Robert McNeil, ASGCA, Bio
Robert McNeil has committed his life to the game of golf since swinging his mother's old wooden shafted 9-iron in Massachusetts at 8 years old. Since then, Robert has followed a path of achievement combining quality education and invaluable hands-on experience. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Bryant University and a Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture from Ohio State University. At Ohio State he created his own academic program specializing in golf course design working within the Agronomy, Engineering, Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture Departments. Both degree programs have proven essential in establishing the proper knowledge base for practicing effective business management and creative golf course design principles.
Realizing the importance of understanding successful construction and maintenance practices and techniques, Robert spent three years at New Albany Country Club, a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus signature course in New Albany, Ohio… in the dirt. During this time, Robert assisted in the execution of a number of construction and maintenance projects from the course's inception through grand opening. In order to further broaden his design range, Robert joined the firm of Bird/Houk Land Planners and Architects as a Land Planning Associate gaining invaluable experience related to the creative interfacing of commercial/residential development and golf.
Robert then joined Keith Foster Golf Course Design assisting in the development and preparation of design documentation, construction specifications and client communications on numerous projects throughout the United States, including the award-winning designs Haymaker, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and Texas Star in the Dallas-metro area.
Recognizing that it lies within the spirited history and traditions of design that new creations can be found, Robert has made a devoted commitment to returning to the revered layouts of the United States and British Isles to research and study the features and forms that define the classic style.
Since establishing The Northeast Golf Company in 1996, Robert has provided more than 150 public, private and municipal clients with a full scope of golf course design and development consultation services including award winning layouts at The Preserve in Richmond, RI (ASGCA Design Excellence Award) Skyview Golf Club in Sparta, NJ (Ranked in the Top 20 Public Courses in New Jersey by Jersey Golfer Magazine), the Club at River Oaks in Sherman, CT (Readers Choice, Best New Course, Northeast Golf Magazine), Mohegan Sun Golf Club (top 40 Resort Casino Courses in the Country), and Rockleigh Golf Course, Bergen County, NJ (voted runner-up Best Renovation in the Country by Golf Inc.)
With complete reverence for the history of the game and the wonderful architecture of 1919-1935, Robert has guided many clubs through historic restoration, renovation and master planning projects including Kernwood CC (1914 Donald Ross), Gardiner’s Bay CC (1926 Seth Raynor), Bass Rocks GC (1896 Herbert Leeds), Brookline Golf Club (1931 Stiles and Van Kleek)
Robert’s experience goes one step further as an owner and operator at Kings Crossing Golf Club and The Orchards Golf Course allowing for the most comprehensive approach to be applied to each project.
Robert and the collaborating team of golf course design and development consultation professionals bring this broad vision, built from a foundation of experience and an unparalleled passion for the game, to every project we pursue.
Robert is a Member of the prestigious American Society of Golf Course Architects.
Robert’s vision has always been to create golf holes that not only meet the goals and objectives of each client, but to design golfing memories that are woven from the historical fabric of the game.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Bryant College, Smithfield, RI-1988
- Master of Landscape Architecture - Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio- 1994
Speaker/Educator
- University of Connecticut
- International Golf Industry Conference
- ASGCA
- Golf Course Superintendents Associations of New England
- Slovenian Greenskeepers Association
Professional Associations
- American Society of Golf Course Architects
- National Golf Course Owner’s Association
- Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
- NJGCSA, RIGCSA
- United States Golf Association
- Rotary International
