Award-Winning Architect Showcases Visionary Golf Holes on Prime Time’s Biggest Stage
SAN DIEGO, CA. – With the inaugural season of TGL presented by SoFi now complete, acclaimed golf course architect Agustin (Augie) Pizá reflects on a groundbreaking chapter that has redefined his career and the future of the sport. As one of just three designers chosen to conceptualize the league’s virtual holes, Pizá brought his signature philosophy—merging artistry, strategy, and emotion—to one of the most ambitious projects in modern golf.
TGL, the groundbreaking league co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, reimagined the game by merging technology, entertainment, and competition in an immersive arena format. Each match brought PGA TOUR stars into a unique, high-energy setting, where they competed on holes that mixed between virtual and in-venue play. Each of the holes demanded precision, creativity, and adaptability. For Pizá, the opportunity to design in this space was both a challenge and an honor.
“This wasn’t just about designing golf holes- it was about designing moments,” said Pizá. “Every element had to engage the player, entertain the audience, and still remain true to the spirit of the game.”
Known for his visionary approach to design, Pizá infused the virtual holes with the same attention to detail and narrative structure that define his traditional projects. The holes were crafted to evoke landscapes from around the world, linking the familiar with the fantastical—while delivering real-time strategy and unpredictability for golf’s biggest names under pressure.
Throughout the season, fans and players alike embraced the dynamic nature of Pizá’s designs, which seamlessly blended visual artistry with strategic depth. Each virtual hole was crafted not only to challenge shot-making ability but to engage the senses—through sweeping elevations, bold land forms, and unpredictable contours. The architectural language was expressive and intentional, offering professionals a new canvas that demanded both precision and creativity while offering alternatives and “hope” in every shot.
Several memorable moments from the TGL season took place on Piza’ Golf designs including:
- The Bay Golf Club’s Shane Lowry hit the first shot in TGL history on The Plank a 377-yard par-4.
- Atlanta Drive GC’s Billy Horschel drained a 17’ 10” putt on the par-3 14th hole – On the Rocks, in one of the most dramatic and memorable moments of the season during the second and final match of the TGL Finals Series.
- The longest putt of the season cam on the par-5 Sidewinder when New York Golf Club’s Cameron Young drained a 38’ 6” putt in match 10 of the season.
- No hole provided a bigger challenge to the best players in the world than Pick yer Plunder which led the league in penalties at six.
- The Spear earned “fan favorite” from a social media poll.
More than just a backdrop for play, Pizá’s contributions sparked conversation across the golf world—highlighting the role of design in evolving how the game is experienced. His work stood out for its originality and impact, redefining what golf architecture can look like in a hybrid setting. The result was more than entertainment; it was a statement on where golf is headed, inviting a new generation of fans to connect with the sport through immersive, imaginative environments.
Beyond the technical achievements, the collaboration reinforced Pizá’s role as a global thought leader in the evolving world of golf design. His work for TGL serves as a bridge between tradition and innovation, proof that golf’s future can honor its roots while blazing an entirely new trail. “Being part of TGL is the closest thing to imagining how golf evolved during the Industrial Revolution which exported golf courses from Scotland to the rest of the world and made it popular. This Digital Revolution will take Golf even further with TGL acting as an umbral in history. Here’s to the next 100 years of golf.”
With a successful inaugural season, the impact of its debut year is clear—and Augie Pizá’s contribution stands as a testament to what happens when design dares to dream beyond boundaries. His ability to reimagine what golf can look like, feel like, and mean to modern audiences ensures his role at the forefront of the sport’s next era is only just beginning.
About Pizá Golf Founder – Arch. Agustin Pizá, MSc:
Award-winning architect Agustin Pizá earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from ITESM and a Master’s Degree in Golf Course Architecture from the Edinburgh University in Scotland. He is a proud member of both the European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA) and the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).
Pizá, recognized with numerous international accolades, has built a reputation for “Redefining Golf Facilities” through his innovative design concepts, including Wellness Golf®, Multi-purpose Golf, and Butterfly Golf®. His achievements include:
- Named twice by Forbes Magazine as one of the Top 100 Inventive Minds from Mexico
- Featured in Golf Inc. Magazine as one of the Top Nine Innovators in the Golf Industry (2022)
- Recognized in Golf Inc. Magazine as one of the Top Five Visionaries of the Year (2023)
- Included in Sports Illustrated as one of the Top Four Golf Course Architects to Watch
- Serves as the Director of the First Tee in Mexico
Pizá has contributed to world-class golf developments, earning a reputation for designing courses that blend exceptional quality, striking aesthetics, and strategic playability. He and his design team have been involved in more than 70 projects on three continents.
Pizá Golf has design studios in San Diego, CA. and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
For more information on Pizá Golf, please visit the company website: www.pizagolf.com
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Vanessa Marie Price
Read the Greens GOLF Media (714) 544-6515
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