Erik Larsen, ASGCA, was elected president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) at the organization’s recent 64th Annual Meeting in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Larsen is executive vice president and senior golf course architect of Arnold Palmer Design Co., based in Orlando, Fla. He holds a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from North Carolina State University and counts ASGCA Past President Ed Seay as a former colleague and mentor. He is a CLARB-certified Landscape Architect and is also a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and Urban Land Institute.
His list of courses numbers more than 100 and includes new layouts Deacon’s Lodge, Brainerd, Minn.; Running T Ranch, Klamath Falls, Ore.; Spencer T. Olin Community Golf Course, Alton, Ill; Links at Kuilima, Oahu, Hawaii, and remodeled courses Boca West, Boca Raton, Fla. and Westwood Municipal, Newton, Iowa.
As president, Larsen plans to publicize the concept that golf courses have value that encompasses golf and its uniqueness as a game of integrity, competitiveness and fellowship that’s played on dynamic, beautiful playing grounds. Beyond the game that’s played on the land, the golf course serves as green space, wildlife and flora habitat and can be used for other activities that benefit the community, like trails for jogging and cross country skiing or as concert space.
Larsen lives in Orlando with his wife and has three daughters. In addition to serving on the executive and public relations committees of ASGCA, he served as the group’s supplier’s directory chairman.
