The Next Generation

[Michael Chadwick]

In Andy Johnson's most recent Yolk with Doak podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yolk-with-doak-33-listener-questions-and/id1131723994?i=1000548568695), he and Tom agreed that the increased interest in new golf development, coinciding with Tom and Coore/Crenshaw occupying the later phase of their careers, might help usher in more work for the 'next generation' of shapers and architects. As an enthusiast of design, but admittedly not entrenched in the industry, I want to know--who are they?

It would be great if this thread could become a kind of running list of professionals, and I encourage names to be added. Whether or not a talent list of this sort helps developers or green committees consider candidates, it can serve as a repository on our site to chart success stories over the coming years.

Qualified individuals should have begun their careers in the 2000s and have architecture/design as an offered service, but they need not have an original design credit in their current portfolio.

Working List - alphabetized by last name:

Christian Althaus: https://www.althausgolfdesign.de
Jay Blasi: http://www.jayblasi.com
Mike Cocking: https://www.ocm.golf/team/
Rob Collins + Tad King: https://kingcollinsgolf.com 
Blake Conant: http://www.dundeegolf.com
Colton Craig: https://www.colton-craig.com
Keith Cutten: https://cuttengolf.com
Jeff Danner: https://www.golfgroupltd.com
Ryan Farrow: http://www.farrowgolf.com
Logan Fazio: https://www.faziodesign.com/content.html
Kyle Franz: http://www.kylefranzgolf.com 
Andrew Green: http://greengolfandturf.com/andrew
Craig Haltom: https://www.craighaltom.com/about 
Brett Hochstein: https://www.hochsteindesign.com
Scott Hoffman: https://www.scotthoffmanngolf.com
Tim Jackson + David Kahn: https://www.jacksonkahndesign.com
Clyde Johnson: http://www.cunningolfdesign.com/about
Jaeger Kovich: https://www.propergolf.com
Christian Lundin: http://www.henrikstensongolfdesign.com/team/christian-lundin/
Richard Mandell: https://www.golf-architecture.com/theory
Ashley Mead: https://www.ocm.golf/team/
Jeff Mingay: https://jeffmingay.com
Angela Moser: https://www.moseronadozer.com
Mike Nuzzo: http://www.mnuzzo.com
Josh Phillips: https://twitter.com/jp_golf_
Agustin Piza: https://pizagolf.com
Tyler Rae: https://tylerraedesign.com
Keith Rhebb + Riley Johns: https://www.rhebbandjohns.com
Brian Ross: https://www.rossgolfarchitects.com
Nick Schaan: http://dmkgolfdesign.com/about/nick-schaan/
Brian Schneider: https://www.renaissancegolf.com/230/design-associates/brian-schneider 
Philip Spogard: http://spogardvandervaart.com/index.php/about
Jeffrey Stein: https://steingolf.com
Benjamin Warren: http://artisan.golf 



 

[Ally Mcintosh]

Are you looking for shapers or architects?


I’m not saying they don’t cross over (they do) but when it comes to those that have come through the field with Renaissance, C&C and the like, some will naturally be able to offer the full package and some will not be so good at stepping up.


I’ve no idea who falls in to which category. But please let’s not just make this a list of shapers or associates who have worked for either Tom or Bill Coore. It’s so narrow minded.


(Incidentally, I think many successful future architects will be from those stables, in no small part because it will be Tom or Bill recommending them).

[Robert Mercer Deruntz]

Dan Hixson
While there is the buzz for GCA architects associates, Hixson built a groundbreaking course, Silvies Ranch, that seems to be way under the radar.  And Wine Valley happens to be another masterpiece.  Can't wait to see how his latest in Medford turns out.

[Jeff Schley]

Mike Davis! 
Also GCA's I view a bit like musicians they are almost always never fully retired. Look at Jack when he gets a couple bucks thrown his way since his retirement announcement, at least 2 JN signature courses to his name. Fazio as well somewhat I believe.
Good gig in "retirement".

[Steve Lapper]

Augustin Piza.


  His design focus on smaller footprints and more fun will be as, or more, important to the future of the game as any of the names previously mentioned. For purist aficionados, it will be apples and oranges and/or heresy, but if it helps address the unavoidable demographic shifting that lies ahead, Augie's creativity will be a shining example for the game evolution.


   As the famous British statesman, Benjamin Disraeli once said: "Change is inevitable, Change is constant." IMO, less land, less water, more sustainability, more accessibility and less time will be the mantra of the next 50yrs of golf.

[Adam Lawrence]

Dan Hixson
While there is the buzz for GCA architects associates, Hixson built a groundbreaking course, Silvies Ranch, that seems to be way under the radar.  And Wine Valley happens to be another masterpiece.  Can't wait to see how his latest in Medford turns out.

Dan is 61. Not exactly 'next generation' 

[Jeff Schley]

Dan Hixson
While there is the buzz for GCA architects associates, Hixson built a groundbreaking course, Silvies Ranch, that seems to be way under the radar.  And Wine Valley happens to be another masterpiece.  Can't wait to see how his latest in Medford turns out.

Dan is 61. Not exactly 'next generation' 

  Haha, wow.  Yeah he can collect social security next year.  I mean I'm curious if someone who owns the rights to Alistir Mackenzie's NIL and uses his name to virutally design a new course based on Artificial Intelligence.  Could happen in today's age as I had a conversation with a computer geek I know, who can see thishappening in the next 5 years.

[Jaeger Kovich]

In the UK the list starts and ends with Clyde Johnson.


Also, how old do you think I am?! 

[Mike_Young]

I think it's fair to say this site is a little jaded when it comes to how they view architecture.  Last year it was estimated that approx 480,000,000 rounds of golf were played in the USA.  I'm betting not 300,000 were on courses discussed on this site. 
Discounting a Dan Hixon because he is 61 makes no sense.  It's not the next generation as much as the next wave.  And if someone enters this business seeking fame....they need to go home.  Half the guys at a country club don't know a Gil Hanse or a Tom Doak.  And from what I have found the one's with the power to make a decision at clubs ignore their members who are caught up on this site. 
In the average town you might see the same architect go thru like a locust reworking courses.  Why?  Because clubs rely on their golf pro or supt. and they only know what they are told by their buddies across town. 
You haven't mentioned guys like Kyle Frantz,Andy Staples, Andrew Green or even Tripp Davis, all of whom I like their work.  They seem to have the ability to sell and if you have not taken the time to learn that skill then you may be good but you will find it difficult to close against someone who can.
Social media has changed the game...and the budget needed to market a Fazio or Nicklaus required resort play or a housing development...not anymore..
The main thing for the next generation is to just keep working.  Being on site requires a lifestyle that can get old quickly and many will move on.  Most design work going on is never mentioned here and there are guys out there doing it who could care less.  Hell, my son is 43 years old and been working with me on projects for over 20 years.  He's not worried one bit about it and I am confident he can build as good a golf course as many here.  And take a guy like Jim Lipe, I haven't seen a course he did that I don't enjoy.  He seemed to not worry about it.  And I can pick out every JN course he did.
Doak course, Cameron putter, Vokey wedge....I'm betting for the average golfer they only know the first name of Scotty Cameron.  This is a small business and there are plenty of good guys coming along but they better be able to sell because the average project only gets you thru a year.

[Peter Ferlicca]

Josh Phillips, who currently just signed up with Andrew Green.
Jaeger Kovich, who was a Caveman with Hanse for a while, but now is doing a lot of stuff on his own that looks great. 
Scott Hoffman, who was with Jackson/Kahn and seems to be going on his own now (ex: Lost Rail)
Jackson/Kahn, they are still young and have plenty of good years ahead of them.

[Michael Chadwick]

Additional names have been added to the original post. Shapers who market themselves as architects capable of original design work should be included, in addition to architects who may not shape. Shapers who don't have original design aspirations should probably be left off this list.

Also, how old do you think I am?! 

Jaeger--I held back on opening the post with as many names possible to encourage other participation. And for the pros to raise their hands as well!

But please let’s not just make this a list of shapers or associates who have worked for either Tom or Bill Coore. It’s so narrow minded.

Ally, not my intention, and the list already diverges from that concern, with people coming from Fazio and RTJII camps. Pedigreed tutelage shouldn't be devalued, however, but nor is it an assurance of capability either.

Discounting a Dan Hixon because he is 61 makes no sense.  It's not the next generation as much as the next wave. 

Mike, I appreciate your defense of Dan Hixon, but I am referring to the next generation, not wave, so there is going to be a broader age gap. To better clarify, in the original post I've modified that those on the list should have less than 30 years of experience, but the bigger point is to focus on individuals who have the remaining bulk of their careers ahead of them.

Keep it coming!

[Mike_Young]

Discounting a Dan Hixon because he is 61 makes no sense.  It's not the next generation as much as the next wave. 

Mike, I appreciate your defense of Dan Hixon, but I am referring to the next generation, not wave, so there is going to be a broader age gap. To better clarify, in the original post I've modified that those on the list should have less than 30 years of experience, but the bigger point is to focus on individuals who have the remaining bulk of their careers ahead of them.

Keep it coming!

Michael,
I understand but I do think many guys are in their late 40's or 50's before they get those jobs.  I'm 68 and have no reason to stop..

[Tom_Doak]

Michael:


I don’t know how you came up with your list, but it’s pretty lop-sided, considering that nine of the sixteen started with my company (and Riley spent time with us as well).


There are surely lots of others out there who have put in the hours and have the talent to succeed.  Even David Kidd and Mike Nuzzo would technically qualify under the ground rules you’ve set.


But will the timing be right for any of them if the opportunity comes? And are they ready to give up everything else for a while and plow into that opportunity?  Two of my most talented interns spent a few years trying, but then got out to have a family and get a life - Mike McCartin, who is helping run National Links Trust, and George Waters, who wound up working at the USGA.  And either of those guys might still jump back into the business in ten years and do some great work.


P.S. Another two names you missed were Mike Cocking and Ashley Mead, who were on site with Mike Clayton at St Andrews Beach and Barnbougle when they were young.  They seem to be making inroads in the USA now, which is unprecedented for an Australian designer.

[Morgan Clawson]

Rob Collins and Tad King - Landmand, NE
Tyler Rae - Lookout Mountain, GA
Richard Mandell - Bobby Jones, FL
Craig Haltom - Stevens Point, WI


Looking forward to announcements for Cabot Citrus Farms and the Keiser's new project in Colorado.

[Peter Pallotta]

....smaller footprints and more fun...less land, less water, more sustainability, more accessibility and less time will be the mantra of the next 50yrs of golf.

With respect, I've been reading that since I got to this site 15 years ago, and what we've had instead is the complete opposite, one mammoth project after another. Maybe much more important than the next generation of architects will be the next generation of developers.
Peter
PS - also important will be the next generation of golfers, and of golf writers-bloggers-youtubers-and raters -- in short, someone, anyone, to stand up and promote/celebrate the vision you describe instead of the bloated excess we've had (with more land, and larger footprints, and remote locations).

[Ally Mcintosh]

In the UK the list starts and ends with Clyde Johnson.

I’m assuming that’s a joke, Jaeger? See also my post no. 2.


And Peter P - your last post is pretty much spot on.

[Jaeger Kovich]

In the UK the list starts and ends with Clyde Johnson.

I’m assuming that’s a joke, Jaeger? See also my post no. 2.

Nope, couldn't have been more serious... Not sure what you could possibly have against of the most talented people I have ever met. I'm sure his work will prove you wrong... Who else would you consider?

[Michael Chadwick]

I don’t know how you came up with your list, but it’s pretty lop-sided, considering that nine of the sixteen started with my company (and Riley spent time with us as well).

Tom, thank you for the additional names from OCM. My initial batch of names were purely haphazard and meant to generate additional participation. I'd rather this list not be construed as my own, but open sourced, and representation/backgrounds should even out in time. I don't feign ignorance on this topic, I claim ignorance!


We can understandably quibble over what constitutes next generation vs next wave or next in line. I've amended the OP to suggest the focus is primarily for those whose careers have started in the 2000s. I see your point about DMK, but his most recognizable design came from the 90s, and it doesn't seem right to put him in the same grouping as some of your more recent associates.


But to use DMK as an analogy, imagine who else Mr. Keiser might have considered in the 90s, and transpose that concept to today's talent. Perhaps it's not unlike what Nick Schreiber's attempting with his Old Barnwell hires?

[Ally Mcintosh]

In the UK the list starts and ends with Clyde Johnson.

I’m assuming that’s a joke, Jaeger? See also my post no. 2.

Nope, couldn't have been more serious... Not sure what you could possibly have against of the most talented people I have ever met. I'm sure his work will prove you wrong... Who else would you consider?

I think you picked me up wrong, Jaeger. My issue is not with you mentioning Clyde. I’m sure he’s got great potential and has every right to be mentioned… Certainly the bits at St. Patricks that I know he played his part in were excellent. I haven’t yet seen any of his work where he is under his own steam.


My issue is you’ve just written off everyone else in the UK purely because you don’t know them or know their work.

[Daryl David]

Better include Darius Oliver. 

[Andrew Harvie]

I expect Keith Cutten to be a force moving forward. His partnership with Rod and Dave is savvy on his part, but as they begin to step down and Keith transitions to his own firm, he will have a lot of good experience under his belt.

[Ben Sims]

This is some funny stuff.


I mean, who wouldn’t want to dive into the golf architecture world as a career or even as hobbyist; where you can be the next generation in your 50’s and get lashed for naive posting. So much fun!

[Don Mahaffey]

These posts always confuse me.
Jackson Kahn and King Collins are next generation? Both of those firms are off the charts busy and have multiple new builds and full renovations to their credit yet they are grouped with some who are primarily for hire shapers. No offense meant at all, whatever works for each person listed, and those left off the list like Andy Staples.


More than anything what it shows is there are all sorts of professionals in the golf course creation business. From guys like Mike Nuzzo who has been supporting himself for 15 years working only for himself to guys who shape for one of the big three part time and work on their own part time.  Whatever it takes to make a living doing what you love, but I don’t know about all these under 40, next wave, or next generation lists

[Jeff Schley]

The business requires VERY few "experts", thus as most have noted you can't live and support a family if you don't have work. You need to moonlight as XYZ, an actor being a bartender/server until they hit.  GCA, especially today is being done by an extremely small number of people in the entire world. We are blessed to have several here.

Take a step back and realize how small the profession is, as well as realize it probably isn't going to get much bigger at all. You almost need someone to retire or pass on to increase your workload or get "that chance" like DMK had a Bandon Dunes. It is a tough one to get into and those that trudge along I respect following their dream and passion. Like a minor leaguer their entire career hoping for a call up to the show. They have talent, just need the opportunity.

In the end although very few will realize their dream, there still is hope as while small it could happen. I don't think new designs should be the criteria at all anymore, as those are so few. Restorations and renovations are the work and will most likely continue to be.

[Sean_A]

....smaller footprints and more fun...less land, less water, more sustainability, more accessibility and less time will be the mantra of the next 50yrs of golf.

With respect, I've been reading that since I got to this site 15 years ago, and what we've had instead is the complete opposite, one mammoth project after another. Maybe much more important than the next generation of architects will be the next generation of developers.
Peter
PS - also important will be the next generation of golfers, and of golf writers-bloggers-youtubers-and raters -- in short, someone, anyone, to stand up and promote/celebrate the vision you describe instead of the bloated excess we've had (with more land, and larger footprints, and remote locations).

There have likely been as many 9 hole/short courses/putting greens built in the past 10 or so years as bloated acreage types.

It would be interesting to compare the acreage of the recent bloated types with that of the 70s-90s courses.

Ciao