A pioneering conference for golf course designers held in Inverness has been hailed as a success.
Dozens of the most influential international figures in the sport descended on the region for the Design Masters event.
The work of designers from the past such as Old Tom Morris and their continuing influence on the game today was discussed – as was ways of attracting new players to the sport.
They also highlighted modern design approaches such as the new course at Ardfin Estate on Jura and Castle Stuart near Inverness.
Golf writer and historian Adam Lawrence chaired the event and afterwards said: “It was a fantastic event. I learned something new from every single presentation. In my 12 years in the golf industry, I feel it was the most informative conference I have ever attended.”
It is believed to be the first time that a dedicated conference of this nature has been held aimed a general golf market.
An international field of speakers included clubhouse designer Mungo Park, Thad Layton, senior golf course architect at the Arnold Palmer Design Company and Bob Harrison, one of Australia’s foremost golf architects.
Much of the talk focused on attracting more people into the sport.
Florida-based Mr Layton is involved in the design of the second course at Castle Stuart.
He said: “It’s been refreshing and enlightening to talk with not just golf architects, but also professionals in the turf grass industry and the GEO, who have gathered to discuss what we can do collectively to grow the game, make it fun, more sustainable and get the message out that golf courses can be of benefit to the environment if executed properly.”
Gordon Todd, from the Golf Tourism Development Group, said: “This was a conference of its time with a lot of discussion ongoing at the moment about how to attract more people into golf.
“It was a privilege to host such a distinguished line-up of speakers who provided educational and inspiring talks which could influence thinking for years to come
The conference ended yesterday with site visits to three acclaimed Highland links at Castle Stuart, Royal Dornoch and Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club.
