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 – 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 sister organisations ASGCA (USA), SAGCA (Australia), JSGCA (Japan) and KSGCA (Korea).

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 golf course architects as well as people new to the profession who are looking to increase their experience in golf course design and development.

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.

Candidates for Membership have a 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 the Foundation year (Year One) of the EIGCA Vocational Qualification in Golf Course Design (EVQGCD).

Read the full criteria here.

Once you have decided which criteria you satisfy, complete your application online for either a Member or Candidate for Membership.

Once your application has been received by EIGCA, it is submitted to the Membership Committee for consideration.

If you are applying to become a Member, the Membership Committee may decide to visit the two projects you provided details for in your application, or ask you to provide more evidence of your skills, knowledge and experience.

If you are applying to become a Candidate for Membership, the Membership Committee may ask you for supporting evidence.

The Membership Committee will make a recommendation to the Council, whose decision is final. The EIGCA Council meets quarterly

Being an EIGCA member says a lot about you as an individual and the high quality of your work. It says:

• – I believe in and uphold professional standards
• – I strive to stay ahead and keep my skills up-to-date
• – I am willing to be held to account for the work I do and how I conduct business
• – I want to meet, discuss and share ideas with Europe’s leading golf course architects
• – I want to be the best I can be

Your membership is a clear indication 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.

Once you have decided which criteria you satisfy, complete your application online for either a Member or Candidate for Membership.