ASGCA Insights

How does a young man without a golfing background come to have his college education paid for by an ASGCA Founding Member, eventually work for both Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus, and design golf courses in China, Indonesia, Malaysia & Viet Nam? Lee Schmidt, ASGCA, explains all.

Hunki Yun provides a look behind the scenes at the USGA. From agronomy to Pace of Play, how golf benefits a community to understanding the complete golfer experience, research plays a role in decisions being made by the game’s governing body each day. 

Will the current change in customer experience at golf courses lead to a change in customer expectations? National Golf Course Owners of America CEO Jay Karen discusses how the future at golf facilities may look more like the present.

Gary Williams, co-host of Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive” joins ASGCA for a fascinating chat that includes how a television show is produced when no one is in a studio, and the tale of – perhaps – the final competitive moment between Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

Award-winning writer Michael Bamberger discusses what makes golf unique, from it being a “game of honor” to the people golfers know by a single name – Arnie, Jack and Tiger. Forty years in journalism has introduced Michael to the players, caddies, officials and fans that keep the game growing.

Bob Randquist, Chief Operating Officer of Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, discusses the proactive role of GCSAA and its members in promoting the essential care and business practices of golf facilities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The joint efforts with other industry partners, including ASGCA, helped courses remain ready as golfers are returning to play.

National Club Association President Henry Wallmeyer. “Timely, pertinent information for members” has been the mantra for NCA in recent weeks in hosting dozens of webinars, with experts from epidemiology, human resources, golf course architecture, economics, legal expertise & more. “Our golf clubs are optimistic. Rounds played, year-over-year, is up tremendously right now.”

“Open, transparent and authentic.” Those are the words PGA of America President Suzy Whaley uses to describe how she and her staff are communicating with their 29,000 members…and how she sees the golf industry interacting with players as more facilities open and playing opportunities return. 

ASGCA President Jan Bel Jan talks about the changing roles of women in leadership in the golf industry, as well as what she is hearing from her peers at the highest levels of the game. “There is recognition that this is the best time to make changes because we are forced to change. And it should be done with thoughtfulness. Do not make decisions irrationally and then end up regretting them because we did not take the time to think about them.”

Henry DeLozier of GGA Partners provides his unique business perspective on the changing face of the golf industry. “Control the things that you can control. Adaptability for all parties is the key going forward. Now is the time for clubs and architects to come together. Architects can bring forward cost effective designs and ideas to make clubs more successful.”