Ferdinand “Fred” Garbin was an enthusiast for the game of golf at the early age of nine years old. He was determined to caddy, just like his older brother, and did it for 15 cents an hour. This led him down a path in the golf industry, with a degree from the School of Agronomy at Penn State University. Pursuing a job in golf course architecture, he admired the work of many architects before him, especially the work of Donald Ross.

Throughout Garbin’s career, he would be known for his artistic ability, both on paper and in crafting golf courses that complemented the landscape. Shortly after graduating from Penn State, he was contacted by Jim Harrison, past ASGCA President, who was in need of drawing for a golf course. Garbin’s work on the project was so distinguished that it initiated a partnership at Harrison’s firm. Garbin designed and remodeled more than 100 golf courses, primarily in Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, and Ohio. Fred was elected into ASGCA as a new member in 1963, after serving two years as an ASGCA Associate. Garbin was ASGCA President in 1968, received Fellow status in 1999 and was a member for 46 years until his death in 2009.