Hunki Yun, an award-winning journalist and long-time administrator at the United States Golf Association (USGA), has been named as the new executive director of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) and ASGCA Foundation.

Yun becomes the third executive director in the ASGCA’s 77-year history, following Paul Fullmer, who served 1970-2004 and Chad Ritterbusch, who has held the position for the last 20 years. Yun will begin his new role in September 2024, with Ritterbusch remaining involved as executive director emeritus.

Yun’s career has seen him work as a writer and editor for several publications, including the Orlando Sentinel, Golf Digest, GOLF and LINKS Magazine. He would later hold several positions at the USGA, helping to plan and execute initiatives that align with the organisation’s mission to advance the game.

In his various roles, Yun has worked on events such as the Golf Innovation Symposium, the USGA Experience at USGA championships and the Sustainability Showcase at the 2024 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.

“It’s an honour to take the next step in my career and live up to the standards and example set by my good friend, Chad Ritterbusch,” said Yun. “I have always enjoyed my interactions with ASGCA members and look forward to working with these talented, hard-working men and women as they shape the landscape of golf and make the game more enjoyable and accessible for today’s players as well as the next generations of golfers.”

The decision was made by the ASGCA’s board of governors following a detailed review of candidates by a search committee led by ASGCA past president Brit Stenson.

“Hunki is uniquely qualified for this position, based on his industry background and the long-term connection he has to ASGCA and ASGCA members,” said Stenson. “And he is inquisitive. In every conversation he had with the committee, he asked great questions and really listened to what was said. Those qualities from his years as a journalist are still useful.”

ASGCA president Mike Benkusky said: “Relationships are a key part of everything we do as architects and as an association. ASGCA values the relationships with our industry partners and supporters, and Hunki knows them all. He has presented at the ASGCA annual meeting and so many industry events. He speaks the language of golf course architects and will serve us well.”