Disc Golf Course Designers Unite at Exclusive Workshop

The second HouckDesign Art and Business of Course Design (ABCD) workshop was held at the International Disc Golf Center (IDGC) in Appling, Georgia, drawing esteemed designers, park planners, landscape architects, and enthusiastic disc golf players from across the country. The event took place on February 26th and 27th, providing a unique platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and hands-on learning.

Organized by John Houck and his wife Dee Leekha-Houck, this workshop marked the beginning of a series of nationwide events aimed at filling a growing need for education and instruction in disc golf course design. The IDGC, home to the W.R. Jackson Memorial Course and two other championship courses, was an ideal location, allowing participants to engage with real-world examples of HouckDesign's expertise.

Brian Graham, PDGA Executive Director, emphasized the organization's goal to utilize the IDGC as a teaching facility, aligning perfectly with the vision for this workshop. Attendees praised the comprehensive nature of the event, which covered topics such as design principles, course routing, determining design fees, and effectively working with clients – including Parks and Recreation departments.

Dee Leekha-Houck highlighted the significance of understanding both the creative and business aspects of disc golf course design. "There's a misconception that designing courses is simply about aesthetics; however, it's also crucial to consider financials, marketing, and operational logistics," she explained.

Ryan Harris, a registered landscape architect from Georgia, expressed his gratitude for attending the workshop, citing a newfound understanding of course design principles and a clear direction for his future projects. "John's expertise has been invaluable in refining my own designs," he said.

The workshop's hands-on approach involved actual exercises and presentations, fostering an atmosphere of collaborative learning among attendees. Participants praised the event's focus on multi-dimensional education, where indoor discussions were balanced with outdoor design exercises.

Greg Dalsis from Colorado noted that "anyone can create, but not everyone can do it at a high level." Sean Patrick from Massachusetts echoed this sentiment, stating that John Houck's designs exemplify his exceptional skill and expertise. Shane Kruse from Minnesota appreciated the workshop's emphasis on business principles and marketing strategies.

John Houck reiterated the importance of understanding both design and business aspects, saying, "Dee's contributions to the workshop are equally valuable. As designers, we must be aware of the operational, financial, and legal implications of our work."

TJ McCourt, a park planner from an undisclosed location, praised the event for providing a clear understanding of the course design process from funding to construction. HouckDesign plans to host future workshops nationwide, near their premier-designed courses, offering aspiring designers the chance to learn from industry experts.

With over 25 attendees from various backgrounds, this workshop demonstrated the growing need for education and training in disc golf course design. As Putter Paul Hopt succinctly put it, "It's high time we raised the bar and standards for true course design."

Those interested in attending future workshops can find more information on the HouckDesign website and Facebook page.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/14-states-represented-houckdesigns-abcd-workshop