Golf Styles; Golfology: News, Notes, Etc., April 2007
A golf course architect’s best calling card is the courses he has created. Dr. Michael Hurdzan, a principal with Hurdzan/Fry Golf Course Design, has designed over 250 courses. These include Sand Barrens, Swainton; Neshanic Valley, Neshanic Station; and Hamilton Farm, Gladstone in New Jersey.
Dr Hurdzan has been named the recipient of the Donald Ross Award from the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA). He joins noted architects Robert Trent Jones, Geoffrey Cornish, Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer as winners of the organization’s highest honor. The award is given annually to a person who has made significant contributions to the game of golf and golf course architecture.
“Mike Hurdzan is one of the most respected names in the golf industry,” said ASGCA president Greg Muirhead. “His tireless promotion of what’s good and important about golf course architecture – environmental stewardship, designing facilities that make the game accessible to more players – makes him the perfect recipient for the Ross Award. All along the way he has given much to ASGCA. No one deserves this award more.”
He has been an ASGCA member since 1974, served as president in 1984-1985 and continues to serve on various committees. Hurdzen has been a pioneer and recognized leader on golf and environmental issues, including service as past chairman of the Environmental Institute of Golf. He has written six books, including his textbook Golf Course Architecture: Design, Construction and Renovation.
Hurdzan has garnered many awards in past years for his design work and contributions to the field including Architect of the Year, Best Public Course, Best New Course, Top 100 Modern Courses, Top Ten You Can Play and the D. Rossi Award.
“To be recognized by your peers and competitors whom you professionally respect and personally enjoy is the highest honor one can receive,” said Hurdzan. “I know how important the Donald Ross award is, and the legendary stature of previous winners and what they have contributed to the game of golf, so I am sincerely humbled to receive it.”
