From Hobby to Legacy: The Rise of Virtual Golf Architects | Image Source: www.pocketgamer.com
7 March 2025 – The golf course’s design has long been an exclusive domain, requiring deep pockets, extended connections and years of experience. However, thanks to the evolution of video game technology, a whole community of virtual architects appeared, redefining what it means to design a course. From casual hobbies to professionals hired by major game studies, these designers show that passion and creativity can overcome traditional barriers.
Origins: a childish passion becomes a digital reality
For Matthew Fehr, a respected name in the virtual golf design community, the journey started unconventional. Growing up in Saskatchewan, Canada, he and his family did not have the luxury of expensive games, so they created their own games. One of Fehr’s first memories involves a set of homemade golf boards made by his father, with dice rolls to determine the shooting positions. As a child, I designed golf courses on paper, captivated by the challenge of designing fairways and greens.
As Fehr grew, the dream of becoming an architect of the golf course seemed inaccessible. Industry was notoriously difficult to integrate, requiring a combination of education, financial investment and internal connections. Instead, he pursued a career as a chef, but the passion for course design never disappeared. Then, almost ten years ago, he discovered an independent golf game called the Golf Club. Although he did not have the power to license large franchises such as EA Sports, he had a comprehensive course design tool that would change everything.
The emergence of a digital golf design community
Fehr wasn’t alone. All over the world, other enthusiasts also found a way out of their creative ambitions through this digital platform. According to The Athletic reports, the game promoted a community of designers who shared their creations, gave an opinion and trained friends who transcend geographical boundaries. Some of these designers were experienced golfers, while others had no golf experience in the real world but were captivated by the art of design.
When the Golf Club was acquired by the game giant 2K and marked as PGA Tour 2K, the community saw an increase in activity. Fehr, under his user name “MattyfromCanada”, became one of the most respected designers, winning a contract with 2K to create official courses for franchise. His creations are now next to real world classics like Pebble Beach and Royal Portrush.
Art and science behind virtual course design
Designing a digital golf course is not a small feat. According to Gamerant, some designers can complete a course in just 20 hours, while others pay more than 200 hours to perfect each detail. The process involves more than putting bunkers and greens; It requires an understanding of golf strategy, ground handling and aesthetic presentation.
“Some designers focus on hyperrealistic courses, inspired by golden-age architects like Alister MacKenzie,” said veteran designer Ben Page, known as “b101” in the community. “Others embrace unlimited video game possibilities, creating fantastic designs with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and impossible dangers. “
Page itself was attracted to the community by YouTube tutorials, especially those created by Andre Quenneville, better known as “CrazyCanuck”. The Quenneville videos provide advice on how to refine designs, making complex tools accessible to newcomers. He quickly became a leading figure in the community, inspiring a lot, including Page, which was eventually hired by 2K as a course designer.
The competitive side: the World Design Cup
Beyond the occasional creation of the course, the community has developed its own competitive scene. As The Athletic reported, the World Design Cup is an annual tournament in which 40 of the best designers face a nocaut style competition. These events attract hundreds of spectators on Twitter, with designers showing their latest masterpieces.
“It’s like our Super Bowl,” explains Fehr. “It’s not just about making a nice field, it’s about designing a field that plays well, golfers challenge and tell a story. »
Judges consider everything from visual aesthetics to playability. Some competitions impose specific themes, such as the design of a Scottish style liaison course or a design with desert themes, putting designers to experience and perfecting their craft.
Beyond the screen: Friends and caregivers in the real world
What started as an online hobby has led to real friends and career opportunities. Many of these designers have formed close ties, meet for golf trips and collaborate on projects. According to Gonintendo, some have even become professional golf course design firms, taking advantage of their digital experience in real world architecture.
“It’s surreal,” admits Fehr. Ten years ago, he was just a guy playing with a course design tool. Now I’m creating classes for a great game franchise and meeting people from around the world. “
For Quenneville, the journey reached the full circle. Although it has withdrawn from competitive design, its contributions continue to shape the community. Their tutorials always serve as an entry point for aspiring designers, and their reviews help improve the quality of the courses produced.
The future: a new era with Under By Golf Architect ’
While PGA Tour 2K remains the dominant platform, a new competitor enters the market. Under By Golf Architect, developed by Broken Arms Games, aims to bring the golf design experience to the next level. According to Pocket Gamer, the game will have a robust terraforming system, allowing players to model landscapes with unprecedented details. It will also present spring management elements, requiring actors to balance aesthetics with business decisions.
“You’re not just designing fields, you’re building a whole golf empire,” said a spokesperson for the Broken Weapons Games. “We want players to feel like real golf architects, with the ability to create, manage and perfect their vision over time.”
Launching on several platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch, Under By Golf Architect, could offer new opportunities for designs seeking to develop their skills.
Whether by established franchises or by new competitors, one thing is clear: the design of the digital golf course is more than a hobby. It is an evolutionary art form, a passion driven by the community, and for some, a path to a dream race.
