Educating future and current golf course architects is one of the fundamentals which underpins the EIGCA's existence.
As the EIGCA Vocational Qualification in Golf Course Design (EVQGCD) is the only education programme of its kind, and the only professional qualification in golf course design in the world, it is imperative that our offering is not only fit-for-purpose, but also future-proofed for the foreseeable future.
It is with this in mind that we are pausing our EVQGCD on completion of the current course in spring next year while a review of our entire education offering is undertaken.
We are working to a timeframe of resuming the qualification in the first quarter of 2024 and will welcome applications again towards the end of 2023.
If you wish to be added to the waiting list, please contact lindsey@eigca.org
This two-year course equips students with a basic understanding of golf course design and provides the knowledge on which to launch a career in golf course architecture.
Graduates of the EVQGCD are automatically admitted into EIGCA at the Candidate for Membership grade.
The EVQGCD is for anyone serious about pursuing a career in golf course design, wherever they are based in the world. The time and work commitment needed to successfully complete the two-year course requires dedication and only the most determined to be a golf course architect will successfully complete the course.
History of the programme indicates that the most successful candidates profile as:
There is not a prescribed way to break into golf course design, but passion and perseverance are fundamental. If a candidate’s background is not exactly as described above, they should still enquire about the course. EIGCA members are passionate about the profession and hugely supportive of the EVQGCD programme. One of the members on the EIGCA Education Board will get in touch to provide help and advise potential candidates on the right path to realise a career goal to work in golf course design.
The EVQGCD is the only accredited professional qualification in golf course design, anywhere in the world. The course is structured as a blend of online and in-person workshops to provide design experience which is underpinned by the latest thinking of experienced architects.
The knowledge and experience gained from this course provides a rock-solid foundation on which to build a career. The theory and practical application taught puts the graduates ahead of their competition to meet the increasing demand from the industry for all levels of qualified and skilled golf course architects.
All EVQGCD students are eligible to attend the EIGCA Annual Conference and education events whilst participating in the course.
The curriculum is divided into four terms across two years:
The EVQGCD is split into two years. Progression from Year 1 to Year 2 is contingent on passing all Year 1 assignments with an average combined grade of 60% or more.
Year 1 - Foundation
Year 2 - Advanced Golf Course Design
The course is structured as a blend of online and in-person workshops.
The online presentations are given by experienced architects and available on demand. They can be viewed multiple times within the term to which they relate.
Students must attend five workshops throughout the duration of the course, all of which are held in Europe. The emphasis at each workshop is on practical design work to introduce an area of golf course layout or detailed design, as well as testing your understanding and progression
Mentorship* by an EIGCA member is encouraged, but not mandatory, in Year 1. In Year 2, it is mandatory for a student to have mentor relationship with an EIGCA member.
* Mentorship is via EIGCA's Student Attachment Programme (SAP) - If not already employed by an EIGCA member, the student may apply under the Student Attachment Programme. It is the student's responsibility to secure a mentorship (the EIGCA office can help finding a member mentor).
Students are required to spend an average 2-3 days each month with their mentor to learn about the practicalities of all aspects of golf course design. This practical hands-on experience will normally include visits to projects in construction to help develop an in-depth understanding of the construction process. Mentors help students develop skills which complement the course, and are likely to include:
The next course will commence in first quarter of 2024.
The closing date for applications for the 2024-2026 intake is 30th November 2023.
To register an interest, email Lindsey Collumbell (lindsey@eigca.org) who will send additional information to help with making a decision whether to apply for the next intake.
The total cost of the course varies depending on whether the student is employed by an EIGCA member or not. Payment for each year of the course must be paid in full before the course begins.
Updated: August 2022