EIGCA out in force at BTME

Continuing our quest to spread awareness of the skills and capabilities of golf course architects, and the role we have in safeguarding the future of golf, our presence kicked off on Sunday 19th January with a workshop by two members. Given by Marc Westenborg and Caspar Grauballe to an audience of golf course managers from England and Scotland plus further afield from Golf Park Zurichee in Switzerland and Royal Bled in Slovenia, the workshop: “Renovating your golf course” covered all aspects of renovation, including the trend for bunker renovations.

Delegates completed exercises including how to adjust an existing layout to accommodate a driving range, as well as designing a new green and bunkers. Feedback was positive despite the challenging contouring exercise.

Our exhibition stand was busy with a constant stream of visitors and manned by a rota of members primed to answer any design queries that visitors had.

On Wednesday 22nd a session on golf course architecture saw four members taking part in a panel discussion in the main auditorium. Chaired by BBC presenter and golf enthusiast, Naga Munchetty, EIGCA members Tom Mackenzie, James Edwards, Robin Hiseman and Paul Kimber talked about their experiences of collaboration between architects, course managers and greenkeeping teams.

Our presence at BTME came to a close with our now traditional drinks reception which we host for our partners on the Wednesday evening. This is a perfect opportunity for representatives of our Partners, old, new and potential to meet up, have an informal chat and get to know us and each other a bit more in a relaxed and informal environment. Christoph Städler, EIGCA President, and Tim Lobb, Vice-President, addressed the group and welcomed members, partners and affiliates.

BTME was a great success for EIGCA and we are looking forward to returning next year.