With a wealth of experience and expertise in golf course architecture, Dana Fry brings exceptional multidimensional talent and prowess to his métier.  A background of formal education, field training and artistic design talent forms the consummate mix of practical and aesthetic creativity Fry devotes to the worldwide endeavors of Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design.

RECOGNITION

As a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASCGA) since 1992, Fry has served on the Board of Governors and has served as a speaker at the Golf Industry Show on behalf of the ASGCA.

In 2000 Fry was honored by Columbus Business First Newspaper as one of its “40 under 40” award winners.  In 2001 he was among the top five selected by Golfweek Magazine in its “40 under 40” list of people in leadership positions within the golf industry who are likely to shape the business for years to come.

Today Fry is concentrating his efforts on projects around the world, including Asia, Europe, the Mid East and the U.S.  He has assumed a leadership role in Asian golf development with his significant contributions to its emerging market, and consistently demonstrates a dedication to the entire evolving field of modern golf course design.

EDUCATION

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Fry amassed an impressive record in junior golf.  He then attended the University of Arizona from 1980-83, where as a member of the men’s golf team he shot a course record 64 at Randolph Park Golf Course in Tucson. He set another course record while home in Kansas City between semesters, with a 62 at Minor Park Golf Course.

As Fry experienced the thrill and satisfaction of playing competitive golf at the collegiate level, seeds were planted for golf course design visualization from a player’s perspective.  The summer before his senior year, he made the acquaintance of Andy Banfield, a lead designer for Tom Fazio, and the introduction gave rise to Fry’s career in golf course design. During construction of the golf course at Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club in 1983 in Tucson, Ariz., Fry assisted by flagging saguaro cacti for transplanting. By summer’s end he had decided to forge a career in golf, accepting a full-time position as a shaper at Fazio Golf Course Designers, Inc. Fry’s education and life had entered a new frontier.

A DYNAMIC APPROACH

After establishing a strong background in earthmoving and shaping during his time with Tom Fazio, Fry extended the arc of his career by developing a keen understanding of the environmental aspects of golf course design during his years working with Dr. Michael Hurdzan, where he began in 1988, became a partner in 1997 and continued to hone his craft.

The many projects to which Fry has dedicated his design expertise have attracted renown and accolades, including such venues as Erin Hills Golf Course – site of the 2017 U.S. Open, Devil’s Pulpit, Devil’s Paintbrush, Calusa Pines Golf Club, Naples National Golf Club, Desert Willow Golf Resort, Keystone Resort (River Course), Raven at Three Peaks Golf Club, Glenmaura National, Hamilton Farm Golf Club, Shelter Harbor Golf Club, Philadelphia Cricket Club, Ironhorse Golf Club, Tycoon Golf Club, The Ledges of Huntsville Mountain, FarmLinks Golf Club, Willow Point Golf Course, Le Diable Golf Course and Westwood Plateau Golf Course.

Fry’s rich and varied experience, both as an accomplished golfer and as a passionate artistic golf course designer, has resulted in his philosophy of a personalized, active hands-on approach to every project he undertakes. With his attention set on global design opportunities, Fry continues to amplify his imprint and legacy in the world of golf course architecture.

PHILANTHROPIC COMMITMENT

Beyond his commitment to Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design, Fry’s outreach extends to his donations to many charities. In addition, with his family, he has hosted two exchange students for one year each.