ASGCA Insights

How did a banjo player from the University of Virginia come to spend 30+ years with the PGA Tour and IMG, designing golf courses with some of the biggest names in the game? Brit Stenson, ASGCA, details how he focused on walking through open doors and not looking back.

Rees Jones, ASGCA, previews the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines: his renovations over 20 years, improvements since the ’08 Open & what viewers should look for on a daunting back nine when the title is on the line. Plus, his unique perspective on ASGCA as the 75th-year celebration begins.

Sandy Cross, PGA of America, says the industry’s focus on Diversity & Inclusion in the game still hinges on a valuable point: “If you’re not having fun, you probably aren’t coming back.” The new “Make Golf Your Thing” campaign reminds everyone there is more than one way to love the game.

Golf Channel “changed the course” of Brian Anderson’s career. Today, he is a mainstay of the Turner Sports family on PGA events, Major League Baseball, NBA basketball and the NCAA tournament, where he is also seen on CBS. And he once made $7/hour folding golf shirts in a pro shop…really.

USGA’s Rand Jerris sought an internship & found a 30+-year career. And when it comes to course improvements today, “The thoughtful research, training & experience a golf course architect can bring to a project or facility cannot be done by Green Committee members alone.”

Jeff Brauer, ASGCA, discusses “Designs on a Better Golf Course.” For anyone with a voice in determining how and when to update, renovate or redesign a golf course, what questions should you be asking? Green Cmte. members, superintendents, owners/operators, PGA pros take note.

ASGCA President Forrest Richardson details his “Ahead of the Game” philosophy for the future of golf course architecture. “Our profession cannot remain static. We can come up with new ways to experience the golf course, while respecting the 18-hole game that is still played.”

A conversation with Renee Powell is a walk through golf history: 2nd African-American LPGA member, USO traveler to visit troops in Viet Nam, R & A member, residence hall named in her honor at University of St. Andrews, proprietor, coach/teacher & Donald Ross Award recipient.

USGA Executive Director Mike Davis on working with ASGCA members: “It’s tremendously helpful to have a qualified architect working with us – even if the original architect is no longer alive – to gain a sense of design & likely thinking of the designer.”

Gary Collins, Master Club Advisors, updates how clubs handled the lockdown & are looking forward. “Clubs moved projects forward sooner rather than later, including maintenance projects and renovations that improved their courses. Even with golfers back, these are moving along.”

Derek Duncan, architecture editor at “Golf Digest” has been on the front lines reporting on golf course design for 20+ years, including magazines, online & podcasts. “Fun to let architects talk about theory & create a digital archive. Imagine if we could listen to Tillinghast or Mackenzie.”

A conversation with Jack Nicklaus, ASGCA. He details how “sinking a couple of putts” opened doors to the 2nd & 3rd chapters of an incredible career: golf course design in 45 countries & a commitment to making a positive difference through the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation.

“Golf Course Industry” editor Guy Cipriano discusses the innovative work of superintendents and the popularity of the “Tartan Talks” podcast featuring ASGCA members. “There are dozens of great architects with stories to tell that we wanted to bring forward to our listeners.”

Jeff Morgan, President/Chief Executive Officer of the Club Management Association of America, on the changing state of club management. “Practice facilities, executive courses, short-game options & more; it is important our member facilities work closely with course architects.”