Today in Wheeling History: September 11--Michael John Hurdzan, renowned golf course architect, was born in Wheeling (1943).
Michael John Hurdzan, born on September 11, 1943, in Wheeling, West Virginia, is a celebrated golf course architect and author. He is known for his innovative designs and contributions to golf course architecture. Hurdzan studied Turfgrass Management at Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in 1966. He furthered his education with a master’s degree in Plant and Soil Science in 1969 and a Ph.D. in Environmental Plant Physiology in 1974 from the University of Vermont. Hurdzan’s career in golf course design began under the mentorship of Jack Kidwell, a prominent golf course architect. Together, they designed over 200 golf courses in North America. Hurdzan’s notable works include Devil’s Pulpit and Devil’s Paintbrush in Ontario, Canada, both recognized as the Best New Course in Canada by Golf Digest in 1992 and 1993, respectively. His designs emphasize environmental sustainability and harmony with natural surroundings, making his courses both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically sound.
In addition to his architectural achievements, Hurdzan had a distinguished military career. While he was still an undergraduate at Ohio State University, Hurdzan was an Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) student. He later became a commander in the United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets), a unit that was part of the Army Reserve. His unit was prepared to fight in the Vietnam War, but had their orders canceled twice. He received his Certificate of Retirement from the United States Army in 1996, retiring with the rank of Colonel. His service included commanding various units and earning numerous awards, such as the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal.
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/mrrb87zc), Ohio Golf Association (https://tinyurl.com/3mzwdue6), Wikiwand (https://tinyurl.com/sp2kruzt), Military Wiki (https://tinyurl.com/fk9df69m)
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons
Michael John Hurdzan, born on September 11, 1943, in Wheeling, West Virginia, is a celebrated golf course architect and author. He is known for his innovative designs and contributions to golf course architecture. Hurdzan studied Turfgrass Management at Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in 1966. He furthered his education with a master’s degree in Plant and Soil Science in 1969 and a Ph.D. in Environmental Plant Physiology in 1974 from the University of Vermont. Hurdzan’s career in golf course design began under the mentorship of Jack Kidwell, a prominent golf course architect. Together, they designed over 200 golf courses in North America. Hurdzan’s notable works include Devil’s Pulpit and Devil’s Paintbrush in Ontario, Canada, both recognized as the Best New Course in Canada by Golf Digest in 1992 and 1993, respectively. His designs emphasize environmental sustainability and harmony with natural surroundings, making his courses both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically sound.
In addition to his architectural achievements, Hurdzan had a distinguished military career. While he was still an undergraduate at Ohio State University, Hurdzan was an Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) student. He later became a commander in the United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets), a unit that was part of the Army Reserve. His unit was prepared to fight in the Vietnam War, but had their orders canceled twice. He received his Certificate of Retirement from the United States Army in 1996, retiring with the rank of Colonel. His service included commanding various units and earning numerous awards, such as the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal.
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/mrrb87zc), Ohio Golf Association (https://tinyurl.com/3mzwdue6), Wikiwand (https://tinyurl.com/sp2kruzt), Military Wiki (https://tinyurl.com/fk9df69m)
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons
RSS Feed
