Biography

BIRD GOLF DESIGN founder Brian Bird graduated from the California State University in Pomona with a Bachelor of Science Degree, in Landscape Architecture.  From there he has apprenticed with such renowned golf course architects as Golfplan – Ron Fream, Desmond Muirhead, Robert Muir Graves, and John Harbottle. During his studies and apprenticeships he has collected and studied timeless and contemporary golf course design and agronomy literary works from MacKenzie, Thomas, Hunter, Ross, Hunter, Beard, Cornish/Whitten, Muirhead, Hamilton, and Doak. Additional university studies include Turfgrass Science from the University of Georgia and Computer Aided Design from Santa Rosa Junior College. 

To augment technical skills acquired during employment with the aforementioned, Mr. Bird worked as an Assistant Construction Superintendent for Wadsworth Golf Construction.  The involvement with Wadsworth facilitated the learning of many physical components of golf course construction from a builder's perspective that provides him with greater insight and understanding of golf course form and function.

Mr. Bird has also worked as a greenkeeper maintaining a Golf Digest 4 Star course in Northern California that he assisted with its golf course architectural remodelling. Mr. Bird is a member of the Australian Golf Union and former member of the Australian and Northern California Golf Course Superintendents Associations and United States Golf Association, and is a Registered Landscape Architect with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.

Multiple sabbaticals to Scotland, Ireland, and Australia have given Mr. Bird the opportunity to study and play historic championship links from where the game has evolved and spread.  This has enabled him to gain further perceptions on golf course design and combine them with the other experiences that influence his designs. 

At "The Heritage of Golf Museum", Gullane, Scotland

Museum Curator and Golf Historian Archie Baird giving Phil Tesoro a lesson about gutta-percha golf balls

Craig Burnett, Brian Bird, Archie Baird, & Tate Altenstadter

Design Inspiration – The Old Course at St. Andrews

Brian Bird on sabbatical at The Old Course at St. Andrews with clients and friends Tate Altenstadter, Craig Burnett and Phil Tesoro

Design Inspiration – Striping a 1 Iron at Cypress Point Club

Respecting the history of the game

Design Inspiration – Cypress Point Club