The merger between Europe’s three leading associations of golf course architects came about in 2000 and the European Institute of Golf Course Architects marked its fifth year as a single representative for the profession with the annual meeting and conference at St Andrews.
Some 150 people from 35 countries gathered together at the Old Course Hotel for a four-day programme of education and training, golf and the occasional Highland fling. Delegates included 90 members, associates, graduates and students of the Institute. Candidates wanting to commence the forthcoming EIGCA education programme were interviewed during the event and joined the audience at the conference and annual meeting. Students and graduates exhibited their college work.
Mark Adam, President of the Institute, said, “We believe that the success of our 5th year anniversary celebrations “A celebration of golf course architecture”, whether based on the sheer number of participants and their countries of origin, the quality of the overall organisation and speakers, or the camaraderie shown between members, sponsors and delegates and their interaction, can attest to the professionalism of our Institute, its dedication to its existing members and the defence, promotion and education of the profession in an impartial way.
Today the Institute is clearly recognised by all the major bodies in the golf industry as the leading body in Europe in matters related to golf course architecture.”
EIGCA will now move forward throughout the world to add to its membership and, through its education programme, the only one of its kind, will strengthen the reputation and the quality of its 100 or so practising members.
