It makes me laugh that people actually advertise thier course design skills.
I can't see why, with all the talented professional and casual golfers playing today, why anyone would pay for a course designer.
It's not something you can learn in school, its something you learn by playing courses. There is no degree for this, and you dont have to know anything about horticulture or be a skilled arborist. Course layouts are usually governed by terrain and money, there is no skill needed to figure out where to put holes, just imagination.
I bet a ten year old kid with basic disc golf skills could design a course just as well as one of these so called "Professional Course Designers".
Heck , I know when I'm driving around, or walking through a local park, I can easily visualize lanes and areas that would be outstanding for a disc golf course.
I think any public funds that are spent on course design, or consulting are a waste with so many willing volunteers ready to help out. Most golfers I know would jump at the chance to be involved in the developement of a new course, not for the money, but because, like me they are passionate about the game.
I for one will aggresively oppose any money given to an individual, or company, towards course design by my local governing agencies. I think it's just slackers pulling a scam.
Can you say "Monorail".
What a nice easy job, getting paid to travel around and tell people where to put targets in a park.
Of course, if you want to develope a private course, with private money, then more power to you, you can throw your money any way you want, I will be happy to assist you in design and developement of your new world class layout for a nominal fee.
Does this seem ridiculous to you, because it does to me ?