Beau Welling is a quirky golf course architect known for his love of Sasquatch and his obsession with curling. Growing up in Greenville, South Carolina, Welling holds a degree in physics from Brown University and studied Irish literature at Trinity College in Dublin. He became fascinated with curling during the 2002 Olympics and eventually became a fanatic, consuming hours of coverage and even attending the U.S. National Championships in Bemidji, Minnesota.
Welling’s interest in curling led him to become the official “Southern ambassador” for the sport and eventually the president of the World Curling Federation board. While balancing his role in curling governance and his job as a course architect, Welling designed a course at Fields Ranch, the new home of the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas. Even with a busy schedule, Welling remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the sport of curling.
Welling’s passion for curling stems from its strategic nature and similarities to golf, particularly in terms of integrity, honor, and physics. He sees the science behind the sport as fascinating and enjoys exploring the friction and trajectories involved in curling. Welling’s deep dive into curling came during his time as executive vice president for Fazio Golf Course Designers, when he took a special interest in the American curling team from Bemidji, Minnesota.
Despite initially being viewed as a “nut job” from South Carolina by the curling community, Welling quickly ingratiated himself with players, coaches, and officials. His dedication to the sport led to his involvement in the governance of curling at both the national and international levels. Welling’s commitment to curling has been recognized by his peers, leading to his election as the president of the World Curling Federation board in 2022.
While maintaining a balance between his career in course design and his duties in curling governance, Welling continues to immerse himself in the sport. He sees his role as an opportunity to bring fresh ideas and innovative thinking to the world of curling, with a focus on pushing the game to new heights. Despite his unconventional journey from South Carolina to becoming a key figure in the curling world, Welling remains dedicated to his love for the sport and the impact he can make on its future.
