Former students

Christian Lundin (2005-07 Diploma)

Before applying to the Institute's Diploma Course I studied to become a building engineer and was working as a greenkeeper. That background gave me a good base to stand on while taking the course to get a good knowledge of golf course architecture. My aim with the course was to use it as a springboard into the business and during the second seminar I was offered a job with a Senior Member of the Institute. To work at a golf design office while studying the course was really tough but I believe it was the best way to thoroughly learn the profession.

The course is a unique opportunity to get a chance to study a topic which isn't very easy to get an education within as well as to meet like-minded people. To have experienced lecturers give us their insight into the business is an invaluable experience. But apart from the lectures I believe what I learnt the most from is spending time together with other students 24/7 that have the same interest as myself in golf course architecture. The discussions together where we were both in agreement and not (mostly the latter) really got me considering what a good golf course is. These discussions could cover everything from the design on a single bunker or how to properly construct a golf course to which major tournament is the most interesting.

After working for a golf design office in Ireland for a couple of years i have now moved back to my home country (Sweden) and am running my own golf design company. The Diploma course, despite the many hours needed for all the assignments, is an experience I wouldn't have wanted to miss. All the people I met have given me friends for life and the knowledge I got during those two years I couldn't have got anywhere else.