The history of amateur golf design competitions dates back to 1914, when Country Life Magazine held the first competition, inspiring aspiring architects to put their ideas on paper. Over the years, amateur designers have been honing their skills through theoretical designs. However, a new concept is set to change this trend with the American Society of Golf Course Architects’ first “Boot Camp” at Erin Hills Golf Course. This four-day event will allow attendees to immerse themselves in the art and science of golf design.
The Boot Camp will take place from Sept. 10-13 at Erin Hills, with instructors who are past presidents of the ASGCA, including renowned designers like Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry, and Golf Digest architecture emeritus Ron Whitten. Participants will explore undeveloped land on the property and work on designing holes that could potentially become a real golf course. They will be divided into four groups, each overseen by two ASGCA architects, and will develop holes that incorporate natural assets and balance par 3s, 4s, and 5s.
The participants will be asked to design various types of holes, such as penal, strategic, heroic, and “freeway” holes, which will ultimately influence the routing of the course. They will also work on grading plans and present their designs to the instructors on the final day. The cost to attend the Boot Camp is $20,000 per person, with proceeds going to charity. The fee covers lodging, food and beverage, golf rounds, and supplies, offering a unique opportunity for golf enthusiasts to explore a potential career in golf design.
The Boot Camp aims to raise funds for the Clearview Legacy Foundation while providing practical experience and networking opportunities for aspiring golf course architects. It offers a chance for individuals with a passion for golf architecture to explore this field and potentially sponsor young talents interested in pursuing a career in golf design. The event represents a shift from theoretical designs to hands-on experience, allowing participants to see firsthand the process of designing a golf course and working with experienced architects.
Overall, the ASGCA’s first “Boot Camp” at Erin Hills Golf Course promises to be a unique and informative experience for amateur designers looking to delve into the world of golf course architecture. By combining classroom instruction with fieldwork and hands-on design experience, participants will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts and develop practical skills that could shape their future careers in golf design. With a focus on creativity, innovation, and collaboration, the Boot Camp will provide a platform for aspiring architects to showcase their talent, explore new ideas, and contribute to the legacy of golf course design.
