ASGCA elects Michael Benkusky, ASGCA, as its new president

Michael Benkusky (Photo: ASGCA)

The American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) recently elected Michael Benkusky, ASGCA, as its new president at its recent 77th Annual Meeting in Milwaukee. Benkusky became an ASGCA member in 1997 and will serve as ASGCA President through the fall of 2024.

A native of Marion, Iowa, Benkusky graduated in 1988 from Iowa State University with a degree in landscape architecture. He grew up working and playing at Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Country Club, a Donald Ross course. Prior to 2005, Benkusky worked as a senior project architect at Lohmann Golf Designs, with ASGCA Past President Bob Lohmann.

In 2005, he began his own design firm, Michael J. Benkusky – Golf Course Architecture, where he has worked on projects, including remodeling jobs and restorations of courses originally designed by Ross, Tom Bendelow, Larry Packard, Dick Wilson and Robert Trent Jones.

“We have seen a resurgence in golf and our members are busier than ever with all types of projects,” Benkusky said. “After a slowdown in design, many of our members downsized to one-man shops. Now some of them have started to team up, which allows them to complete more work, share their talents and meet their client’s timeframe.”

Benkusky emphasizes that ASGCA members continue to learn from each other.

“By combining efforts and design philosophies, members are creating timeless designs that are more site-specific. We have members spread out across the continent and who have expertise in different areas; whether it is in specific grasses or soils, sharing experiences creates a better course. Look for ASGCA members and our affiliated partners to find more ways to get together on projects in these busy times and create more design teams.”

The design portfolio for Benkusky includes Beaver Hills Country Club in Cedar Falls, Iowa; Palm Aire Country Club in Sarasota, Fla.; Canyata Golf Club in Marshall, Ill.; Point O’ Woods Golf & Country Club in Benton Harbor, Mich.; and St. Charles Country Club in St. Charles, Ill.