American Society of Golf Course Architects elects new president

Greg Martin

Greg Martin, ASGCA, was elected President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) at the organization’s recent 70th annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

Martin, of Batavia, Ill., is a landscape architecture graduate of Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. Martin’s first work in golf course architecture came with the late Jim Spear, ASGCA Fellow. Over the next three decades–including forming Martin Design Partnership, Ltd. in 1991–Martin has promoted a design approach that expresses efficient, classic design concepts that offer a unique golf experience while promoting environmental benefits.

“I am intrigued by what inspires our membership,” Martin said. “While we are moving past the recent economic challenges, there will be aftershocks. It is a new world and the landscape has shifted. But the well-developed skills of ASGCA members are unique. Each in our own way adds value to the game, provides adventure for golfers and, most importantly, benefits our communities.”

While growing the game is an important goal, Martin–whose designs also maximize environmental benefits–stresses growth begins underground. “You cannot grow without well-established roots,” he said. “The health of anything depends on the depth of the roots. The game of golf needs healthier roots that translates to a more viable golf industry.”

Martin’s impact on ASGCA is evident in the Design Excellence Recognition Program, which he proposed in 2012. Design Excellence shines a light on the innovation and problem-solving skills required of today’s golf course designs, whether the project is a small bunker renovation or a full-scale 18-hole layout.

“Design Excellence is about problem-solving,” Martin said. “Every golf course architect needs to address the unique challenges of a project to better the game. Ultimately, the course and the game will benefit.”

Martin’s course designs include: Millwood Golf & Racquet Club, Springfield, Mo.; Rich Harvest Links, Sugar Grove, Ill.; Wildridge at Mill Run, Eau Claire, Wis.; and renovations at Ridge Country Club, Chicago; River Forest Country Club, Elmhurst, Ill.; and Aurora Country Club, Aurora, Ill.

Martin will serve as ASGCA President through May 2017.