey of Golfplan Architecture (Ron Freams Company) in regards to our bunker project.

Dear Tom,
Thank you for your patience in getting this proposal. A lot of travel, a sick wife and proposed relaxing vacation all happening at the same time was a bit much but the vacation proved to be great medicine for my wife and just what she needed to get better.

I have attached a proposal based upon the letter I sent to you a few weeks back. Further to our conversation I wanted elaborate on our Scope of Work and methodology proposed for the bunker renovation at Desert Falls.

It has been clear for many years that this project was needed. Now that you are at a point where you will be replacing sand in all bunkers it makes sense to be proactive and review the current bunker locations and sizes so that you can minimize the sand replacement cost and extend the life of the new sand to be put in while at the same time give your members a better playing experience.

Our objective was to keep the overall integrity of the design but eliminate sand where it is irrelevant now( due to technologic advancements with equipment)and reshape the remaining bunkers so that they are more visible and easier to maintain thus minimizing maintenance both short term and long term. Typically we would look at redesigning the bunkers and providing a detailed drawing for each bunker thus adding another approximately $20,000 of design work to the project. In this case we are taking a more atypical approach to keep cost down. The club seems very happy with the play and look of the golf course. If not we would look at doing a complete facelift on the bunkers but this does not seem necessary. We feel in this case we could prepare an overall improvement plan showing bunkers to be eliminated and those to be reshaped along with a description of the work to be done on each bunker. We would also provide our construction specifications, details and quantity estimates for this work. We would then assist you in prequalifying a qualified golf course contractor to do the work. At this point we would meet on site with the contractor and go hole by hole describing the work to be done and providing a sketch where necessary so that the contractor has a clear understanding of the work to be performed. The majority of the work involves removing mounding in front of bunkers and then reshaping the edge so there will be less erosion and it will be less susceptible to wind damage. The overall design intent will remain.

This type of work is not a profit center for us but rather a service we provide to our existing clients and courses and our fee reflects just that. Based on the needs and concerns you and your General Manger expressed in our meeting and visit this is a fitting solution. The golf business is difficult at best these days and if we can assist you in upgrading the course, providing a better playing experience it is good for all of us.

I trust this helps clarify our approach. Please let me know if there is anything else you need.

Best regards,
Kevin Ramsey, ASGCA
Principal