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Classification of Shapers.

Talk to any Shaper and he'll tell you he's an "A" Shaper! That's because there are no real guidelines as to what an "A" Shaper really is. So, if everyone is an "A" Shaper then let's throw out the "B" Shaper classification and use the "A" as a baseline. To me, an "A" Shaper is someone who can read a set of plans, spot potential problems, interpret the design intent and execute it in such a way that an esthetically pleasing working form is created. Now that we have established a baseline, how do we move up? Some people say it takes years of experience. In some respects this is true but not always. Some people are content with doing the same thing year after year and some would say this should make them an expert. Personally I disagree. In order to become an expert at something, one must have a thorough understanding of what comes before and after his job is complete. In the case of a Shaper, it means knowing when the rough stage ends and the finish stage begins. In the rough shaping stage the initial shaping of the ground is done as per Architects approval so that the infrastructure of the hole can begin. Upon completion of the infrastructure the finish stage begins. At this point a balance must be achieved or valuable time will be lost.

If a Shaper has a thorough understanding of drainage, irrigation, etc., then he or she will know exactly how far to take this. So, to become more than just an "A" Shaper, a person must posses skills in other areas. For example soil management. When Shaping a golf hole, many times a Shaper finds himself faced with either rock or varying soil types within his area of disturbance. By having some basic knowledge of soil science he could distribute these materials throughout the shaping process in such a way as to not impede drainage or create an unfavorable base for turfgrass establishment.

"I am a Finish Shaper." There are a lot of self proclaimed "Finish" Shapers out there, what exactly does this mean? When the bulk earthwork is complete, It is then the Shaper's job to make it into something. We've already established what must be done to complete the rough shaping, so my conclusion is that finish shaping is the cleanup that's done after the drainage and irrigation are complete. That statement will annoy off a lot of people! For years I have been hearing Shapers define themselves as either Rough Shapers or Finish Shapers-Finish Shapers claiming to be a higher evolution of the species. If you can create it with a small dozer, you can create it even faster with a large one. Rough Shapers operate large dozers and Finish Shapers only operate small dozers. This way of thinking, to me, is one of the leading causes of projects falling behind or going over budget. Once the big dozer work is complete, there is a need for a small dozer, for doing smaller scale work and detail work while still in the rough shaping stage. Sometimes the small scale work is done during the cleanup process, this can be a big mistake. Even a small cut and fill can cause problems after irrigation and drainage have been installed. I honestly feel to achieve the best results the same shaper should operate both machines when shaping a golf hole. There are many reasons for this, the longer it takes to do something the more likely it is to lose your train of thought and enthusiasm. Scale is another. Up close features may look fantastic but from a distance they may look ridiculous. It is very difficult to achieve the proper scale with the wrong dozer. I have put this to the test many times. A true shaper, like a craftsman, will use different tools to achieve the final product. When the same shaper operates both the large and small dozer it not only saves time but produces better, more consistent results.

So, let's say that "A" means Average. What should define above average? I've wrestled with this one for a long time, and heard many different opinions. For example; 'AA Shaper, An A+ Shaper,' not bad but boring. A 'Shape Master.' OK, let's check the ego at the door. How about a 'Pro-Shaper? This to me describes them in the purist form "Professional" To be a Pro-Shaper one must posses speed, talent and intellect.

This is a title earned not given...