Lobb + Partners is expanding into Canada, with the news that former European Golf Design staffed Alex Hay has come onboard as a Canadian partner and design associate. Canada, where more than one in seven of the population plays golf, is one of the most dynamic golf markets in the world. Here’s a brief interview with Alex.
What’s your background in golf?
Though I was born in Surrey in the south of England, my father is from Fortrose in Scotland, and he introduced me to golf at an early age. On family trips back to Scotland, we played courses like Nairn and Fortrose & Rosemarkie. I was a member of Epsom Golf Club in Surrey for twenty years, and I play to a seven handicap.
How did you come to be in Canada?
My wife Alaina is Canadian. We met in London and lived there for ten years – we have two sons aged five and seven – and we decided to up sticks and move to Whistler in Canada. I worked for European Golf Design for ten years as well, so I was keen to stay in the design business after my move.
Why Lobb + Partners?
I have known Tim for many years through the EIGCA and admired his new build courses, but I was impressed by his growing list of historically significant projects in the Surrey area where I grew up playing. Canada has the oldest courses in North America and participation in golf is among the highest in the world. I hope to bring some of our experience to courses in British Columbia and beyond.