The beginning of an initiative by the European Institute of Golf Course Architects to link with its international sister organisations was seen earlier this month with the historic meeting in Anaheim between the senior members of the Institute and the President and Executive Secretary of the American Society of Golf Course Architects.
EIGCA’S President, Mark Adam, Vice President, Ken Moodie, together with Past President Howard Swan and EO Julia Green had a highly constructive meeting with Greg Muirhead and Chad Ritterbusch encompassing areas of common interest such as education of the profession, sustainable golf course design and linking them particularly to environmental issues, safety of design and how it is being affected by technological advances in equipment.
The meeting followed Mark Adam’s attendance at the Annual Meeting of ASGCA in Pinehurst last Spring and Howard Swan’s at the AGM of the Australian Society in December.
Mark Adam adds, “I am delighted that we have taken these steps to closen our links with our colleagues from the American and Australian Societies. We have much in common, much to learn from each other, and seek through our further collaboration and cooperation to develop our global profession together”
EIGCA is recognised as the representative and qualifying body of the profession in Europe and represents over 130 members. It operates a unique educational course, the Professional Diploma in Golf Course Design, in which some 15 students, from 12 countries around the world, are currently being taught the essentials of practice in a two year programme.
The Institute hopes that a continuing close liaison with the American and Australian Societies, and perhaps others, will lead to combined meetings and educational programmes as golf course architects continue to strive to develop their profession to even greater heights.
European Institute of Golf Course Architects www.eigca.org