Internationally renowned golf course architects, Creative Golf Design, has announced it is offering a new service to golf clubs – aerial video production and photography using drones. It is believed to be the first golf design company in Europe to provide this service and they are probably around six months ahead of the competition from what Director, Ken Moodie, says.
“It has taken a several months of training and investment to complete the examination and permitting process, but we now have two qualified drone pilots and the necessary Civil Aviation Authority licences in place,” says Ken. “We are planning to offer Golf Course Showcases, highlighting some of the best holes and features of the course, for golf clubs wishing to provide an overview of the facilities on their websites. It is a cheaper and perhaps more useful alternative to a full 18-hole flythrough, although that can also be provided. As architects we believe we are uniquely placed to identify the key features of course and show them off in their best light.”
Ken learned video production techniques while studying Landscape Architecture at university and his hobby of music recording has added digital editing skills. His son, Sam, joined the business earlier in the year and will do most of drone flying, although both are qualified pilots.
In order to take advantage of the remaining summer, and while most courses are still at their best, CGD is offering a 35% discount on the normal rates for Showcase videos carried out through the months of September and October this year. They are also planning to market their services to southern European golf destinations, in countries such as Spain and Portugal, for the winter season as well as links courses in the UK.
In addition to marketing videos and photos, Creative Golf Design will use drones to carry out small-scale topographic surveys using photogrammetry software. This method enables an accurate 3D model to be created of an existing green which requires to be improved, for instance, or perhaps rebuilt to its original contours so that they can be properly reinstated. For future course improvement projects CGD will now be able to create a 3D model of the existing features, develop detailed contour drawings and accurate quantities for the work, and produce a computer visualisation for the planned alterations to help gain approval from club members, thus offering a golf club a truly comprehensive service.
Creative Golf Design www.creativegolfdesign.com
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