Growing up in Marion, IA, Michael Benkusky began his study of golf course architecture early and first hand by working on the grounds crew and playing the Donald Ross designed Cedar Rapids Country Club. In 1983 he entered Iowa State University to study Landscape Architecture with an emphasis in golf design. Benkusky played on the varsity golf team where he was introduced to another of the game’s giants, architect Perry Maxwell, who designed Iowa State’s home course, Veenker Memorial Golf Course.
In January 2005, Benkusky started his own design firm, Michael J. Benkusky, Inc. The mission of MJB, Inc. is to combine quality designs with a hands on approach and a close working relationship to enhance his client’s golf courses. With over 20 years of golf course design experience he has worked on hundreds of projects including courses originally laid out by Donald Ross, Perry Maxwell, Seth Raynor, and Tom Bendelow.
Michael Benkusky has been a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects since 1997.
“Thank you for taking the time to review my work. I hope you find my projects interesting, beautiful, and creative. I look forward to bringing this same creativeness and commitment to your project.”
Design Philosophy
My philosophy is to work hand in hand with the client and listen to the clients needs, wishes and wants to create a finished product that will be the center piece of your club or development. I have the capabilities to work as the project leader and bring the team together or work as part of the team with your consultants. No matter how big or small the project I will always work closely with the team to eliminate any miscommunication and make sure your project is a success. I am
always budget conscience and will provide unlimited design alternatives to assure that youreceive the best final design that maximizes your budget.
Golf courses should be aesthetically pleasing, strategically challenging, and fun to play. My courses are visually stimulating punctuated by attractive bunkers, contoured fairways, subtle mounding, and seductive putting greens. Selective placement of natural grasses and artful mowing patterns frame fairway landing areas and provide a visual backdrop to strategically challenging and often guarded putting greens.