Like many young and passionate golfers raised in Massachusetts, Jim was inspired by the natural, rugged beauty of the New England landscape and its golf courses. Those landscapes sparked his passion for the game and ultimately led to a career in golf course architecture.

 

Prior to graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1999, Jim spent his teenage years working in the bag room and caddying at Springfield Country Club in West Springfield, Massachusetts. As his desire to pursue a career in golf course architecture grew, Jim gained experience in golf course maintenance and construction throughout his time at UMASS before securing his first position in the design profession with Bob Cupp in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

After leaving Bob Cupp’s office, Jim joined Nicklaus Design, where he would spend the next 23 years. He relocated to the firm's Hong Kong office in 2004 and later established an office in Manila, Philippines, in 2012. During his time with Nicklaus Design, Jim served as lead designer on numerous projects throughout Asia. After returning to the United States in 2021, he led the design effort on several new course and renovation projects across the country through 2023.

 

In 2024, Jim Departed Nicklaus Design to form Curley-Wagner Golf Design with Brian Curley and relocated back to Manila to service projects throughout Asia. In 2026, Jim established his own firm, Jim Wagner Golf Design, where he continues to lead master planning, new course design, renovation and remodel projects throughout Asia and beyond. 

 

Jim is the 288th Member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects with 25 years of design experience.