The Summer 2024 issue of By Design magazine from the American Society of Golf Course Architects is now available in digital format.
The cover story of the latest issue focuses on golf course reconfiguration projects. Bobby Weed, Chris Cochran of Nicklaus Design, Brett Mogg of Nelson & Haworth and Bill Bergin provide insight into their work at clubs that were experiencing financial uncertainty, or other challenges that were putting their future in doubt. The architects explain how a transformation of the golf course can set clubs up for a prosperous future.
By Design also includes an article from Robert Trent Jones, Jr. on the BIRDIE Act and what it means for architects. “The BIRDIE Act simply follows suit of the copyright protection afforded to structural architects that was sponsored by the American Institute of Architects in 1990,” he says. “And it benefits owners and architects by giving them the tools to protect the unique designs of their courses, bringing value to the golfer. The act does not change how the Copyright Act covers historically designed golf courses before 1990. Current new works can take inspiration from the features of historical designs. Owners of golf courses can also renovate or alter their courses as they wish under the BIRDIE Act.”
There is also an insight piece from Larry Hirsh of Golf Property Analysts who explains the importance of understanding the character of a club when evaluating its course design; By Design speaks with the outgoing ASGCA’s executive director Chad Ritterbusch about how the ASGCA and the golf course design industry has evolved over the past 20 years; and Greg Martin discusses a sketch of a driveable par four he has proposed to Maple Meadows Golf Club in Illinois, which will begin a renovation in late 2025.
By Design’s news section covers Brian Curley’s project in Saudi Arabia, the Wadsworth Scholar Programme, a new Alister MacKenzie book and golf course projects in Massachusetts, Detroit, Scotland and Vancouver.
By Design is free of charge. To subscribe, visit the By Design page of the ASGCA website, where you can also review the entire back catalogue.