Latest release explores the impact of artificial intelligence on golf course design
By Richard Humphreys |
The Summer 2026 issue of By Design magazine from the American Society of Golf Course Architects, and produced by the team behind Golf Course Architecture, is now available in digital format.
The cover story from the latest release explores the impact of artificial intelligence on golf course design. Designers Brian Costello, Jeff Danner, Andy Staples, Todd Quitno and Kevin Norby, and golf visualisation specialist John Aherne of Golfgraffix, share their thoughts on how AI might shape the work of a golf course architect.
“It can be very effective in drafting proposals, organizing research and handling certain administrative or marketing tasks,” says Danner. “In a field like golf course architecture, where many of us wear multiple hats, those efficiencies can be quite meaningful. Used properly, AI can take some of the back-of- house burden off the architect and allow more time for design, client interaction and construction observation.”
Also in the issue, golf writer Lee Car writes about her experience of attending the ASGCA Foundation’s Design Boot Camp in Pinehurst, North Carolina. “The instructors were a joy, and listening to Bill Coore talking about his process made a big impression,” she writes. “The side conversations with, and among, the architects were every bit as interesting as the formal education, maybe more.”
There is also a case study about Campus Commons in California where architect Damian Pascuzzo and former PGA Tour player Steve Pate have worked to renovate the course with affordability and environmental stewardship front of mind. “Equipment capital, labour, water and chemical costs were evaluated and influenced the overall design and agronomic standards,” said Pascuzzo.
The issue includes news about the 2026 recipient of the ASGCA Donald Ross Award; insights from National Golf Day in Washington DC; a page from Kevin Norby’s sketchbook for Eau Claire Golf & Country Club in Wisconsin; and news of Todd Eckenrode’s renovation of La Rinconada in California.
Sign up for your free digital subscription to By Design magazine via the ASGCA website.