Two members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) achieved Fellow member status at the recent ASGCA Annual Meeting in La Jolla, California. Those named Fellows are Vicki Martz, Jacksonville, Florida; and Fred Bliss, Santa Rosa, California.

Fellow status keeps them among the nearly 180 ASGCA members who practice around the world.

  • Martz has more than 25 years of golf course design experience as a senior architect with the Arnold Palmer Design Group and now serves as president of Victoria Martz Golf Design. A strong advocate for sensitive environmental design, Martz believes that preserving and enhancing the natural features of the land gives a course identity, character, and unique challenges. She is also a respected speaker and advocate for women and golf, and is a member of the Golf 20/20 Women’s Task Force. Martz has completed courses in the United States and internationally, including: The Legacy Course at Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Florida; King’s North at Myrtle Beach National, Conway, South Carolina; The Palmer Course at Bay Creek, Cape Charles, Virginia; The Classic Club Pal Desert, California; and The Victoria Clube de Golfe at Vilamoura, Portugal.
  • A native of the Midwest, Bliss’ career has taken him to some of the world’s most exotic locations. After serving as vice president and director of design with GolfPlan-Ronald Fream Design Group, Bliss started his own design company. He later became involved with Johnny Miller Design, eventually taking the title of vice president and director of golf design services with Tournament Players Design. His design work includes: Redhawk Golf Club, Temecula, California; Windsor Golf Club, Santa Rosa, California; Oakhurst Country Club, Clayton, California; Royal Brunei Country Club, Brunei Darussalam, Borneo; and Golf Du Cap d’ Agde, Cap d’ Agde, France.

“It is a great honor and wonderful achievement to be named an ASGCA Fellow,” ASGCA President Steve Smyers said. “Vicki and Fred have made a positive impact on golf around the world, and their designs have brought pleasure to countless numbers of players. They are tremendous examples of dedication to their craft and commitment to the game and industry.”