American Society of Golf Course Architects | Inside ASGCA

American Association of Golf Course Architects | Inside ASGCA

Description of Membership & Code of Ethics

Description of Membership

A member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects is one who by virtue of their knowledge of the game, training, experience, vision and inherent ability, is in all ways qualified to design and prepare specifications for a course of functional and aesthetic perfection. They are further qualified to execute and oversee the implementation on the ground of his plans and specifications to create an enjoyable layout that challenges golfers of all abilities and exemplifies the highest standards and traditions of golf. They will counsel in all phases of the work to protect the best interest of their client.

Each member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects is engaged primarily in golf course architecture, and their qualifications have satisfied the Board of Governors in all respects.

Code of Ethics

I. Members shall reconcile the requirements of the game of golf with the preservation and protection of

our natural resources, systems and environment, balancing these elements with the economic,

social and aesthetic needs of golf’s development.

II. Members shall encourage education and research and promote the development and dissemination

of useful information to improve the planning, design and construction of golf courses.

III. Members shall not discriminate against any employee, applicant, client or others involved in their work

on account of sex, race, age, creed or national origin.

IV. Members shall not engage in any practices that involve dishonesty, fraud, deceit, bribery or

misrepresentation in securing or executing their work.

V. Members shall not promote themselves or their services with false, exaggerated or misleading

information and publicity.

VI. Members shall report truthfully and clearly to their prospective client or employer their qualifications

and capabilities to perform services.

VII. Members shall make full disclosure to their client or employer any financial or other interest they may

have in any part of their project. Members shall avoid, abandon or remove such interests if they

compromise their actions or prevent them from serving the best interest of their client or employer.

VIII. Members shall recognize and respect the work of other golf course architects and shall not knowingly

make statements or offer opinions and comments that are false or attempt to injure or disparage their

practice, projects or any of their work.

IX. Members shall not attempt to obtain or offer to undertake any commission that they know is already

under a legitimate contract or agreement with another golf course architect.

X. Members shall not accept any commission until they have ascertained that any former legitimate

contract or agreement with another golf course architect has been terminated. This shall be done by

soliciting information and evidence from the client or employer and the other golf course architect.

Click here to download the ASGCA Code of Ethics PDF.