The American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) recently welcomed two new members to its ranks: David Ferris and Agustin Piza. Their elections keep the number of ASGCA members who practice around the world to nearly 180.
• Ferris earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture and a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Cornell University. He has worked on projects with firms headed by ASGCA members Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Today, Ferris is an integral part of the Sanford Golf Design team with ASGCA Past President John Sanford. His expertise includes site analysis, master planning, routings, landscape design, construction documents, specifications and presentation graphics.
• Piza heads Piza Golf Design, based in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He earned a Master’s Degree in Golf Course Architecture from Edinburgh University and has more than 20 years of experience in the golf industry, including collaborations with Gary Player, Fred Couples, and fellow-ASGCA members Tom Fazio and Jack Nicklaus. Piza’s designs are known for quality, and delivering aesthetic and strategic functional sculptures. For the past three years, he has served as director of The First Tee – Mexico.
Candidates for membership in ASGCA complete a rigorous, multi-phase application process that includes peer review of representative courses, discussions with project owners and a personal interview to assess the candidate’s professional capabilities.