The ASGCA Foundation has revealed details of its first ever ‘Design Boot Camp’ for aspiring golf course designers.
The golf workshop will give attendees the opportunity to learn from seasoned designers and the chance to contribute to the design of an imaginary course on undeveloped land next to Erin Hills Golf Course, the 2017 US Open venue in Wisconsin, USA.
From 10-13 September 2024, the ASGCA Foundation (the charitable arm of the American Society of Golf Course Architects) will host 16 participants, who will receive education from Mike Hurdzan, Dana Fry and Ron Whitten, the design trio that created Erin Hills, and eight other ASGCA members: Tom Marzolf, Bruce Charlton, Jason Straka, Jan Bel Jan, Jeff Blume, Steve Forrest, Jeff Brauer and Damian Pascuzzo.
The curriculum will see students walk the site to assess natural features, as well as prepare a routing, a strategy plan, a conceptual grading and drainage plan, and then create a detailed plan. The programme will also see designers explain technical aspects of golf architecture including design philosophy, routing, working with topography, hazard placement and green design.
Each foursome of students, working with two architects, will route and detail four or five holes that will connect with the work of the other teams to create an imaginary second Erin Hills golf course.
Students and architects will stay on-site in the golf cottages, play a round of golf on both the Erin Hills course and the five-hole ‘Kettle Loop’, and participate in a competition on the Drumlin putting course.
The cost is $20,000 per person, with $15,000 qualifying for a charitable tax deduction to the ASGCA Foundation, which supports the Clearview Legacy Foundation and other non-profit organisations including the Golf Heritage Society, The British Columbia Golf House and the Wee One Foundation. The enrolment fee covers all boot camp materials and supplies, lodging, food and beverages, golf and caddies, as well as gratuities, special gifts and mementos.
For further information and a day-by-day schedule, access the event page on the website at Architects Boot Camp 2024 – ASGCA Foundation. To enrol or ask specific questions, email bootcamp@hunter-pr.com.