By Design - Issue 54, 75 Years Special Report

5 75 YEARS OF ASGCA M y introduction to ASGCA came in the early 1970s when, as a young man interested in golf design, I wrote off for information on just how you become a “golf course architect.” A pleasant letter came back from Paul Fullmer, the Society’s Executive Director. Paul held that position from 1970 through 2004, eventually being given the ultimate pat on the back when we honored him with our Donald Ross Award in 1992. Thanks Paul. As we celebrate our 75th Anniversary, I cannot come up with enough thanks for all you did to build the Society, to make us more relevant and to literally put the art of golf design out front for the world to appreciate. With the foresight of Past President Larry Packard to bring you on board, we entered a new era. What was in the letter? A membership application and simple pamphlet listing every ASGCA member at the time, along with a map of North America showing their locations. One member, ASGCA Past President Arthur Jack Snyder, shared the same zip code as me. So, like any curious 12-year-old, I called Mr. Snyder and eventually rode my bike to his office. That was a life changing moment. A simple act of kindness by an ASGCA member opened my studies – and that eventually led to a working arrangement with “Jack,” my mentor for 25 years. ASGCA is not your ordinary group. We’re a professional organization, but we also function as a family. A family made up of creative and interesting individuals who happen to be responsible for bringing to life the largest pieces of art ever put on public display. The work of our members is appreciated across a twenty-foot putt, atop a well-positioned tee and from a window seat at 20,000 feet. There are not many of us. Just 175. We are specialized, yet integral to the game of golf. We are scrutinized, yet resilient in our pursuit of challenge, interest and fun. During the last 75 years this little organization has accomplished a lot. Our members, together with allied organizations and our staff, have developed new ideas, educated green committees and changed ASGCA President Forrest Richardson introduces this 75 Years special issue of By Design and considers the accomplishments of ASGCA since 1947 Elevating golf course design ASGCA President Forrest Richardson ASGCA President Forrest Richardson is the principal of Richardson | Danner Golf Course Architects and is based in Phoenix, Arizona.