How to Design Golf Courses for a Living

Many golf enthusiasts dream of becoming a golf course designer. Although this type of career is more difficult to break into than traditional forms of landscape design, those who are serious about designing golf courses for a living can achieve their goals through hard work and dedication.

• Obtain a degree from a higher education institute offering courses in landscape architecture. This degree is offered at schools across the United States, but make sure the program is accredited by a reputable landscape association, such as the American Society of Landscape Architects.


• Visit well-known golf courses. Study each course's layout, paying attention to special features like sand traps, water and cart paths. Notice how the architects have used the land's natural features in the course's design.


• Work at a golf course. One of the most important aspects of golf course design is understanding the course's function and meeting the needs of golfers. Knowing as much as possible about the sport of golf is an essential part of solid course design. Working at a golf course will help you improve your golf knowledge.


• Become an intern at a landscape architecture and design firm. Try to find a firm featuring golf course design services. You will be able to learn the basics of this type of career, including marketing practices, layout techniques and technology in design.


• Become a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. Once you have established yourself as a golf course designer, registering with this association will help you gain more recognition within this industry.