John Strawn, the former CEO of Robert Trent Jones II and president of Hills & Forrest International Golf Course Architects, has joined Global Golf Advisors, the world leader in golf and private club strategic business planning, as a director of the firm.
“John brings a unique set of experiences and expertise to GGA, complementing our services with his skills in strategic planning, marketing and promotion,” said GGA partner Henry DeLozier. “He is a natural connector who excels in bringing people and ideas together.”
At GGA, Strawn will focus on business development, long-term strategic planning and creative solutions to clients’ long-term challenges.
Over the previous two decades, as CEO of highly respected international golf course design firms, Strawn participated in the development of numerous award-winning courses, including Bro Hof Slott in Sweden, The Scandinavian Club and Lubker Golf Resort in Denmark, Black Gold and Half Moon Bay in California and Chambers Bay, site of the 2015 U.S. Open. Strawn also has managed new course developments throughout the world.
Strawn is the author of “Driving the Green,” an acclaimed account of golf course development. His magazine articles have focused on golf’s historic roots, contributions to local and regional economies and the benefits golf provides in preserving open green space. He wrote a regular column for several years for Golf Magazine China.
“GGA is a perfect fit for John’s unique skills,” said Steve Forrest, chairman of Hills & Forrest. “His knowledge of golf history and his keen understanding of the strategic principles of golf course architecture, combined with his impressive worldwide network of contacts, will provide valuable insight to GGA’s clients.”
Strawn also has organized and moderated golf development workshops and conferences, leading discussions with leaders in golf course design and construction, land planning, clubhouse architecture, course management and tourism.