EIGCA presents Harry Colt Award to Golf Course Architecture

The European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA) has named Golf Course Architecture as the latest recipient of its Harry Colt Award. The award, which recognises outstanding contributions to golf or golf development, was presented to GCA publisher Toby Ingleton at the EIGCA’s 2023 Annual Meeting, which took place in Belek, Turkey from 17-21 April.

Tim Lobb, president of EIGCA, said: “Golf Course Architecture was launched in 2005 and I remember meeting Toby and editor Adam Lawrence in its early days. Their passion to deliver a highly targeted publication on our industry, the professionalism behind what they are doing, and the creative process involved was evident from the outset.

“The publication has played a vital role in advancing understanding and appreciation of golf course architecture. It seems only logical to recognise the contribution made to our industry over the last generation and I am thrilled to present the EIGCA Harry Colt Award to Toby.”

Toby Ingleton said: “We are immensely proud and honoured that Golf Course Architecture has been chosen to receive the Harry Colt Award. From the day we contacted the EIGCA to share our plans to launch a new publication, the Institute, its members and partners have been incredibly supportive of our work. Eighteen years have passed since then, during which time we have published 72 issues of the magazine. Our aim has always been to put the spotlight on the profession of golf course architecture and those, past and present, who practice it, to an extent and level of detail that perhaps had not been done before. This award is wonderful recognition of what we do, for which we are very grateful.”

Adam Lawrence added: “To receive an award that bears Harry Colt’s name is a great privilege. I have admired his designs for as long as I can remember and have dedicated countless hours in recent years to the research of his life and work in preparation for a biography that will be published in the near future. Thank you to the EIGCA, and all those in golf design, that make the process of compiling and publishing Golf Course Architecture every quarter such a great pleasure.”

The award was first presented in 2010, to the R&A, and subsequent recipients include Golf Environment Organization and Bernhard Langer.

Conference sessions at the EIGCA annual meeting focused on resort development and tourism. Cahit Sahin, the general manager of Montgomerie Maxx Royal, spoke about Belek’s emergence as a golf destination. Ben Martin of architects HKS outlined 23 key trends in tourism, and their potential impact for golf design. Mark Chapleski shared the findings of Troon International’s research into what golfers expect and Dan Hinch of masterplanning firm WATG spoke about resorts and destinations of the future.

Golf course architect Dave Sampson of European Golf Design gave an insight into the process of designing the 2023 Ryder Cup course at Marco Simone in Italy and Ken Moodie updated delegates on the progress of several design guidance documents.

The meeting also saw Danish golf course architect Caspar Grauballe become the new president of EIGCA, and Gary Johnston of European Golf Design become the new vice president.

Richard HumphreysRichard Humphreys

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