Course Architects

The quality of golf course design contributes significantly to a golfer's experience and enjoyment of their game. There are a number of key elements where the design of a golf course contributes, in this respect:

• The views throughout the course, and beyond
• The impact and visual aesthetics of hazards, water features and bunkers and of other obstacles, trees, out of bounds, significant rough and topography of the golf course
• The visibility from each of the tees throughout the golf course
• The options for playing a variety of golf shots and club selections

Golf clubs often strive to improve or upgrade their golf courses, some through minor changes or developments e.g. bunker alterations; tee relocations, others more significant e.g. green reconstruction, introduction of water hazards which may alter the strategy for playing the hole. Where such changes are being considered by a club, whether large or small, it is recommended that professional advice is sought, particularly before committing investment into making course changes.

Scottish Association of Golf Course Architects
In Scotland, we have a recently formed Scottish Association of Golf Course Architects, www.scotagca.co.uk which affiliated golf clubs may find of interest. This Association has been established by a number of Scottish golf course architects with a passion for protecting the world renowned heritage of Scottish golf course design, and protecting the design philosophies of the likes of Old Tom Morris, James Braid, Donald Ross and Alister Mackenzie.

The Association's mission statement is simple:

"To promote the highest standards of golf course architecture in Scotland."

Members of the Association are proud of their sound knowledge of the history of golf course design within Scotland and working to standards based on a foundation of education, qualifications, training, and experience. The Association's history and the contact details for Association members can be found at:

www.scotagca.co.uk
enquiries@scotagca.co.uk

European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA)
There are a number of high profile golf course architects that clubs may already be aware of, some of whom are also contactable through:

European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA),
Meadow View House,
Tannery Lane,
Bramley,
Surrey, GU5 0AJ, UK
Tel:+44 1483 891831
Fax: +44 1483 891846
http://www.eigca.org
info@eigca.org