Belek, Turkey: The European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA) has announced the election of a new president and vice-president, as well as a new configuration of its council.

At the 2023 Annual General Meeting in Turkey, EIGCA Member Casper Grauballe, from Denmark, was elected President, while Gary Johnston, an architect with European Golf Design in England, has taken on the role of Vice President.

Grauballe has served on EIGCA’s Council since being first elected in 2015, and supported Tim Lobb’s Presidency for the last two years in the role of Vice President. Johnston first served on the EIGCA Council from 2011-2014 and was re-elected in 2017.

On being elected President, Grauballe said: “Tim moved the Institute a long way towards a more modern approach and helped form a strong connection to our sister organisations, the American Society of Golf Course Architects and Society of Australian Golf Course Architects. 

“During my Presidency I will focus on four key areas. Firstly, further increasing collaboration with other industry bodies and our sister organisations to have a broader voice in and outside the golfing world.

“Secondly, raising awareness of EIGCA with our Patrons to ensure that we are seen as a natural partner for them when it comes to questions on golf course architecture.

“Thirdly, delivering an education programme that is fit-for-the-future and bring in new and highly qualified architects to the Institute; and finally, continuing to modernise the Institute’s operations in close co-operation with the EIGCA Council and staff.”

He added: “I am delighted that Gary Johnston has been elected Vice President and I look forward to working with him to keep the momentum of the Institute moving forward and ensure EIGCA is a relevant part of the future of golf.”

As per the Institute’s Articles of Association, Paul Kimber resigned as the longest serving Council Member and stood for re-election, David Bily resigned as he had not previously stood for election having replaced Gareth Williams in June 2022 and stood for re-election.

Lobb resigned from his position on Council. An election at the annual general meeting saw Kimber and Bily elected, alongside Michiel van der Vaart, who was elected to Council for the first time.

EIGCA’s full complement of eight Council places are now filled by Grauballe (Denmark), Johnston (England), Bily (Switzerland), Niall Glen (Scotland), Kari Haug (USA), Kimber (Scotland), Christian Lundin (Sweden), and van der Vaart (The Netherlands).