DUBLIN, Ohio (February 13, 2014) – Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design (www.frystraka.com), in accepting the award from The Boardroom Magazine as 2013 Golf Course Design Firm of the Year, honors its past affiliation with Hurdzan/Fry Environmental Golf Course Design. The Boardroom Magazine, endorsed by the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), is the official publication of the Association of Private Club Directors (ACPD). The award ceremony took place Feb. 6 at the CMAA National Convention in Orlando, Fla.
“As the recipient of this year’s award,” said Dana Fry, a principal of Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design, “it is with pride that we acknowledge Hurdzan/Fry. During the time we worked with Dr. Michael Hurdzan in designing golf courses around the world, his leadership and vision in our collaboration resulted in numerous environmentally-sensitive projects that will stand the test of time.”
Both Fry and his design partner, Jason Straka, spent many years as part of the Hurdzan/Fry enterprise, contributing to the collective design work of the company. They attribute much of their success today to the exceptional experience of having worked with one of the most knowledgeable and accomplished golf course designers in the world. In 2012, Dr. Michael Hurdzan joined his son and longtime business associate, Dr. Christopher Hurdzan, to form the design company of Hurdzan Golf, LLC.
“We would like to recognize Dr. Hurdzan and his unparalleled legacy in the field of environmental golf course design,” Straka said. “Mike was my mentor through my collegiate training and for much of my professional career. It was an honor to have spent so many fulfilling years working with him.”
Several recently-completed projects were led by members of Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design on behalf of Hurdzan/Fry, including Columbia Country Club, in Columbia, Mo., and Ambiente, at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, in Scottsdale, Ariz., both of which were among the 12 courses named last year as recipients in the second annual ASGCA Design Excellence Recognition Program. Hurdzan Golf also was a recipient of this award with its design of GlenLaurel, in Rockbridge, Ohio. Perhaps, though, the most significant honor the former Hurdzan/Fry team is anticipating is the fast-approaching 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills Golf Course, in Erin, Wis., a Hurdzan/Fry and Ron Whitten design.
“Over our two decades together, Dana and Jason became like family, so naturally it was difficult to see them move on,” said Dr. Michael Hurdzan. “Our close relationship makes me even more proud of their accomplishments, and I wish them the greatest success – but admittedly miss having them close by. I consider our family album to be the diverse portfolio of Hurdzan/Fry projects we completed as a team, culminating in Camelback and soon, The Oaks, with a few other international layouts taking shape. We will remain lifelong friends and that, to me, is most important.”
About Hurdzan Golf Design
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Hurdzan Golf Design is a leading course design and consulting company that has been involved with over 400 golf courses on five continents during its more than 50 years in the design business. Its design approach is guided by the centuries-old dictum, “form follows function,” resulting in golf courses that are playable, maintainable, sustainable and distinctive. The Hurdzan group has experience not only in original designs that have garnered national and international acclaim, but also in renovation and restoration. In addition, the Hurdzan group possesses practical experience in golf course construction, maintenance, ownership and consulting. For more information, please contact Christopher M. Hurdzan at 614-457-9995 or at chris@hurdzangolf.com, or visit www.HurdzanGolf.com.
About Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design
Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design, founded in 2012, is a partnership with worldwide reach in award-winning golf course design. Golf course architects Dana Fry and Jason Straka, having worked together for nearly 20 years, continue to bring their collective design experience, talent and renowned client dedication to their venture.
Although the pair collaborates on all projects, it is not uncommon for the partners to be traveling on opposite sides of the world so they can serve their global clients with ease, efficiency and the utmost in professional dedication. In addition, the company has a diversified staff of associates – speaking a combined six languages – based in Lisbon, Portugal; Milan, Italy; Beijing, China; Porto Alegre, Brazil; and dispersed around the U.S. Thus Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design can service any job, anywhere in the world, with the highest of standards and a consummate commitment to excellence.
For more information, see www.frystraka.com
Contact:
Sally J. Sportsman
407-248-1144
sjsport@earthlink.net
