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Mike Asmundson

 

Hacienda de Chicureo Club de Golf

Mike Asmundson (1956–2011) was an American golf course architect whose work, though relatively low-profile, produced a couple of notable courses in the 2000s – especially in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Asmundson was a long-time associate of Golf Group Ltd. and later struck out on his own. His most prominent design is The Home Course in DuPont, Washington, which opened in 2007 . The Home Course was a collaborative effort with the regional golf associations and was built on a historic former dynamite plant site. Asmundson’s design there garnered attention for its straightforward, enjoyable layout and was chosen as the assisting venue for the 2010 U.S. Amateur Championship (alongside Chambers Bay) . It also hosted the 2014 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links, reflecting the USGA’s trust in Asmundson’s work to provide a championship test .

Asmundson’s design philosophy leaned towards player-friendly features while still providing interest for low-handicappers. At The Home Course, he incorporated five sets of tees (plus a beginners’ loop) to welcome all skill levels on a course that can stretch over 7,400 yards for elite play . He designed generous fairways and relatively flat bunkers, mindful of the windy, open nature of the site by Puget Sound. Another Asmundson project is The Links at Lang Farm in Vermont (opened 2002) – New England’s only 18-hole executive course, which showcases his knack for maximizing fun on a smaller property by using creative routings and multiple teeing areas . Asmundson was also involved in renovating and owning Discovery Bay GC (Washington), a historic course he updated to preserve its rustic charm .

Though he passed away relatively young, Mike Asmundson is remembered for his contributions to accessible, championship-capable public golf. He demonstrated that a well-designed course doesn’t need gimmicks to shine – The Home Course, for example, is straightforward yet strategic, taking advantage of distant mountain views and gentle elevation changes to create a pleasant walk. It’s often referred to as “The Home of Golf in the Northwest,” a tribute to Asmundson’s solid design and the role it plays in Pacific Northwest golf . Mike Asmundson may not have a large catalog of courses, but his impact is felt by the everyday golfers enjoying his layouts and by the tournament players who have competed on his well-conceived fairways and greens.