Interview: Designing Beyond the Fairway with Jason Straka
In a recent interview on What Do You Do?, Fry/Straka co-owner Jason Straka shared how our firm blends art, engineering, and environmental stewardship to shape world-class golf courses.
Multidisciplinary Expertise: Every project brings together a diverse team of civil engineers, hydrogeologists, botanists, and other disciplines to tackle complex site dynamics.
Environmental Sustainability: We prioritize eco-friendly design by utilizing drought-tolerant grasses, conserving water, and restoring degraded sites—like turning former landfills into green sanctuaries.
Global Problem-Solving: Our international portfolio spans challenging landscapes worldwide, including engineering Hong Kong’s first course in nearly 40 years with 100% water-harvesting systems.
Community Impact: Beyond technical design, our courses serve as vital social spaces that foster human connection and support local communities.
Ultimately, our work is about building sustainable landscapes that benefit both the planet and the people who play them.
Fry/Straka Featured on The Greenprint Podcast: Transforming Plover Cove
Jason Straka recently joined host Leighton Walker and Golf Course Architecture editor Toby Ingleton on The Greenprint podcast (Episode 33) for an exclusive update on Plover Cove Golf Club in Hong Kong—one of the world's most ambitious golf development projects.
Built on reclaimed land and a former landfill overlooking Tolo Harbour, Plover Cove represents Hong Kong’s first new golf course in nearly 50 years. Jason shared insights into navigating complex engineering, relocating landfill infrastructure, restoring native woodland habitats, and engineering advanced stormwater recycling systems to deliver a world-class course grounded in environmental stewardship.
Crafting the Fairway at Plover Cove
Every world-class course starts with the rare ability to see the strategy, emotion, and natural beauty hidden within the reclaimed land. In April, our designers were on the ground in Tai Po doing exactly that bringing the master plan for Plover Cove Golf Club to life.
Backed by a 30-year partnership and over 80 global projects across significant championship golf courses such as Erin Hills Golf Course in Wisconsin, the venue of the 2025 U.S. Women's Open, Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design is crafting a landmark truly special in Hong Kong. Through their signature approach of Creative Distinction, the duo is maximising the natural character of our stunning Tai Po site to deliver a brilliant, memorable layout.
The Process Episode 4: From the Dunes of Ireland to the Earth-Moving Marvel of Miakka
In an interview published in a recent podcast episode of The Process, Dana Fry details his journey from playing collegiate golf to becoming a leading architect. He credits mentors Andy Banfield and Mike Stranz for teaching him the art of large-scale earth-moving and meticulous shaping.
The conversation dives deep into the engineering marvel of Miakka Golf Club in Florida. To transform flat terrain into a dramatic landscape, the team moved millions of cubic yards of dirt and implemented innovative features like a 500-foot cart tunnel and Zoysia tees, fairways, and greens. Fry also highlights Curracloe Links in Ireland, emphasizing a naturalistic approach that routes through coastal dunes.
Whether discussing sand-capping for firm-and-fast play or the necessity of sustainable design, the episode explores Fry’s obsession with creating world-class courses that balance bold aesthetics with environmental stewardship.