The Golf Inc. “Renovation of the Year 2026” list features the work of ASGCA members from Massachusetts to California, Portugal to the Dominican Republic. In both Private and Public Course categories, golf course architects were cited by the magazine for, “updating infrastructure to meet modern standards while maintaining original character and adapting to today’s game.”
The list of ASGCA members recognized, and their projects, includes:
Private Course
- First Place – Jack Nicklaus, ASGCA Fellow, and Chad Goetz, ASGCA (Desert Highlands Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.)
Comment from Golf Inc. – “Maintainability and sustainability were central to the restoration approach. Rebuilt drainage systems dramatically improved turf health and recovery and playability was improved by restoring the strategic clarity inherent in Jack Nicklaus’ original design.”
- Second Place – Andy Staples, ASGCA (Mira Vista Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas)
Comment from Golf Inc. – “The renovation modernized both the course’s underlying infrastructure and its aging architectural framework, significantly upgrading the club’s agronomic and irrigation systems and allowing the course to consistently present championship-level playing conditions while improving efficiency and long-term sustainability.”
- Third Place – Bill Bergin, ASGCA (Oakridge Golf Course at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club, Savannah, Georgia)
Comment from Golf Inc. – “A land peninsula was removed from hole 18 to allow water to run the full length of the left side — not to change how the hole plays, but rather to create a dramatic finish for the course and a beautiful view from the tees and the clubhouse.”
- Honorable Mention – Bill Bergin, ASGCA (Stones River Country Club, Murfreesboro, Tennessee)
Comment from Golf Inc. – “The square footage of the greens was increased by 25%, resulting in more dynamic hole locations. New design-appropriate bunkers were placed in visible locations. All teeing areas were adjusted, along with eight new back tees added to increase hole length.”
- Honorable Mention – Greg Letsche, ASGCA (The Els Club Vilamoura, Vilamoura, Quarteira, Portugal)
Comment from Golf Inc. – “The course was entirely redesigned and rebuilt. The resulting routing is more efficient; the area of irrigated and maintained turf was reduced from approximately 136 acres to 84 acres, with a clear distinction between in-play and out-of-play areas.”
Public Course
- Second Place – John LaFoy, ASGCA Fellow (Quarry Oaks Golf Club, Ashland, Nebraska)
Comment from Golf Inc. – “The first goal was to create and restore the aesthetics that make up a large part of the golfing experience. To open up panoramic views across the property, they removed unwanted under growth and strategically removed large trees, which had the additional benefit of targeted sunlight to enhance turf growing conditions.”
- Third Place – Gil Hanse, ASGCA (Maggie Hathaway Golf Course, Los Angeles)
Comment from Golf Inc. – “Significant tree management and selective clearing improved airflow, sunlight, sightlines, turf health and player visibility. Redesigned practice facilities — including expanded putting, chipping and bunker practice areas — allow players to experience the full range of shots encountered on the course.”
- Honorable Mention – Trey Kemp, ASGCA (Rankin Golf Course, Rankin, Texas)
Comment from Golf Inc. – “The renovation was a comprehensive rebuild that included a complete rerouting of the golf course and the installation of entirely new features and infrastructure. Greens, tees, fairways, bunkers, drainage systems and irrigation were all constructed new.”
- Honorable Mention – Mark Mungeam, ASGCA (Farm Neck Golf Club, Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts)
Comment from Golf Inc. – “Some 500 trees were removed to enhance views of the ocean and between holes. All tees were redesigned and rebuilt, with many expanding in size. Bunkers were rebuilt, shifted or eliminated. All green surrounds were completely reshaped and new grass was installed.”
The complete Golf Inc. article may be found here.