The European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA) marks the retirement of Fellow, Martin Hawtree FEIGCA, recognising a career that has spanned more than five decades and a family legacy in golf course architecture extending back over a century.
The Hawtree name has been associated with golf course architecture for over 100 years, when Frederick Hawtree Senior established the family practice in 1912. Working extensively with J.H. Taylor, he helped shape the development of golf courses throughout the United Kingdom during the early years of the profession.
Following the passing of Frederick Hawtree Senior in 1955, Frederick Hawtree Junior assumed responsibility for the practice, closing the construction side and concentrating on golf course design and continuing the Hawtree family’s growing reputation within the industry. Martin joined the business in 1973 and succeeded his father in 1984, becoming the third generation of the Hawtree family to lead one of golf’s most respected architectural firms.
The Hawtree practice has been associated with the building, renovation or remodelling of more than 500 golf courses across four continents. Through this work, the firm has played a significant role in shaping the golfing landscapes enjoyed by millions of golfers worldwide.
Beyond his design work, Martin has made a lasting contribution to the development and representation of the profession itself.
Martin’s father, Frederick Hawtree Junior, was one of the four founders of the British Association of Golf Course Architects, alongside CK Cotton, J Hamilton Stutt and Donald L Harradine. In July 1971 they established the first professional organisation dedicated to representing golf course architects. The Association evolved into the British Institute of Golf Course Architects in the early 1990s and was one of the founding organisations that merged to create EIGCA in July 2000. Martin continued that commitment to professional service through his active involvement in both the British Institute and EIGCA.
Martin has been actively involved with EIGCA and its predecessor organisations since 1985. During his Presidency of the British Institute of Golf Course Architects, the first Protocol Alliance was signed in 1994, laying the foundations for greater international collaboration between golf course architects and helping pave the way for the future creation of EIGCA as a truly European organisation.
His influence can also be seen through the many golf course architects who began or developed their careers within the Hawtree practice. Numerous EIGCA members have worked alongside Martin over the years, benefiting from his knowledge, mentorship and example.
Through the architects he has mentored and influenced, Martin’s impact on the profession will continue for many years to come.
In recognition of his exceptional contribution, Martin was presented with EIGCA’s Outstanding Contribution Award at the Institute’s 2024 Annual Meeting in Copenhagen. The award acknowledged not only his own achievements, but also the remarkable contribution that the Hawtree family has made to golf course architecture over more than a century.
On Martin’s retirement, EIGCA President Gary Johnston said: “Few people have contributed as much to our profession. Through the continuation of one of golf’s most respected architectural practices, his own work, his leadership within the industry, and his support of future generations of architects, Martin has helped shape golf course architecture across the world.”
“As Martin retires from professional practice, EIGCA extends its sincere thanks for his friendship, guidance, leadership and service to the Institute and the profession.
“We wish Martin and his family good health, happiness and every enjoyment in this next chapter.”