The American Society of Golf Course Architects has revealed its Design Excellence Recognition Program honourees. 

The second list of its kind, the Design Excellence Recognition Program highlights examples of innovation and problem-solving abilities necessary in the modern golf course design environment.

The list was finalised following reviews of all nominations by a panel of industry leaders, including representatives of the Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Golf Course Builders Association of America and National Golf Course Owners Association.

Featured on the list is Rick Robbins’ new project in China, the maintenance and floodwater attenuation work carried out by Lester George at Rock Manor Golf Course in Delaware, as well as two Fry/Straka projects.

John Colligan’s redesign of Stevens Park Golf Course, Dallas, is also on the list, as well as Mike Hurdzan’s work at Glenlaurel Resort, Rockbridge, Ohio, and Raymond Hearn’s complete master plan remodel at Island Hills Golf Club, Centreville, Michigan.

The full list of recognised courses and architects are as follows:

·       Butterfield Country Club, Oak Brook, Illinois – Steve Smyers, ASGCA

·       Camelback Golf Club, Scottsdale, Arizona – Dana Fry, ASGCA and Jason Straka, ASGCA

·       China Maple Golf Club, Dandong, Liaoning Province, China – Rick Robbins, ASGCA

·       Columbia Country Club, Columbia, Missouri – Dana Fry, ASGCA and Jason Straka, ASGCA

·       Ely Callaway Golf & Learning Center - Honors Course presented by TaylorMade, Oceanside, California – Rainville & Bye G C Architects, David Rainville, ASGCA Fellow

·       Glenlaurel Resort, Rockbridge, Ohio – Mike Hurdzan, ASGCA Fellow

·       Island Hills Golf Club, Centreville, Michigan – Raymond Hearn, ASGCA

·       Lake Venice Golf Club, Venice, Florida– Jan Bel Jan, ASGCA

·       Mohegan Sun Country Club, Baltic, Connecticut – Robert McNeil, ASGCA

·       Rock Manor Golf Course, Wilmington, Delaware – Lester George, ASGCA

·       Stevens Park Golf Course, Dallas – John Colligan, ASGCA

·       Twin Oaks Country Club, Springfield, Missouri – Todd Clark, ASGCA Associate

“These courses – along with their architects – are to be commended,” said Lee Schmidt,  ASGCA vice president. “In each case, golf course owners, managers and superintendents faced challenges unique to them, including the landscape,environment or business situation. And, in each case, they met the challenges by working with ASGCA members, who serve clients around the world every day.”