From Humble Beginnings to Virtual Greens: The Rise of a Golf Course Designer
Matthew Fehr’s journey into the world of golf course design began in Saskatchewan, Canada, where his family couldn’t afford expensive board games. Instead, they created their own, sparking a creativity that would shape his future. His father’s handmade golf board game, complete with bristle boards, dice, and obstacles, ignited a passion in Matthew. By age 7, he was drawing golf courses on paper, and in high school, he discovering the Golf Club Atlas website, which became his go-to resource for inspiration. However, the exclusivity and high costs of golf architecture forced him to shelve his dreams temporarily, turning instead to computer games like Sid Meier’s SimGolf as he pursued a career as a chef.
The turning point came when Fehr discovered “The Golf Club,” an independent game with a robust course designer tool. Despite not being a gamer or tech-savvy, he taught himself to use the tool, reigniting his childhood passion. This led him to become one of the most respected designers in the international community, known by his tag “MattyfromCanada.” His courses now sit alongside iconic ones like Pebble Beach and Oakmont in the game, a testament to his dedication and talent.
A Community Born from Obsession
Fehr is not alone in his passion. A vibrant community of creators has emerged around the game, ranging from teenagers to retirees. These designers, who connect through message boards, Discord chats, and YouTube streams, share a deep love for golf architecture and the freedom to create. Some craft courses in as little as 10-20 hours, while others spend over 200 hours perfecting their masterpieces. The designs range from hyper-realistic homages to classic architects to fantastical landscapes only possible in a virtual world. This community has become more than just a group of gamers; it’s a tight-knit family bound by their shared passion.
Annual meetups, such as a trip to Scotland to play St. Andrews, highlight the real-world connections forged through the game. Designers like Fehr, Ben Page (aka b101), and Andre Quenneville (aka CrazyCanuck) have turned their hobby into careers, with some landing jobs at golf architecture firms or gaming studios. Yet, for many, the joy lies not in professional opportunities but in the creative process itself.
The Godfather of the Community: Andre Quenneville
Andre Quenneville, or CrazyCanuck, is a pivotal figure in the community. A high school math and science teacher by trade, his early courses were far from polished, but his reviews of others’ designs on YouTube became a cornerstone of the community. He saw an opportunity to teach and improve, creating tutorials that helped others refine their skills. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, his videos gained newfound popularity as people sought hobbies. Quenneville’s influence grew, and he became a sought-after voice in the design world.
Despite his prominence, Quenneville stepped back from the community due to personal commitments and disillusionment with the game’s direction. However, the developers at HB Studios recognized his importance and brought him back to preview the new design tool for “PGA Tour 2K25.” His renewed enthusiasm has reignited excitement within the community, proving that even a niche interest can have a profound impact.
The Art of Course Design: Balancing Aesthetics and Gameplay
The heart of the community lies in the art of creating courses that are both visually stunning and strategically challenging. Designers like Ben Page (@b101), Adam Benjamin (@articfury1), and Christian Andrade (@SleepyPanda_7) exemplify this balance. Page, a high school French and German teacher, combines his knowledge of golf architecture with technical prowess to create courses that are both beautiful and playable. Benjamin, known for his elusive nature and jaw-dropping visuals, appears sporadically with courses that leave the community in awe. Andrade, a former golf pro turned senior level editor at HB Studios, has been instrumental in shaping the design tools for the latest game.
Each designer brings a unique perspective, from the hyper-realistic to the fantastical, but all share a commitment to excellence. Contests and challenges within the community, such as designing courses in the style of specific architects or regions, further fuel creativity and camaraderie.
The Evolution of a Virtual World
The game itself has undergone significant transformations since its inception. From the early days of “The Golf Club” to the acquisition by 2K and the release of “PGA Tour 2K25,” the design tools have become more sophisticated, offering creators unprecedented freedom. The introduction of “online societies” has allowed players to create and compete in their own tours, fostering a sense of belonging and competition. TGC Tours, a fan-created league, has become a cornerstone of the community, with thousands of members and dozens of tiers and competitions.
The annual World Cup of Design, streamed on platforms like Twitch, showcases the best of the best, with 40 designers competing in a knockout format. The event, hosted by Ben Page and Andre Quenneville, is a celebration of creativity and skill, highlighting the depth and richness of the community.
A Lasting Legacy Beyond the Virtual World
The impact of this community extends far beyond the virtual greens. For designers like Matthew Fehr, the game has been a platform to pursue a childhood dream. His courses, now featured alongside real-world icons, are a testament to the power of persistence and creativity. The community has also created real-world connections, with designers forming lasting friendships and meeting in person for golf trips and events.
While the designs themselves are virtual, the sense of accomplishment and camaraderie they foster is very real. As the game continues to evolve, the community remains a source of inspiration, proving that even in the most niche of interests, there is room for passion, growth, and connection. For these designers, the act of creation is not just a hobby—it’s a way of life.
