History

In 1992 Golf Strategies was formed to combine the skills of Brian and Neil Crafter in Adelaide with those of John Griffiths in Perth.  Together they had previously collaborated on the design of the Lakelands Golf Club in Perth in the early 1980’s. In addition to its Adelaide and Perth offices, Golf Strategies opened an office in Melbourne in 2002, headed up by Paul Mogford, to service our growing number of golf design projects in the eastern states of Australia. Golf Strategies original focus was on the design of new golf courses in Asia, and we now have a number of courses completed and open for play in Malaysia and China, with further projects under active design in Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. 

In 2008 the name of the practice was changed to Crafter + Mogford Golf Strategies to reflect the names of the two principals Neil Crafter and Paul Mogford. We have a strong portfolio of completed and current projects within Australia, including new courses, and with a special focus on and expertise in Master Planning the redevelopment of existing courses and the design and implementation of state of the art practice facilities.

Design Philosophy

Crafter + Mogford Golf Strategies are committed to designing golf courses that are both challenging and visually stimulating to all levels of golfers.

Working to enhance the natural characteristics of each site, we seek to create golf courses of great natural beauty that are also cost effective to construct and to maintain. When working with existing courses we seek to distil the essential characteristics of that course and its site to deliver a remodelling character that is in harmony with the setting.

We believe that we could best summarise our design philosophy by borrowing from the great Scottish architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie who set down his 13 Points for the Ideal Golf Course in his book ‘Golf Architecture’ published in 1920, as follows:

• Two loops of nine holes are preferable.

• At least four one shot holes, two or three drive and pitch holes, and a large proportion of good two shot holes.

• Short walks from green to next tee, preferably forward to allow elasticity for future lengthening.

• Undulating greens and fairways without hill climbing.

• Every hole should have a different character.

• There should be a minimum of blindness for the approach shots.

• The course should have beautiful surroundings with the man-made features indistinguishable from nature.

• Sufficient number of heroic carries from the tee with the option of alternative routes for the shorter player if he is prepared to sacrifice a stroke or portion of a stroke.

• Variety in the strokes required to play the various holes, i.e., challenging shot making.

On Ground Delivery

Our method of delivery is similar to the traditional role of a building architect and provides for a completely transparent view of costs. This provides the best value for the Club’s allocated capital works budget.

We believe our method of delivery provides the best value for money as well as the most accountable method to deliver the best outcome on the ground.

Shapers

Crafter + Mogford are presently working with a number of highly reputable shapers on a number of our projects. The model we have evolved is to identify the most appropriate shaper for the style of work we are undertaking. Once we commence the implementation of a Master Plan we are hesitant to change ‘hands’ as the relationship and understanding that is built throughout is of high importance in maintaining a consistent outcome. We believe we have successfully demonstrated the success of this model with our work at The Metropolitan Golf Club, Barwon Heads, Box Hill, Sorrento, Glenelg and Kooyonga Golf Clubs.

A Hands-on Approach

We believe that having one of Crafter + Mogford’s two principals run each and every project is an important factor in the success of our projects. We are confident that our attention to detail and commitment to provide the Club with the best possible service.

In-house Delivery Example

Following preparation of our Master Plan for The Metropolitan Golf Club,  Crafter + Mogford prepared detailed construction plans and a schedule of works for proposed the works. The Club then ordered the required materials and supplied these for the project, ensuring that no contractor profit margin was applied to these materials.

We then worked  closely on site with renowned shaper Ron Nyhuis to implement the works - with Ron being employed on a day-rate to ensure cost control. Staff from the Club then modified the irrigation system, undertook final finishing in preparation for grassing. Where necessary additional short term labor was used for relaying of solid turf. The Club’s horticultural staff then undertook the planting and seeding of indigenous shrubs, groundcovers and grasses.

This methodology of delivery provided the Club with the most cost effective outcome as well as ensuring staff have confidence in how the works have been constructed i.e. soils management, achieving appropriate compaction, consistent depths of drainage and root zone material and backfilling of trenches etc. In addition this delivery method ensures an understanding of the construction methodology and location of services such as drainage and irrigation for problem solving in the years to come.

Let’s talk

We’d love to hear from you.