In the process of golf course design, what is the primary focus of the development phase?

The primary focus of the development phase in golf course design is on implementing the infrastructure for the course. This phase involves the actual construction of the course, which includes tasks such as grading the land, installing drainage systems, planting grass, and building tees, fairways, greens, and associated facilities like cart paths and buildings. It is a crucial stage where the plans and designs created in the previous phases are transformed into a physical reality.

Focusing on infrastructure ensures that the course is functional and meets the needs of players while also considering sustainability and long-term maintenance practices. This stage sets the foundation for how the golf course will ultimately operate and perform, including factors such as playability and aesthetics.

The other options relate to important aspects of golf course design but occur either before or after the development phase. For instance, creating detailed course layouts is part of the planning phase, while analyzing environmental impacts would generally take place earlier to ensure compliance with regulations and sustainability efforts. Setting up a maintenance schedule is essential for ongoing operations but occurs once the course is developed and ready for play.