The American Society of Golf Course Architects Foundation is to host its first-ever Design Boot Camp next year, which will present an opportunity for aspiring golf course designers to learn from some of the very best currently working at the cutting edge of golf course architecture.
From September 10-13, the ASCGA Foundation will host an exclusive golf workshop at Erin Hills Golf Course in Nebraska, host venue of the 2017 US Open Championship, where 16 participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with seasoned architects turned ‘Design Boot Camp’ instructors, including Dr Mike Hurdzan; Dana Fry, and Ron Whitten, the design trio that created Erin Hills. ASCGA Past Presidents Jeff Blume, Tom Marzolf, Steve Forrest, Damian Pascuzzo, Jason Straka, Jan Bel Jan, Bruce Charlton, and Jeff Brauer will also provide architectural education.
A specially designed curriculum will focus on designing new holes on the undeveloped property adjacent to the championship layout. Students will walk the site to assess natural features, and then put pencil to paper to prepare a routing and strategy plan, including hazard placements, conceptual grading and drainage, and then move on to create a detailed plan.
The instructors will explain technical aspects of golf architecture, including design philosophy, routing, working with topography, hazard placement, and green design. Each foursome of students, working with two architects, will route and detail four or five holes that will connect with the work of the other teams to create a fantasy second golf course at Erin Hills.
Students and architects will stay on-site in golf cottages at Erin Hills. In addition to the design curriculum, attendees will play a round of golf on the original Erin Hills course, as well as the 5-hole ‘Kettle Loop’ short course and participate in a competition on the Drumlin putting course.
The cost is $20,000 per person, with $15,000 qualifying for a charitable tax deduction to the ASGCA Foundation (501c3 EIN: 23-7385866), in support of the Clearview Legacy Foundation and other non-profit organizations including the Golf Heritage Society, The British Columbia Golf House, and the Wee One Foundation.
The enrolment fee covers all materials and supplies, lodging, food and beverages, golf, caddies, and gratuities, special gifts, and mementos. Participation is limited to just 16 students.
For further information and a day-by-day schedule, access the event page on the website at Architects Boot Camp 2024 – ASGCA Foundation. To enroll or ask specific questions, email bootcamp@hunter-pr.com.