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Golf course architects have varied backgrounds, from greenkeepers and professional golfers, to graduates with landscape architecture degrees. Subjects which will be useful groundings are: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Languages, Mathematics, plus graphics or IT related.
Being artistic, creative, good with figures and an understanding of environmental science are valuable attributes. Biology is particularly useful when studying plant science, and chemistry and geology for soil science.
More information is found on the page Careers in golf course architecture
No. You can work as a golf course architect without being a member of a professional body, such as the EIGCA, or our counterparts ASGCA, SAGCA and JSGCA.
However, being a member of the EIGCA sends a clear message to fellow architects and potential clients that you are serious about your career and are committed to professional development so you are at the forefront of current practice.
EIGCA welcomes applications from experienced architects as well as people looking to train in golf course design and development. Our members have a common goal – to be the best they can be and create challenging and exciting golf courses. If this sounds like you, then we would like you to apply for membership.
EIGCA Members are golf course architects practising to the highest standard with a wide experience of all aspects relating to golf course architecture in Europe and across the world, including the design and supervision of construction of new courses, as well as the renovation or re-modelling of existing courses.
If you have a more limited range of experience in golf course design and are working towards gaining the requisite knowledge and experience to be a Member, or have successfully completed Part One of the EIGCA Vocational Qualification in Golf Course Design (EVQGCD), the Candidate for Membership category is for you.
The first stage is to email an enquiry to the EIGCA Office to enquiries@eigca.org or enter your information on the online form. Note: completed applications for membership must be received by the EIGCA Office by 30th September.
Once your completed application has been received by EIGCA, it is submitted to the Membership Committee for consideration. If you are applying to join as a Member and the Committee decides your application can proceed, a representative from the Committee will visit two of your projects. If subsequently recommended for membership, you will be asked to attend an interview with the EIGCA Council with successful candidates invited to join the Institute at the next AGM (held every Spring).
We have different levels of membership according to an individual’s level of knowledge and experience: Member, Candidate for Membership, and Student.
Read the Become a member page for more details.
The deadline for applications is 30th September every year.
Once your completed application has been received by EIGCA, it is submitted to the Membership Committee for consideration. If you are applying to become a Member and the Committee decides your application can proceed, a representative from the Committee will make arrangements to visit two of your projects.
If subsequently recommended for membership by the Committee, the final stage is to be asked to attend an interview with the EIGCA Council. Successful candidates are then invited to join the Institute at the next AGM (held every Spring).
Being an EIGCA member says a lot about you as an individual and the high quality of your work. It says:
Your membership is a clear indicator to fellow golf course architects and potential clients that you have reached a certain level of expertise in the profession and abide by a Code of Professional Conduct and Practice which is in the best interests of the profession and clients. Download a copy of the Code of Conduct.
EIGCA membership is not automatic. Your application will be considered by the Membership Committee based on the level, standard and range of your qualifications and experience relating to all aspects relating to golf course architecture in Europe, including the design and supervision of construction of new courses, as well as the renovation or re-modelling of existing courses.
If you share our members’ common goal to be the best they can be and create challenging and exciting golf courses, then we would like you to apply for membership. Read the membership categories page.
For further information on membership please send an email to enquiries@eigca.org or enter your information on the online form. Note: completed applications for membership must be received by the EIGCA Office by 30th September.
No. The EIGCA CPD Programme is a voluntary free-to-use points-based system which allows you to track and record your professional learning.
Once the first activity is logged and points earned, you become CPD Active and work towards becoming CPD Approved. Once granted, CPD activity needs to be continued for approval to be maintained.
Whether you are an experienced architect or just starting your career, being CPD Approved by EIGCA sets you apart by identifying you as a professional who strives to be better at their craft every day and are committed to continuing learning.
