24 Since its introduction in 2018, the ASGCA Foundation’s Wadsworth Scholar Program – which is funded by the Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation – has provided students with an interest in golf course development with the opportunity to learn from those in the industry, as well as giving them a kickstart into a career in golf. The ASGCAF spotlights candidates, with Joey Graziani selected for the first ever Wadsworth Scholar Program, at the 2018 ASGCA Annual Meeting in Houston. “The scholarship had a great impact on me,” says Graziani. “It taught me to avoid complacency, continue learning and take advantage of the opportunity in front of you. I also learned that it is important to be thorough in every detail of a project, from conceptual sketches through to implementation. The Wadsworth Scholar Program has opened the lens of opportunity to what existed in the golf course design industry, leading me to a mentorship by Bobby Weed, ASGCA.” Following the scholarship and his graduation from Louisiana State University, where he spent a semester as an intern for Weed working on the Grove XXIII project, Graziani now works as a design associate with Bobby Weed Golf Design. “I administer projects in an office and field-based role,” he says. “This includes managing all aspects of design, construction, shaping and finishing. From the first day that I met Bobby, he taught me the value of operating equipment and being on site… among many other things! I have fully embraced this philosophy, living on every job site at some point and personally assisting with the layout, shaping and finish.” Graziani has recently applied for the ASGCA Tartan Program, the route to membership of the ASGCA, with Greg Muirhead, ASGCA, and ASGCA Past President John Sanford as his sponsors. Eric Pfeifer was also selected as a Wadsworth Scholar at that 2018 meeting in Houston, which he credits to the support from his early mentor, ASGCA Past President Forrest Richardson. “The opportunity to join the 2018 ASGCA Annual Meeting as an inaugural Wadsworth The ASGCA Foundation’s Wadsworth Scholar Program provides students interested in golf course development with a chance to kickstart their career. By Design spoke with previous recipients about the program’s impact WADSWORTH SCHOLARS Carving out a career “ The scholarship and ASGCA Annual Meeting gave me hope that there’s a future for us young architects” Jacob Felkins
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