Two Associate members successfully completed all requirements and were elected Regular members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) at the group’s recent 65th Annual Meeting in Denver. Attaining regular membership in ASGCA were John Cope, North Palm Beach, Fla., and Jae Lee, Roseville, Calif.

John Cope – Cope, age 46, has served as Senior Design Associate with Nicklaus Design in West Palm Bach, Fla., since 1990, working extensively both in the United States and internationally, particularly the Far East. Cope’s work includes The Peninsula, opened in 2006 in Rehoboth Beach, Del.; St. James Plantation – The Reserve, opened in 2006 in Southport, N.C.; and The Palisades, opened in 2005 in Charlotte, N.C.

Jae Lee – Lee, age 57, is a native of South Korea. He began his career as a civil engineer before turning to golf course architecture. Lee operates Lee Golf Design and Consulting, Inc., Roseville, Calif. His work includes East Valley Country Club, opened in 2001 in Kwangju, South Korea; Pochun Adonis Country Club, opened in 2001 in Pochun, South Korea; and Centennial Golf Course, opened in 1997 in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Regular membership in ASGCA is earned after a member has been an Associate member in good standing for at least three years and has designed or remodeled and seen through to opening two additional 18-hole golf courses, though the average member has more than 20 years experience and dozens of golf courses to his or her credit.

ASGCA continues to be the largest organization of golf course architects in the world with more than 180 members and its’ members the most experienced. A recent survey of 2011 Annual Meeting attendees showed more than two-thirds of members work on projects outside North America.

ASGCA Background

Founded in 1946 by 14 leading architects, the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of experienced golf course designers located throughout the United States and Canada. Members have completed a rigorous two-year long application process that includes the peer review of four representative golf courses. ASGCA members are experienced golf course architects, able to counsel in all aspects of golf course design and remodeling and comprise many of the great talents throughout the golf industry.

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