Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design Honors its Past with Hurdzan/Fry Environmental Golf Course Design

(DUBLIN, Ohio) – 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.”

For more information, see www.frystraka.com.