The Fall 2025 issue of By Design magazine from the American Society of Golf Course Architects is now available in digital format.
The main feature article focuses on designing desert golf courses. By Design speaks with architects Forrest Richardson, Cynthia Dye McGarey, John Fought and Steve Weisser about how they create golf courses that deliver an enjoyable playing experience, while also minimising water use.
Dye McGarey, who has worked on courses in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, said: “Desert landscapes vary – the native area can be sand, rock, lush desert scrub or bare. When laying out a desert course, it is key to identify as many natural features and vegetation and preserve them.”
Richardson added: “Going forward, I predict more short and alternative formats in the desert. It just makes sense. Less turf, less water and – often – more fun.”
Also in this issue, By Design speaks with David Fay, the former executive director of the USGA and 2025 ASGCA Donald Ross Award recipient, about his career, including his role in bringing major championships to public golf courses.
“The British model seemed best – clubs like Muirfield and Royal St. George’s were private but allowed some public play,” said Fay. “While in the US, many wonderful courses were closed off to the public. Bringing the US Open to Bethpage Black changed that perception. It showed that a true public course could host the championship, which inspired other venues like Torrey Pines, Chambers Bay and Erin Hills to follow suit.”
By Design also covers the Fazio Design renovation at Interlachen CC in Florida. Fazio architect Tom Marzolf and Adam Moeller of Turfgrass provide insight into the project that includes replacing ageing infrastructure, upgrading irrigation and drainage, and reimagining course features.
On the updated course, Marzolf said: “The design produces a predictable bounce on approach shots to a front pin and reliable rollout on recovery chips.”
The issue also includes news of the ASGCA Foundation’s ‘Design Boot Camp 2026’, an interview with Stephen Kay and Scot Sherman, and insight from Billy Fuller about a par-three sketch he drew as part of his renovation work at Westhaven GC in Tennessee.