By Design - Summer 2019

5 t ASGCA Annual Meeting the opportunity to play the resort’s Short Course designed by Arthur Jack Snyder, ASGCA, and remodeled by Forrest Richardson, ASGCA. Richardson’s layout of 18 par threes—plus a par two—includes classical design features such as Biarritz and Punchbowl holes. The meeting saw the election of Jan Bel Jan as ASGCA President. “I want to carry on the mission of ASGCA Past Presidents Greg Martin, John Sanford, Jeff Blume and others,” said Bel Jan. “Thoughtfulness for our clients so we may continue providing the best product, helping show a better economic way to do things and greater recognition for the work of ASGCA members.” Bel Jan becomes the second female ASGCA President, following in the footsteps of the late Alice Dye, ASGCA Fellow, who held the presidency in 1997-98 (read more about Bel Jan on page 18). Joe Passov received this year’s Donald Ross Award, which is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the game of golf and profession of golf course architecture. “Joe is among a small group of true golf writers—in contrast to the scores of golf critics—who are communicating about golf courses today. He’s the rare journalist who understands the history, culture and strategy of the game and is producing thoughtful pieces that help the golfing public understand what golf course architects do,” said ASGCA Past President Jeff Blume. From next year, the ASGCA Annual Meeting moves to a fall date, with the 74th iteration taking place in Cleveland. Turn to page 22 for more moments from the 73rd ASGCA Annual Meeting. ASGCA increases support for Golf Industry Show A SGCA has become a Presenting Partner of the Golf Industry Show (GIS), beginning with the 2020 GIS in Orlando. “ASGCA has been a proud supporter of GIS for more than a decade,” said ASGCA President Jan Bel Jan. “This increased role provides greater opportunity for our members to both give and receive education and will allow attendees to learn more from golf course architects. The golf industry is growing in new ways, so education for golf course decision makers is a must. We are excited to help golf courses of all types be more successful.” Golf Industry Show Image: Forrest Richardson Golf: An $84 billion industry G olf is an $84 billion industry, according to the latest annual ‘Golf Industry Report’ from the National Golf Foundation. NGF found that golf participation rose to 33.5 million in 2018, with the popularity of off-course concepts such as Topgolf, Drive Shack and indoor simulators playing a factor in the 1.4 million increase on the previous year. There were an estimated 2.6 million beginners—those who played on a golf course for the first time—in 2018, which marks the fifth year in a row where over two million people have taken up the game. The report also notes that 74 million people watched or read about the game without playing, an increase of 12 per cent from the previous year. NGF notes that this rise is in part attributable to Tiger Woods’ comeback to golf in 2018, contributing to a surge of interest and a jump in ratings of almost 30 per cent for televised tournaments in which he played. Participation