Jason Straka

Jason Straka stands at the forefront of environmental golf course design, combining a robust educational foundation with extensive professional training and hands-on experience. Through a refined approach to integrating golf courses into natural landscapes, he excels at creating functional and visually appealing spaces. His work reflects a deep understanding of golf course design principles, blending technical expertise with a keen eye for aesthetic harmony in every project.

Recognition

An influential figure in environmental golf course design, Jason Straka has made significant contributions through his extensive professional experience and active involvement with key industry organizations. As one of the youngest members ever elected to the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) Board of Governors, Straka played a pivotal role as the ASGCA Education Committee Chairperson from 2012 to 2018, where he was honored with a Presidential Citation in April 2016 for his dedication to developing impactful professional education programs.

Additionally, he served as the ASGCA Task Force Representative on an Expert Working Group focused on collaborating with the Golf Environment Organization (GEO). In 2018, Straka began a five-year term on the ASGCA Executive Committee, serving as president in 2021.

Straka's leadership extends beyond the ASGCA, including a decade-long tenure as a Board Member of the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation (OTF), where he was also President from 2017 to 2018, and he currently holds a position on the Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust (OTRT). His academic contributions include serving as an Adjunct Professor at Ohio State University, and he has also been a judge for the Golf Digest/GCSAA Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards.

Recognized for his influence, Straka was named one of the most influential people in golf under 40 by Golf Magazine in 2010. His design work has been acclaimed, with three awards in Golf Inc.'s Renovation of the Year Competition from 2014 to 2016. Fry/Straka, Global Golf Course Design, was honored as Golf Course Design Firm of the Year for 2013 by The BoardRoom Magazine and ranked among the Top 100 Golf Course Architects Worldwide by Golf Inc. in 2019.

Education

Straka, originally from northeastern Ohio, cultivated his passion for environmental design at Cornell University. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture in 1994, followed by a Master of Professional Studies in Agriculture focusing on Turfgrass Management and Environmental Golf Course Design Studies in 1995. His Master's thesis was centered on creating Widow's Walk Golf Course in Scituate, Massachusetts, which would become the first golf course in the U.S. dedicated to environmental demonstration and research.

Straka's academic foundation wasn't the only place his knowledge grew. He honed his skills through a hands-on approach, starting in 1996 with The Ohio State University's intensive Advanced Golf Course Design and Management Short Course. From 1999 to 2008, he continued his education through the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America's Continuing Education Program. Straka's well-rounded training wasn't limited to classrooms. He gained practical experience working alongside a certified golf course builder, meticulously tending to greens as a greenskeeper, and even delving into the science of green design and construction as a research technician.

The Environmental Approach Realized

Straka's environmental design philosophy isn't just theory; it translates into award-winning courses praised by players and environmental groups. His projects consistently garner accolades, from "Best New Courses" to "Design Excellence." Take Ambiente Course, a Certified Audubon Sanctuary that seamlessly blends golf with pollinator habitat restoration, earning recognition from Golf Digest and Golf Inc.

Straka's collaborative spirit shines through projects like Erin Hills, which hosted the U.S. Open while maintaining its natural beauty and ranking among America's top public courses. Similarly, Los Robles Greens exemplifies his commitment to environmental stewardship, featuring a massive restoration project alongside top-notch golf.

Straka's talent extends across landscapes. He's crafted award-winning original courses like Shelter Harbor, consistently ranked best-in-state, and Dundarave, a top Canadian golf resort. He's also breathed new life into existing courses, as seen with Acaya Golf Club, now a top Italian course and former European Challenge Tour host.

Straka's expertise extends beyond pristine new courses. He's revitalized established favorites like The Oaks Club's Heron Course and Hunt Valley Golf Club, both recognized for design excellence. Even En-Joie Golf Course, a PGA Champions Tour venue, benefitted from his touch.

Philanthropic Commitment

Straka isn't just a designer; he's an educator who shapes the future of golf course design. His global reach extends from instructing at prestigious institutions like Cornell and Purdue to leading seminars for the Brazilian Golf Confederation and the Polish Golf Properties Conference. Organizations across continents, from the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association to the Golf Course Owners Association of America, have sought his expertise.

Straka's commitment goes beyond professional development. He's nurtured future generations by leading courses at universities like Delhi State and The Ohio State University. His dedication extends further through his role as an advisor at universities like UMass Amherst and Lakehead, ensuring environmentally conscious design practices.

Straka's knowledge isn't confined to classrooms. He's a trusted advisor and an expert witness on environmental issues related to golf courses for the U.S. government. His voice carries weight, shaping policy and practices worldwide.

Source: frystraka.com