14 / 24
1999
Bruce Borland, ASGCA,
dies in plane crash with
golfer Payne Stewart
2000
Forrest Richardson,
ASGCA, becomes 200th
ASGCA member
Some felt that anyone associating
with a pro should be terminated.
“About this time, I wondered what
type of organization I had gotten
myself involved with, and whether it
would blow up that night!”
Undeterred, Fullmer went on
to accelerate the development of
ASGCA, with many new and now
long-standing initiatives launched
soon after his appointment,
including the ASGCA Foundation
(see interview with Clyde Johnston
on page 20), the adoption of
‘Ross Tartan’ jackets, and the
introduction of the Donald Ross
Award, given to a person who has
made a significant contribution to
the game of golf and the profession
of golf course architecture.
Fullmer served for 34 years before
passing the baton to current ASGCA
Executive Director Chad Ritterbusch
in 2004. And while the economic
climate of the past 13 years has been
more challenging, the Society has
again seen a period of significant new
initiatives—including the publication
of important documents such as
Building a Practical Golf Facility
and
Golf & Water: Case Studies in Water
Stewardship
, the introduction of
the Design Excellence Recognition
Program and the extension of the
Society’s activities into digital and
social channels.
ASGCA today
So, what does ASGCA represent
today, 70 years on from that first
Annual Meeting at Pinehurst?
According to Mike Davis, executive
director and CEO of the United
States Golf Association: “The
contributions of ASGCA, and each
individual member, have been
instrumental to the enjoyment of the
game by millions around the world.
“Since the 1940s, golf facilities have
benefited from the efforts of ASGCA
members,” he adds. “Their course
design expertise has provided inspiring
and enjoyable playing grounds for all of
us to deepen our love for the game.”
Steve Mona, CEO of the World
Golf Foundation, says: “Because of
the profile of its members, ASGCA
has a broad platform from which to
communicate on issues of importance
to the game. Whether it’s to design golf
courses in ways that are more friendly
to the average golfer or in ways that are
more environmentally sustainable, or
to use existing golf courses and retrofit
them to accomplish another objective,
such as what is going on at Longleaf
(Golf & Family Club) right now,
they’re able to do that because of the
nature of their members.
“They can have an impact and
influence on course owners and
other developers of golf courses
that’s unique to them and they
can probably have an impact that’s
greater than any other people
associated with a golf facility, at the
time when critical decisions are being
made on course design and layout.”
“Over the decades, I’ve spoken
to many in the profession of golf
design who’ve asked my advice on
whether they should apply for ASGCA
membership,” says Ron Whitten, senior
editor of architecture at
Golf Digest
.
“My answer has always been to do so.
I’ve long thought it was essential for
14
|
By Design
2004
Paul Fullmer retires after 34
years, Chad Ritterbusch
named Executive Director
2005
Building a Practical
Golf Facility
published
ASGCA 70TH ANNIVERSARY
Because of
the profile of
its members
,
ASGCA has a broad
platform from which
to communicate
on issues of
importance to
the game
Steve Mona
CEO, World Golf Foundation