how to be a golf course designer

hi to everyone. i wonder if i can pursue a career in golf architecture in australia. i check google, not much help. do i have to leave the country? go to america? sounds like i have to do landscape 1st, not so keen, can i skip that?

I'm not sure. How's Tiger doing it?

hi
landscaping also teaches you about drainage and soil types and what you can and cant do, its the fundmental you must have first or have people there to work for you that know all this.
bill

I cannot speak for Australia, but in the US, there are several colleges that offer Golf Management as a major. My cousin did this through Penn State University. You learn everything...how to teach, how to manage, how to maintain the course, and even how to build a course. He has told me many times that he was amazed at how much detail this program went into. If you want more info...

Penn State Professional Golf Management

Now, there are certain "playing" requirements too. You must have a 12 or less USGA handicap.

You will also practice and train to pass the P.A.T. and get your PGA Teaching Card.

This "major" is the real deal. Before graduation, he had several offers from course to come work there as an assistant pro. He is now teaching at a practice range and puts together learn & play tours around the country. He is really trying to make it to the Nationwide tour.

Also, its pretty competitive. My cousin was 2nd in his class GPA wise. It's pretty selective. However, if this is something you dream of, then grab it and go for it!

I am a Penn State grad. LOVE the school.

Good luck to you!

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I have learned a lot about course design and construction from the head green keeper of my club. He did a 5 year apprenticeship and what he does not know is not worth knowing.

These top golf pros set their names against the courses they design but it's these guys that work at the coalface that do the real work.

You don't need to leave Oz to get involved in golf course design or developments. Oz has a very strong and vaibale golf industry and the best people to contact are:

Society of Australian Golf Course Architects
SAGCA

I'm absolutely convinced they'll be able to give you some guidance. There is also a list of full & provisional members of the society. Perhaps you can ask some advice from them if any of them are local to you.

If I can help in anyway, please let me know.

i think he may have a connection or two on the inside that helps him to get his foot in the door

He is also Tiger Woods. If I am a course designer, and Tiger Woods comes to me and asks if I will "help HIM" design a course, i'm all over that deal. I mean, Don Ross and Pete Dye courses carry a name, but in this day and age, if its got Tiger's name on it, it's making $$$$$$$$$$$

woh! thks guys that was very helpful and enlightening too. i guess i take a back seat on that one for the time being. not to keen about landscape design. . just want the fun of creating one's course lke those on the golf pc games.