Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design Receives Double ASGCA Design Excellence Recognition

October 3, 2013

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Sally J. Sportsman
407-248-1144
sjsport@earthlink.net


Hole #13, Ambiente golf course
Photo courtesy of Camelback Inn Resort & Spa


Hole #14, Columbia Country Club
Photo courtesy of Anthony Frazier

DUBLIN, Ohio (October 3, 2013) – Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design (www.frystraka.com), a partnership with worldwide reach in award-winning golf-course design, announces that two of its designs are among the 12 courses named as recipients in the second annual American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) Design Excellence Recognition Program. Dana Fry and Jason Straka, principals of Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design, are longstanding members of the ASGCA.

The two “Design Excellence” honoree courses on which Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design worked are:

–and –

“It was a pleasure and a privilege to have extended our expertise to the design challenges at such fine venues as Camelback Golf Club and Columbia Country Club,” says Jason Straka. “We are proud of our design work on these courses as recognized by the ASGCA.”

The Challenges

Camelback Golf Club – Scottsdale, Ariz.

Camelback’s flat terrain flooded easily and the course’s reputation for occasional poor playing conditions and outdated design was affecting business at the adjoining resort. Contour was added and bridges introduced, and maintained turfgrass dropped from 210 acres to 90 acres. The new course is safer, drains better, has more visual and architectural interest and will cut down on the amount of water, fertilizer, pesticides and fossil fuels to maintain it.

Columbia Country Club – Columbia, Mo.

A portion of this 1922-designed course was lost to outside development. Owners requested course work resulting in no loss of par, yardage or golf quality. Working with the club, developer and local government, the back nine holes were rerouted and reconstructed. Army Corps-regulated streams were restored to improve water flow through the course and to improve the water quality of the urban watershed. All of the project’s private and civic goals were met.

About the ASGCA 2013 Design Excellence Recognition Program

Projects from the 12 identified courses have been cited for their work with ASGCA members in addressing unique design challenges leading to improved social, economic and environmental benefits. All of the 2013 nominations were reviewed by a panel of golf-industry leaders, including representatives of the Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Golf Course Builders Association of America and National Golf Course Owners Association.

Begun in 2012, the Design Excellence Recognition Program shines a light on the innovation and problem-solving skills required of today’s golf-course designs, whether the project is a “small” bunker renovation or a full-scale 18-hole layout.

ASGCA Background

Founded in 1946 by 14 leading architects, the American Society of Golf Course Architects (www.asgca.org) 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.

About Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design

Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design is a partnership with worldwide reach in award-winning golf-course design. Golf course architects Dana Fry and Jason Straka, having worked together for nearly 20 years, continue to bring their collective design experience, talent and renowned client dedication to their venture.

Although the pair collaborates on all projects, it is not uncommon for the partners to be traveling on opposite sides of the world so they can serve their global clients with ease, efficiency and the utmost in professional dedication. In addition, the company has a diversified staff of associates – speaking a combined six languages – based in Lisbon, Portugal; Milan, Italy; Beijing, China; Porto Alegre, Brazil; and dispersed around the U.S. Thus Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design can service any job, anywhere in the world, with the highest of standards and a consummate commitment to excellence.

For more information, see www.frystraka.com.