spomer87,
1- Go into Landscape Architecture at university. A Bachelor’s degree is enough. Such a degree will help to GET a job. But also will also teach you many things that you’ll need to KEEP your job.
2- When in university, take classes such as soil science, grading and drainage, construction, agronomy, etc... The hard core stuff. As for the “artsy-fartsy” classes, such as The Influence of Poetry in the Garden (you’ll know them when you see them), you should take some of those too, since they are important in providing a different perspective and an overall ability to understand and design landscapes (golf course are, after all, landscapes). But remember to learn the subjects that golf course architect specialize in. You have a big advantage since you can pick and choose the classes that most suit your career goals, instead of “floating around” like many students do because they are unsure of what they really want to do when they finish.
3- Learn AutoCAD. And, if you can, take a look at LandCADD, MicroStation, Terra Model, 3D Studio, PhotoShop, etc... Those computer software (especially AutoCAD) are becoming more and more the norm in most golf course architecture firms. When you get a job, you’ll probably be hired as a draftsman (to start off). So you’ll be drawing plans, either by hand or on the computer. This leads me to...
4- Learn how to draw. It’s a crucial step in learning how to design, and learning how to present your design. Learning how to draw on paper will allow you to “draw” in the field. And by drawing I mean a number of things. Learn the techniques (i.e. how to hold a pencil, etc...). Then learn how to draw things you see (such as a person, a tree, etc...). Then learn how to draw things you imagine (such as a future golf course.)
5- Work on a golf course, either the construction of a new one or on the maintenance crew of an existing course, or even, if you can, on the maintenance crew of a course that is being renovated. If you can’t do that, work for a landscaping company. The purpose is to get you to become comfortable working outdoors, building or maintaining things, and to see if you actually enjoy getting up at 5 in the morning and working until 7 in the evening...
6- Learn how to play golf (at least break 90). It will help you to understand what the golf ball is supposed to do. As well, some client will judge you on that. It’s kind of like your appearance: it means nothing and everything at the same time.
7- Like everything in life, act the part. Be well dressed, well groomed, well mannered, write well, talk well, etc... Golf course architecture, like most professions, is often a question of "people skill"
8- Have a backup plan, in case you can’t become an architect. You might be taking a photography class or an AutoCAD class, and really enjoy it. Keep that in mind. In other words, don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
9- Study golf course, and analyze golf holes. Study the routing, the strategy, the aesthetics, the maintenance, the topography (both natural and artificial), the greens, the bunkers, everything you can think of. Find holes that you think are good, and find out why they are good. Exactly why. Do the same for the not so good holes. Heck, do the same for gardens, parks, streets... Ask why, why, why... You need to understand what you want to create.
10-It’s a small world. Get to know the people in the business, and make a positive impression when doing so. And once you’ve introduced yourself, keep in touch. Find a few architects, and get to know them. Call them and visit their office. The more you pop in their mind, the more chances you have of getting the phone call that’ll change your life.