The World Forum of Golf Architects, which took place at St Andrews last month, has been hailed as a resounding success. Organised by the European Institute of Golf Course Architects to celebrate their 10th anniversary, the 5 day programme of events was planned in collaboration with the Society of Australian Golf Course Architects and the American Society of Golf Course Architects and attracted over 170 golf industry delegates from around the world. As well as a sizeable turnout from European, American and Australian designers there were 11 representatives from the Japanese Society of Golf Course Architects and other delegates from Mexico, China and South Africa, making the World Forum a truly global affair.
The World Forum divided opportunities to play golf at St Andrews with a two day conference based at St Salvador’s Quad, St Andrews University. The conference was broadly split into three different sessions covering the Economics of Golf, the Environment, and Design Trends, chaired by the SAGCA, EIGCA and ASGCA respectively. In addition delegates were given the chance to play hickory golf at Kingarrock, Hill of Tarvit, near Cupar and to enjoy various other official functions, including the Gala Dinner and a private reception hosted by The R&A.
Commenting after the event, EIGCA Executive Officer Julia Green said “We were absolutely delighted with the support for the World Forum of Golf Architects from within the industry. Never before have so many of the world’s best architects gathered together in one place and the programme of events allowed them to discuss many of the challenges and opportunities they face now and in the future. In fact, the Forum was so popular we were oversubscribed with the demand for places and had to have a waiting list.”
Tom Mackenzie, conference organiser for the EIGCA, commented “Judging from the reaction I had during the World Forum, and the unprecedented feedback we have had since, it is clear the whole week was a resounding success. The fact that it was at the Home of Golf and delegates were able to play both the Old and New Courses at St Andrews certainly contributed to that success, but so did the high quality of the speakers and the panel discussions during the conference programme”.
EIGCA President David Krause echoed those comments. “I have seldom been to an event which was so enjoyable. The opportunity to share experiences and discuss the future of the sport with those within the golf industry gave us the opportunity to realise that golf course designers can help direct the development of golf in the 21st century. It was clear that, no matter where we work around the world, we have many shared concerns, particularly with regard to what I call the three E’s: Environment, Economics and Education. We feel that we can also have an influential voice as golf tries to resolve the conflict between the advance of technology and the need for sustainability. My thanks go out to all those who attended and especially to our Industry Partners whose support is vital in making this sort of event such a success”.
For more information on the World Forum of Golf Architects please contact
Julia Green, Executive Officer
European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA)
Meadow View House, Tannery Lane, Bramley, Surrey, GU5 0AJ, UK
Tel: Int.+44 (0)1483 891831
Email: enquiries@eigca.org