Derek Dirksen - Golf course shaper and construction specialist

Derek Dirksen
Golf Course Shaping and Construction Specialist

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What is a golf course shaper?

A golf course shaper takes the architects plans or drawings and makes them into reality. A highly skilled bulldozer operator who has creativity, is more like an artist than a earth mover. The earth is the canvas and the bulldozer is the paintbrush. He must be able to listen and communicate with not only the architect, but all parties on site, as well as the owner(s). This is crucial in order to achieve the desired "look". The desired effect of any finished golf course is to feel it's always been there.

A good shaper is a vital asset to the construction process. Not only does he spend time on the dozer he has to manage mass earth works, clearing trees, feature prep, and final feature lines (tees, greens, and bunker). He knows when time and detail are needed, and when speed is crucial. I have done all aspects of golf course construction from a laborer all the way up to shaping. Having been a laborer makes me appreciate how much you can get done with a dozer. A good shaper can assist everyone behind him by proper finishing and "clean-up" of every hole.

I can provide the following services:

- All aspects of shaping

- Design build

- All finishing including:
    - Tees
    - Bunkers
    - Greens
    - Fairways

- Management of:
    - Surveying
    - Clearing
    - Mass earth works
    - Drainage
    - Grassing