Thoughts on Golf Plan? - Architecture Firm

[Jack Evanko]

I was recently asked to join my club's Green Committee in Northern California.  The committee/club is already working with Golf Plan/Kevin Ramsey.  I have never heard of the firm and wondered what this community knows about them and what experiences you have had with the firm.  What are their strengths and weaknesses.  I welcome any thoughts and input.  Thanks, Jack


https://golfplan.com/portfolio/

[Matt_Cohn]

Never heard of them but interesting to see their portfolio is basically entirely Asian except for one other course extremely close to yours.

[Adam Lawrence]

Kevin and Dave are good friends and highly accomplished architects. The firm was originally founded by Ron Fream, who was pretty much golf design's original globetrotter, and so, although they are based in Santa Rosa, the vast majority of their work is in different parts of Asia. They did Nine Bridges in South Korea, which is generally regarded as the country's best or second best course, and is a world top 100 fixture. Very low profile back home, very high profile around the world.

[David_Tepper]

Adam -

Since Golf Plan was founded in 1972, are they the oldest continuously active GCA firm in the U.S.?

I mentioned the Golf Plan designed Windsor Golf Course (north of Santa Rosa) a few days ago on the thread about worthwhile courses under $100. It was designed/built when Ron Fream was still active in the firm. I like that course. I think the routing makes good use of the creeks & wetlands on the property.

DT     

[Adam Lawrence]

Adam -

Since Golf Plan was founded in 1972, are they the oldest continuously active GCA firm in the U.S.?

I mentioned the Golf Plan designed Windsor Golf Course (north of Santa Rosa) a few days ago on the thread about worthwhile courses under $100. It was designed/built when Ron Fream was still active in the firm. I like that course. I think the routing makes good use of the creeks & wetlands on the property.

DT     

Bobby Trent Jones also founded his firm in 1972. I'm not aware of anyone still working whose firm was created before then, though there might well be someone. Bill Amick founded his firm in 1959, but he's in his nineties and is essentially wholly retired now. I’m not sure when Tom Fazio founded his firm.

Globally I think Hawtree is by a distance the oldest established. Martin is semi-retired but he's still practicing when occasion arises.

[Kevin_Reilly]

Jack - interested to see what you guys do!  Is it the result of PGA Tour feedback, or just improvements for the membership?

[Jack Evanko]

Jack - interested to see what you guys do!  Is it the result of PGA Tour feedback, or just improvements for the membership?

So am I.  I don't know, I'm just getting into the weeds, but I don't think the PGA Tour knows we exist and that's probably a goof thing IMO.

[Jack Evanko]

Kevin and Dave are good friends and highly accomplished architects. The firm was originally founded by Ron Fream, who was pretty much golf design's original globetrotter, and so, although they are based in Santa Rosa, the vast majority of their work is in different parts of Asia. They did Nine Bridges in South Korea, which is generally regarded as the country's best or second best course, and is a world top 100 fixture. Very low profile back home, very high profile around the world.

Thanks