Davis Love III recounts his "incredible adventure" over 30 years as Ryder Cup player and captain. When it comes to golf course architecture, he discusses the influence of ASGCA's Pete and Alice Dye and others, and how "designing 'hard' is easy…interesting and memorable is a much better goal."
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.”
How does a young man without a golfing background come to have his college education paid for by an ASGCA Founding Member, eventually work for both Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus, and design golf courses in China, Indonesia, Malaysia & Viet Nam? Lee Schmidt, ASGCA, explains all.
Hunki Yun provides a look behind the scenes at the USGA. From agronomy to Pace of Play, how golf benefits a community to understanding the complete golfer experience, research plays a role in decisions being made by the game’s governing body each day.
Will the current change in customer experience at golf courses lead to a change in customer expectations? National Golf Course Owners of America CEO Jay Karen discusses how the future at golf facilities may look more like the present.
Gary Williams, co-host of Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive” joins ASGCA for a fascinating chat that includes how a television show is produced when no one is in a studio, and the tale of – perhaps – the final competitive moment between Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
Award-winning writer Michael Bamberger discusses what makes golf unique, from it being a “game of honor” to the people golfers know by a single name – Arnie, Jack and Tiger. Forty years in journalism has introduced Michael to the players, caddies, officials and fans that keep the game growing.
Bob Randquist, Chief Operating Officer of Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, discusses the proactive role of GCSAA and its members in promoting the essential care and business practices of golf facilities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The joint efforts with other industry partners, including ASGCA, helped courses remain ready as golfers are returning to play.
National Club Association President Henry Wallmeyer. “Timely, pertinent information for members” has been the mantra for NCA in recent weeks in hosting dozens of webinars, with experts from epidemiology, human resources, golf course architecture, economics, legal expertise & more. “Our golf clubs are optimistic. Rounds played, year-over-year, is up tremendously right now.”
“Open, transparent and authentic.” Those are the words PGA of America President Suzy Whaley uses to describe how she and her staff are communicating with their 29,000 members…and how she sees the golf industry interacting with players as more facilities open and playing opportunities return.
ASGCA President Jan Bel Jan talks about the changing roles of women in leadership in the golf industry, as well as what she is hearing from her peers at the highest levels of the game. “There is recognition that this is the best time to make changes because we are forced to change. And it should be done with thoughtfulness. Do not make decisions irrationally and then end up regretting them because we did not take the time to think about them.”
Henry DeLozier of GGA Partners provides his unique business perspective on the changing face of the golf industry. “Control the things that you can control. Adaptability for all parties is the key going forward. Now is the time for clubs and architects to come together. Architects can bring forward cost effective designs and ideas to make clubs more successful.”
