When the global profession came together …

This was the second Virtual Global Golf Design Forum run by EIGCA for the benefit of members, partners, patrons and the wider profession.

Held at the beginning of December 2021, the scene for discussions during the Zoom call was set by the President of each of the three organisations, with summaries of how their parts of the world are at this stage of the global pandemic.

The effect of the pandemic

Europe, America and Australia are all experiencing a boom. Jason Straka (ASGCA) described it as being a ‘hectic time’ for their members with lots of renovations and an increase in non-traditional designs.

Australia is experiencing an increase in renovation projects. Harley Kruse (SAGCA) said: “The pandemic has seen an increase in golf participation with a move to courses out of the cities. People are willing to go on road trips and travel to regional courses more than before the pandemic.”

Tim Lobb, EIGCA President, told a different story. Many EIGCA members are creating new build projects, in countries including Turkey, Greece, around the Mediterranean and in North Africa. “This is hugely exciting,” explains Tim, “as we have not seen this level of demand since the last recession.”

Future of golf

During his Presidential term, Tim Lobb pledged to focus on how the design of courses helps promote the game of golf. He believes that members have an important role to play in the popularity of golf, which starts with designing thought-provoking, fun and time-sensitive golfing experiences, from pitch and putt to 18-holes.

Jason Straka believes architects need to be advocates for design and push clubs to think differently and break with traditions. “Modern lifestyles mean people don’t have much time so clubs should look at enhancing their practice facilities or providing a short game area.”

Harley Kruse spoke about the need to grow the game by attracting new players, at junior level or first-timers. He would also like to see older players – who may not be able to play the traditional 18 holes – be encouraged to carry on playing with options of 6 or 9 hole courses, or a putting green.

Copyright and Royalties

Thoughts turned to the implications of gamification in terms of the copyright of designs and payment of royalties when used in simulators or video games.

Some members on the call said copyright is already included in their contracts. However, with it being so easy to fly a drone over a course – without the club or architect knowing – with the footage then turned into a video game or simulator, how can the copyright of a design be managed practically?

Caspar Grauballe, EIGCA’s Vice President, made the point of difficulties with restoration work when there are multiple architects who have worked on a course. Who gets the royalties? Notwithstanding this conundrum, 66% of members on the call believed that designers should be paid royalties when their design is used in simulators/games.

Supply chains and Labour costs

Before the call came to a close, discussions turned to the challenges experienced with supply chains – on which the pandemic has had a major negative impact. Golf course architects across the world are experiencing problems obtaining materials.

Jason Straka reported that on top of the many hours spent sourcing materials for projects already under construction, designs for future projects are being changed and alternative materials sourced as the lead time on supplies are as much as six months.

Harley Kruse said Australia’s challenge is more one of costs. The cost of materials is increasing, along with labour costs which is worsened by a shortage of labour in the country.

Want to know more about what was discussed?

The Zoom call was recorded and is available to members of the three organisations. EIGCA members can access the recording in the Members area of the EIGCA website. Members who attended the event live and were present for the Q&A at the end, are eligible to claim 5 CPD credits. Members who watch the recording are eligible to claim 3 CPD credits.