EIGCA

Shaping the future of golf: an insider view of EIGCA and golf course architecture

| Annual Meeting, ASGCA, Caspar Grauballe, EIGCA, EVQGCD, Gary Johnston, Member, President, SAGCA

Estimated reading time 4 min

In a recent episode of The Greenprint podcast, hosted by Leyton Walker, EIGCA’s Immediate Past President Caspar Grauballe, and current President Gary Johnston, joined the conversation to explore the evolving world of golf course architecture. Their discussion covered education, sustainability, community, industry trends, and the EIGCA’s recent 25th anniversary celebrations in Scotland, before reflecting where golf is heading.

Educating the next generation

Education is a key focus of the Institute and both Caspar and Gary emphasised the value and importance of EIGCA’s qualification (EIGCA Vocational Qualification in Golf Course Design – EVQGCD) to the future of the profession. As a graduate of a predecessor of this programme, Gary reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening educational and professional development opportunities during his term as President.

The current cohort of students are from eight countries – from Mexico to Australia, and bring experience in design, turf and course construction.

Sustainability and changing perceptions

A central theme of their conversation was changing the perception of golf. Both architects acknowledged the industry’s challenge: the image of golf as environmentally irresponsible. In reality, golf courses often act as biodiversity havens, reduce water use, and provide green corridors. The problem? These successes are poorly communicated.

Caspar and Gary argued for better storytelling – highlighting wildflowers, wildlife, and ecological benefits alongside the usual images of lush greens and fairways — to shift public opinion.

Golf courses as community assets

Beyond environmental conversation, Caspar and Gary emphasised the social and economic role golf courses can play – particularly in rural areas. Golf courses create jobs, attract tourism, and foster local community pride. For new developments, taking community impact into account is now just as important as turf and tees.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the golf industry has seen a remarkable resurgence. Younger players, especially those under 25, are embracing the game in growing numbers—particularly in regions like Scandinavia.

Emerging markets like Poland, Finland, and Norway are showing strong potential, with new courses under construction and club membership on the rise. But while new builds grab headlines, a significant portion of the business for EIGCA members comes from renovations and restorations of existing golf courses. As Caspar put it, this has become the “bread and butter” of the profession.

Clubs are upgrading bunkers, irrigation systems, tees, and greens — investing in their existing assets to meet modern expectations.

Celebrating 25 years of EIGCA

The EIGCA celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and a highlight for members and partners is the recent celebration in Dornoch, Scotland. The event was spread over four days and brought together 140 people from across the world, including fellow golf course architects representing the professional associations in the US, Australia, and Japan.

With golf played at three prestigious courses: Cabot Highlands, Nairn and Royal Dornoch, formal and informal dinners, networking and a day of seminars exploring how to change the public perception of golf, the event struck a balance of celebration and inspiration. A standout moment was the signing of a joint pledge between EIGCA, ASGCA and SAGCA to “set out our strengthened commitments to grow our combined efforts to tell more of golf’s true story – highlighting its positive contributions to fostering nature, conserving resources and strengthening community, while creating designs that serve golfers of all levels, promote enjoyment, and enhance the overall health of the game.”

What’s Next?

With rising interest, growing global participation, and a stronger focus on sustainability and education, the future of golf course architecture looks bright. Do you agree?

Want to listen to the full podcast?

You can find the podcast here on Lipsyn.

The first 30 minutes feature Toby Ingleton of Golf Course Architecture magazine in the podcast’s first “What’s News” feature, exploring exciting projects shaping golf design:

  • Royal Dornoch
  • Trump Turnberry’s renovation work and the new course at Trump Aberdeen
  • Apogee in Hobe Sound, Florida
  • The Cliffs on Kangaroo Island, Australia
  • Big Cedar Lodge’s latest par-3 course, featuring a 19th hole tee box inside a cave

Share