Interview with Brian Yoder
How long have you been a golf course architect?
I started with Arthur Hills in 1990. Prior to that I worked in a traditional architectural
firm as a landscape designer. I am now a registered landscape architect in the state
of Ohio as well as a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects.
When did you realize this is what you wanted to do?
Around 1980 I decided to go back to school and earn my degree in landscape architecture
after talking with Tom Fazio and George Fazio. I was nearing graduation with a degree
in turfgrass management when I figured out there were just too many hurdles to overcome
as a golf course superintendent, such as members, committees and Mother Nature.
The rest is history.
Where did you go to school? What did you study to prepare you for this industry?
The Ohio State University where I studied agronomy, horticulture and landscape architecture.
What's your favorite golf course? Why?
I grew up playing Inverness Club in Toledo where my father has been a member since
1958. I was the Junior Club Champion in 1974 when I was 16, which was also about
the same time I began dating girls. My game has never been the same.
What's your handicap? Do you get to play much golf in this business?
I carry about an 11 handicap. Some people accuse me of being a bandit, but it is
what it is. As far as having time to play golf, there are few and far between opportunities
because of traveling all the time for business.
What was your most interesting experience playing golf?
Once I had the opportunity to play golf in a celebrity golf tournament with a famous
Chicago Bears QB. It was amazing! This guy drank at least 19 beers, played barefoot,
and shot even par after bogeying the last hole. To top it off, one of the other
members of our foursome, fired-up a motorized blender on the third tee and proceeded
to pour everyone a glass of frozen margaritas! Only in America!
How about during design?
I got on a plane after making a site visit to review centerlines on a hot and humid
day in Chaska, Minnesota all sweaty, smelly, stained, muddy and bloody to the dismay
of all the other passengers. The looks I received were priceless.
What other activities do you enjoy?
I love being with my wife and three children as often as possible. I like to play
in the dirt, plant "growies" and work with landscape projects.
In addition to the Arthur Hills design philosophy, who else has influenced your
creative style and why?
Donald Ross. I like Ross, because of my fortune to grow up playing Inverness every
day as a kid. His use of small greens and deceptive bunkering has always intrigued
me.
If you could design a course anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I think there will be a lot of opportunity in Cuba in the years to come. It is a
beautiful country with a dramatic coastline. My feeling is: Build world-class courses
and they (the tourists) will come.