About
Marvin Ferguson is widely recognized as the 'father of the green construction method' for standardizing how golf putting greens are built worldwide.
Marvin Ferguson was a highly influential golf course architect and agronomist, best known as the 'father of the USGA putting green construction method.' Born in Texas and educated at Texas A&M and the University of Maryland, Ferguson began his career in turfgrass research, contributing early on to USGA-USDA projects and later serving as Professor of Agronomy at Texas A&M. In 1953, he joined the USGA Green Section, where he pioneered procedures for testing soil and sand mixtures, and in 1960, published the landmark USGA Method of Putting Green Construction, which remains foundational in the industry. He also famously demonstrated the damaging effects of spiked golf shoes on greens. In 1969, Ferguson transitioned full-time to golf course design and construction, founding Agri-Systems of Texas and building ten courses across Texas and neighboring states. Elected to the American Society of Golf Course Architects, his innovative work has left a lasting legacy on golf course architecture and turf management.
