Golf course design has lost one of its most notable names.
Geoffrey Cornish, a fellow of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), a past president of that organization and a former winner of GCSAA's Distinguished Service Award, died today. He was 97.
Cornish and his associates were responsible for the design of more than 200 golf courses in the United States, Canada and Europe. In addition, he authored the book "The Architects of Golf" along with Golf Digest architecture editor and former GCM editor Ron Whitten, a landmark reference book that for the first time offered specific information about the architectural history of some of the most notable golf courses in the world.
ASGCA president Rick Phelps says, “Mr. Cornish was a true gentleman and exemplified the highest traditions of ASGCA and the game of golf. His exceptional work as a golf course architect, author and lecturer cannot be overstated. Mr. Cornish’s contributions to the profession of golf course architecture and the golf industry will live on for generations.”
The complete release from the ASGCA about Cornish's death is posted below:
Geoffrey Cornish, ASGCA Fellow Dies at 97
Geoffrey Cornish, a Fellow of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), died February 10, 2012 in Amherst, Mass. He was 97.
Cornish, an ASGCA Past President and native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, designed more golf courses in New England than anyone. He and his associates designed 240 golf courses in the United States, Canada and Europe, including: the International Golf Club, Bolton, Mass.; the Center Valley Club, Center Valley, Pa.; and the New Ashburn Golf Club, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He continued to serve until his death with Mungeam Cornish Golf Design.
He wrote many books and co-authored the landmark reference book, “The Architects of Golf,” which allowed readers, for the first time, to obtain specific information about the architectural history of their favorite golf courses while learning more about the people who designed them. For years, Cornish presented to groups around the world on the history and practice of golf course architecture.
He received his bachelor’s degree in agronomy from the University of British Columbia and his Master’s and honorary doctorate from the University of Massachusetts. Cornish was introduced to golf course architecture in 1935 when evaluating soils for Capilano Golf Club, then under construction by Stanley Thompson in West Vancouver. Cornish soon joined Thompson for training and four years later became greenskeeper at St. Charles Country Club in Winnipeg.Cornish served overseas with the Canadian Army during World War II, but rejoined Thompson in 1946. He left for a five-year association with pioneer turfgrass scientist Lawrence Dickinson at the University of Massachusetts before opening his own practice in 1952 in Amherst, Mass.
Cornish joined the American Society of Golf Course Architects in 1967. He served as ASGCA president in 1975-76 and co-chaired the ASGCA History Committee with Dr. Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA.
Cornish was a past recipient of the ASGCA Donald Ross Award and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Distinguished Service Award. He is a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.Cornish was predeceased by his wife Carol. No formal funeral services are planned.
Reactions
ASGCA President Rick Phelps: “Mr. Cornish was a true gentleman and exemplified the highest traditions of ASGCA and the game of golf. His exceptional work as a golf course architect, author and lecturer cannot be overstated. Mr. Cornish’s contributions to the profession of golf course architecture and the golf industry will live on for generations.”
Mark Mungeam, ASGCA (partner in the firm of Mungeam Cornish Golf Design): “I was honored to work with Mr. Cornish. He was a true gentleman and wealth of knowledge on golf design and golf in general. He brought so much to public golf as he wanted to create courses that people could really play. Golf, especially in New England, would not be the same without him. Everyone who ever worked with Mr. Cornish knew how he would walk and study a golf course. He would show up for an 8 a.m. meeting at 6 a.m. and walk the golf course, carefully assessing the layout before the meeting even began.”
Dr. Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA (co-chairman with Geoffrey Cornish of the ASGCA History Committee): “Geoffrey Cornish, Bob Graves and Jack Kidwell were as close to saintly men as possible, so for ASGCA to have them as members and past presidents was a blessing. They never spoke ill of anyone or anything, they were true friends to whomever they met, and they gave the game of golf and the profession of golf course design a refined dignity. Geoffrey Cornish was the “Dean” of that group, and he leaves behind a long legacy of great golf courses and golf course designers that he mentored. Geoff was a special man by every and any measure, and every day spent with him was a treasured memory. He will be missed.”
A highlight of my life was working with Geoff Cornish on the renovation and design of two holes at Wiltwyck Golf club in Kingston, NY. As trus a gentlemean as you will ever meet. I cherish my copy of “The Architects of Golf,” signed by him.
John Wadlin, green committee of Wiltwyck and MGA course rater
Posted by: John Wadlin | February 10, 2012 at 12:59 PM
As the architect of the Somers pointe golf club I would like to say thank you for all your hard work at changing and helping the game of golf.
Rest in peace for a job well done!
Posted by: Richard Doino PGA | February 12, 2012 at 01:47 PM
Mr Cornish's visit to our classroom at The Stockbridge School of Agriculture brought a face of pride and nobility to the young, aspiring greenskeepers there. I dare say not many forgot the impression. I know I haven't.
Thank you, Mr. Cornish, for your part in the games great legacy.
Posted by: Stephen L. MacLeod CPAg, CGCS | February 16, 2012 at 10:33 AM
A prince among men! Here's a piece I wrote about Geoffrey Cornish awhile back: bit.ly/yBFVfn
Posted by: Tom Bedell | February 16, 2012 at 08:57 PM