EIGCA Vocational Qualification in Golf Course Design (EVQGCD)
Educating future and current golf course architects is a core activity through which EIGCA fulfils its purpose. The Institute is committed to delivering a vocationally oriented education programme that equips aspiring golf course architects with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience required to pursue a career in golf course design.
This commitment is realised through the EIGCA Vocational Qualification in Golf Course Design (EVQGCD), the world’s only professional qualification in golf course design.
Table of contents:
Who is the EVQGCD designed for?
Course structure
Fees and financial commitment
Subjects covered
Mentorship and practical experience
Assessment and grading
Key application dates
Who is the EVQGCD designed for?
This qualification is intended for individuals serious about pursuing a career in golf course design. It is not designed for hobbyists or those with a passive interest in learning how to design or re-design all or part of a golf course.
Historically, the most successful graduates have included:
- University graduates in related disciplines such as landscape architecture, architecture, physical geography, land planning, or civil engineering. Graduates with these academic backgrounds, who are proficient golfers, are well equipped to grasp the technical terminology and fundamental design processes which make the golf course design process more intuitive.
- Experienced professionals already working within the golf industry, including those in golf course construction, or employed in trainee roles with a golf course architect.
Applicants whose academic or professional background does not match these examples will still be considered. Passion, perseverance, a strong aspiration to pursue a career as a golf course architect, and a deep understanding of the game and its courses, are equally valuable attributes.
The EVQGCD enrols a small cohort every two to three years, typically averaging eight students. Historically, around three-quarters of students graduate and go on to work within the golf course design and development industry.
Course structure
The EVQGCD is a two-year programme comprising four modules, each lasting six to seven months. The course combines in-person workshops with structured on-demand online learning.
The programme is led by EIGCA member Niall Glen, Learning Manager and lead educator. Niall is a qualified and experienced golf course architect who has directed the EVQGCD for the past ten years. He is supported during workshops by experienced EIGCA member architects and by EIGCA Member, Alan Walker.
Each module begins with an in-person workshop lasting three to four days. A fifth in-person workshop at the end of Year Two is dedicated to final design project presentations. These workshops integrate theoretical learning with practical application and are held at locations across Europe. Where possible, they coincide with EIGCA Annual Meetings, providing valuable opportunities to connect with Members and industry Partners. Online learning is delivered through a modern on-demand digital learning platform, accessible via desktop and mobile devices, enabling students to access course materials when suits them within each module period.The content provides foundational knowledge across all areas of golf course design and supports students in completing practical design assignments and written assessments.
View the picture gallery to see the EVQGCD in action
Fees and financial commitment
For the 2026–2028 cohort, core tuition fees are:
- £14,000 for students not directly employed by an EIGCA Member
- £13,000 for students employed by an EIGCA Member
Payment Schedule
The tuition fee is payable in two instalments:
- 60% of the total fee is due prior to the commencement of Year One
- The remaining 40% is due prior to the commencement of Year Two
Confirmation of a place on the programme is subject to receipt of the first instalment.
In addition to the core tuition fee, students must fund their own travel and accommodation to attend the four mandatory workshops (two per year of the course) and the final design project presentation workshop. These workshops will be held at locations throughout Europe.
Included in the core tuition fee:
- Access to the online learning platform (desktop and mobile app)
- Full access to all course learning materials, 24-hours a day
- Ongoing access to the Learning Manager throughout the programme
- Four in-person design workshops to meet and learn alongside fellow students and senior golf course architects
- Presentation of the final design project to senior golf course architects
- Access to mentorship opportunities (details under review)
- Invitations to EIGCA events, providing networking opportunities with Members and EIGCA industry Partners.
- Complimentary EIGCA Candidate for Membership status during Year Two (subject to achieving a 60%+ average in Year One)
- Access to EIGCA’s global network of golf course architects in over 25 countries
Note: Payment for each module must be made before access to learning materials is granted. Failure to make payment may result in suspension or removal from the programme.
Subjects covered (under review with minor adjustments possible)
The programme consists of four modules – each of six-to-seven months’ duration – beginning with an in-person workshop in the UK (Scotland). The subjects covered are:
Module 1
- History of golf course architecture
- Principles of golf course layout
- Principles of safety
- Strategy in golf course architecture (Part 1)
- Heathland golf
- Drawing skills
Module 2
- Strategy in golf course architecture (Part 2)
- Theories and methods of golf course design
- Masterplanning
- Greens design
- Bunker construction
- Detailed design
- Soil science (Part 1)
Module 3
- Drainage
- Irrigation
- Ecology and the environment (Part 1)
- Specifications, quantity estimating, and contract administration
Module 4
- Construction techniques
- Ecology and the environment (Part 2)
- Soil science (Part 2)
- Mentorship and practical application
Mentorship and practical experience
- Drafting experience (hand-drawing or computer-aided)
- Site appraisal & analysis techniques / site visits
- Masterplanning (layout design, project phasing)
- Planning application processes
- Detailed design (greens, tees, and bunkers)
- Drainage design
- Letter writing
- Report writing
- Measurement of quantities
- Preparation of bill of quantities
- Preparation of tender documents & specification
- Inspection visits to construction sites
- Contract management training.
Assessment and grading
The programme comprises a Foundation Stage (Year One) and Advanced Golf Course Design (Year Two).
Foundation (Year One)
A minimum mark of 50% is required to pass each assignment (essays and design projects).
- Students achieving an average of 60% or higher may progress to Year Two and are granted complimentary EIGCA Candidate for Membership (CfM) status during their Year Two studies.
- Students achieving an average of 50–59% progress to Year Two but do not receive Candidate for Membership (CfM) status at that stage.
- Students achieving 49% or below are not eligible to progress, and do not receive any form of official recognition of their attendance on the course.
Year One grades contribute to the final overall qualification grade.
Advanced Golf Course Design (Year Two)
A minimum mark of 50% is required to pass each assignment (essays and design projects).
- Students achieving an average of 60% or higher in Year One AND Year Two retain their Candidate for Membership status upon graduation on payment of the annual subscription fee.
- Students achieving an average of 60% or higher in Year One who subsequently fail Year Two (including not completing the mandatory mentoring time) have their Candidate for Membership status revoked.
- Students achieving an average of 50–59% in Year One AND Year Two, are granted Candidate for Membership status upon graduation on payment of the annual subscription fee.
- Students achieving 49% or below in Year Two do not receive any form of official recognition of their attendance on the course.
Students who successfully complete the programme receive one of the following designations:
- EVQGCD Graduate with Distinction — combined average above 70%
- EVQGCD Graduate with Merit — combined average above 60%
- EVQGCD Graduate — combined average above 50%
Students who fail the course, (either in Year One or Year Two) may apply to become a Candidate for Membership in the future once they demonstrate (via an interview process with the EIGCA Membership / Education Committee) they have gained sufficient further experience / knowledge in the area/s they underperformed in during their EVQGCD studies.
Key application dates
- Week commencing 23rd February 2026 — Applications open to Registered Interest list
- 9th March 2026 — Applications open to the public
- 26th March 2026 — 7pm (UTC+0) – Online Q&A session with the EIGCA Education team
- 30th April 2026 — Application deadline
- 22nd May 2026 — Interview invitations issued
- Week commencing 15th June 2026 — Interviews conducted
- July 2026 — Interviewees notified of outcome
- 18th August 2026 – 7pm (UTC+1) – Onboarding call for the new students
- Week commencing 11th October 2026 — Course begins.