By Design - Fall 2016

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FOREWORD
03
I began a recent note to my fellow ASGCA members with a quote from
John F. Kennedy: “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the
past or present are certain to miss the future.”
Change is a constant in the golf industry, whether it be refining the rules,
rethinking our playing surfaces or reinventing the game. Continuing the theme of
our Donald Ross Roundtable discussion at this year’s ASGCA Annual Meeting, our
cover story for this issue of By Design sees us asking leading figures in the industry
about those changing factors that are driving innovation in golf, and how they
shape their organizations to succeed. Turn to p. 12 to find out what they said.
Elsewhere in this issue, we reflect on the lives of two of ASGCA’s finest names.
Bob Cupp died in August and has been described by many as a ‘renaissance
man’—not just a golfer and golf course architect, but also a fine craftsman,
writer and musician (p. 10). And in the first in a new series of profiles of the
ASGCA founding members, we consider the life and work of the legendary
Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (p. 20), who was instrumental in elevating the status of
the profession of golf course architecture.
We also hear more about two architects who are beginning their journey with the
ASGCA. David Johnson and Todd Schoeder (p. 22) have built strong portfolios of
golf designs, and we are delighted to welcome them as ASGCA Associates.
I hope you enjoy the issue.
Greg Martin
President
American Society of Golf Course Architects
CONTENTS
COVER
Digest 4
A round up of industry news, including
a recent survey that reveals a significant
fall in water use on U.S. golf courses.
Bob Cupp 10
A remembrance of Bob Cupp, Past
Pesident and Fellow of ASGCA.
Innovation 12
By Design asks golf industry leaders
about the factors driving innovation,
and how they go about fostering
innovation in their businesses.
GPS Technologies 18
Patrick Burton, ASGCA Associate, on
GPS technologies in golf design.
Robert Trent Jones, Sr. 20
As the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National
approaches, we profile the life and
work of Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
New associates 24
By Design learns more about two
new ASGCA Associate members,
David Johnson and Todd Schoeder.
Five to finish 28
We pose our five questions to Greg
Letsche, ASGCA, of Ernie Els Design.
The 2016 Ryder Cup will be played
at Hazeltine National, designed by
ASGCA founding member Robert Trent
Jones, Sr. Read more on page 20.
Constant change
Editor and Publisher: Toby Ingleton
Design: Bruce Graham
Editorial contributors: Patrick Burton, ASGCA Associate; Sean Dudley; Marc Whitney
ASGCA Staff: Chad Ritterbusch; Therese Suslick; Mike Shefky; Aileen Smith; Marc Whitney
Photography: Aidan Bradley; Alex Ferro/Rio 2016; Dale Horchner; Dave Sansom;
Gary Kellner/PGA of America; Getty Images; Marty Moore; NCGA/Joann Dost
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© 2016 American Society of Golf Course Architects. All rights reserved.
By Design is sponsored by:
Photo: Gary Kellner/PGA of America