Golf course development, like other entertainment/development businesses, operates in cycles based on customer demand. Kevin Norby, Minnesota’s sole active member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), is excited about the future. He stands at the forefront of the next promising waves in golf course development, renovation of existing golf courses, new golf course development and the creation of new golf venues with non-traditional themes.

The current mini resurgence in golf course development activity, which many attribute to the COVID-19 pandemic, mirrors past growth spurts influenced by cultural icons and societal shifts. The first significant boom in golf, that began in the 1960s, was largely driven by Arnold Palmer, whose charisma not only drew countless new golfers to the sport but also spurred sales of color TVs, as fans wanted to watch Palmer’s exploits at the Masters. At the height of this boom, the National Golf Foundation remarked that new courses needed to be opened daily to keep pace with the overwhelming demand.

The second major surge in new golfers came with the rise of Tiger Woods who became the most popular sports figure in the world. His good looks, athletic swing and ability to hit dramatic shots when needed influenced a huge increase in golfers who helped fill the overbuilt supply of courses during late 1990s and early 2000s.

Following the enthusiastic expansion of the 1960’s thru the 1980s, the golf course development industry experienced a dramatic ice age, prolonged downturn. The number of golf courses in the U.S. actually shrank during this period. The pandemic, or “COVID” as it has been colloquially known, reignited interest in the sport, leading to a renewed up-cycle in golf course development.

Norby reflected on his experiences and accomplishments in a recent interview, noting how projects like Fox Hills in North Dakota, Coal Creek in Colorado, and The Preserve on Rathbun Lake in Iowa have been pivotal in shaping his career. The Preserve was named the runner-up for Best New Course by Links Magazine and Golf Inc. in 2009, and Coal Creek earned a similar distinction as a runner-up for Best New Golf Course Redevelopment in the World by Golf Inc. in 2016.

Norby’s journey in golf course design began in 1989 when he was asked to assist Don Herfort with the completion of Superior National Golf Club overlooking Lake Superior. At that time, Norby was engaged in land and resort planning at places like Lutsen Resort and Grand Superior Lodge. Herfort had suffered a heart attack and needed someone to oversee the project. This collaboration marked the beginning of a lasting professional relationship. Norby and Herfort eventually established Herfort Norby Golf Course Architects, with Norby continuing under the firm’s name after Herfort retired in 2003 and death in 2011. Norby kept the firm’s name until 2020 when it became Norby Golf Course Design. Herfort was the only ASGCA member in Minnesota until his passing, and Norby, inducted into the ASGCA in 2015, remains the sole member in the state today.

As the new era of golf course development unfolds across America, Norby is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this resurgence. Despite many of his projects being located in Minnesota, Norby has worked on over 200 projects across 15 states. Notable Minnesota projects include Greystone, The Refuge, The Mac Nine at Rush Creek, Braemar’s Par 3 Course and driving range, Inverwood, Stillwater Country Club, Little Crow Country Club, Bemidji Town and Country Club, Island View Country Club, and Owatonna Country Club.

His reputation has been built on a meticulous approach that respects the work of golf’s early masters while updating and enhancing their designs for contemporary play. Norby recently completed the renovation of Golden Valley Country Club, a 1924 A.W. Tillinghast design. The project has received national recognition from golf critics and historians. He used Brad Klein and Philip Young as consultants to reinforce the design philosophies of Tillinghast while modernizing the course. Norby is currently working on projects in Tuscon, Arizona and Sacramento, California.

Reflecting on his 35 years in the golf industry, Norby highlights the shift in focus from new course creation to long-range master planning and the renovation of existing courses. Recently, there’s been a growing trend toward developing new amenities such as short-game practice facilities, par-3 courses and driving ranges, which aim to attract new members and introduce the game to younger and non-golfer audiences.

Norby takes pride in his latest projects. Fox Hills Golf Course in Watford City, North Dakota, was named the runner-up for 2022 Best Golf Redevelopment in the World by Golf Inc. Magazine. This recognition came amidst competition from globally renowned courses, including Gil Hanse’s Les Bordes Golf Club in France and José María Olazábal’s International Olympic Course at Naravino Hills in Greece. The Fox Hills project was more than a mere renovation. Initially a 9-hole course, it was expanded to 18 holes in 2016 with the donation of additional land by local residents.

Norby embraces the unique challenges each project presents. For Fox Hills, the prevalent wind in Western North Dakota influenced the design. He used wood bulkhead bunkers to keep sand from blowing out while maintaining their visibility—a clever solution that demonstrates his artistry and imaginative approach to course design.

As Norby continues to mature professionally, his extensive experience and innovative mindset promise an exciting future. He is expected to play a significant role in the development of new golf courses in North America and perhaps around the world. His no-ego personality allows each ‘old masters’ work to remain obvious while the renovation adds a fresh look. As his reputation for high-quality and creative work grows into non-traditional options, Norby has found that he can be more selective in the projects he undertakes, ensuring that his contributions to the golf industry remain both impactful and meaningful.