New World Body For
Course Architects

Stephen Allen, a British consultant who is based in Perth, Australia, is the first CEO of a new organisation, the International Association of Golf Course Architects.

Allen said the new body was formed by demand from his global client base which includes Palmer Course Design, Nicklaus Design, Robert Trent Jones International II, Steven D Plumer Design, Pacific Coast Design, Michael Coate & Associates, Thomson, Wolveridge & Perrett, Gary Player Group, Graham Marsh Golf Design, and Thompson Golf Planning,

"They all agreed that they wanted and needed an Association that was global and particularly pro-active in presenting their credentials to the many developers that really do not know where to start when they have a piece of land and want to turn it into a golf course," said Allen, who has also organised Asia's largest golf exhibition, in China, for the past six years.

Michael Coate, a prominent member of the IAGCA, said: "The association ensures the international standards of its members, introduces them to prospective clients worldwide and assists those clients in their planning to make a success of their projects. It is with pleasure that I have become a full member. Having been personally responsible for the design of courses in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, China and India for the past 20 years, I am really excited about the formation of the Association."

Allen added: "At all times we will present the association to the world of developers. We will liaise on a constant global basis with architects, constructors and developers alike. We welcome all architects, designers and builders to consider joining the Association."

The Association intends to work closely in the future with its fellow associations in Europe, America and Asia.