Samuel Beckman ‘96 has combined a lifelong interest in golf and design into a career that spans both creative and practical disciplines. 

After studying landscape architecture at Ohio State with a focus on golf course design, he gained early experience working on course renovations and new builds. 

His path later included time in the corporate world before returning to golf design full-time with the launch of Emergency 9 Golf in 2018. 

In this Q&A, Samuel talks about his journey, current projects, and the lessons he’s carried with him from his time at Catholic Central.

Q: What inspired you to get into golf course design, and how did Emergency 9 Golf come to be?

Samuel: I started golfing when I was five, and I’ve always had a knack for drawing, so it felt natural to combine the two early on. I chose to attend Ohio State specifically to study landscape architecture with a focus on golf course design. Even before I graduated, I landed a job with Old Course Design. I worked on both new builds and renovation projects—including College Field Club in Okemos and a historic renovation at Port Huron Golf Club, among others in Ohio.

In the early 2000s, the economy took a downturn, and golf design work became scarce. I pivoted to a role with a national landscape company, working in design, project management, and sales. It was a solid career, but not my passion. I eventually went back to school, earned my MBA, and spent nine years climbing the corporate ladder at Nationwide Insurance. I enjoyed the work and the compensation, but my heart was still in golf.

When my wife received a job opportunity near London, we moved to Sunningdale, UK. Being immersed in that golf-rich environment reignited my passion. During that time, Andy Staples and Meadowbrook Country Club leadership visited me in London while researching their course renovation, and I contributed ideas that were ultimately incorporated into the project.

That experience led me to draft a business plan for re-entering golf design once we moved back to the U.S. I launched Emergency 9 Golf in 2018, and haven’t looked back since.

Q: Can you tell us more about the vision behind the South Bend Country Club renovation and what makes this project unique or historically significant?

Samuel: We’re still in the early stages with South Bend Country Club, but it’s an exciting project. The course dates back to 1916 and was originally designed by George O’Neil—a well-known figure in both the Chicago and Southern California golf scenes, as well as the designer of The Greenbrier in West Virginia.

We have access to historical aerials and photographs, which are key to a successful historical renovation. That said, we’re also modernizing elements of the course to match today’s equipment and play styles. The club hosts an Epson Tour event (the LPGA equivalent of the Korn Ferry Tour), and the LPGA has requested more pin placement options on some of the greens, as many have become too severe over time.

What makes this project particularly exciting is the sandy soil on the property—it’s perfect for golf and opens up opportunities for creative styling and strategic improvements.

Q: You’ve been working on Glen Flora Country Club since 2020—what has that renovation entailed, and what are you most proud of with that project?

Samuel: Glen Flora is special to me because it’s also my home club. We’re working on a tight construction budget, but thanks to our superintendent Ross Page—who started his career as a shaper—we’ve been able to accomplish a lot. Ross and I have a great working relationship, which has been crucial to our success.

As of this spring, we’ve completed all the greenside bunker renovations. This fall, we’ll wrap up the remaining fairway bunkers and then begin work on the tee boxes. It’s been a real passion project.

Q: North Hills Country Club is scheduled to begin construction in 2026. What can you share about your Master Plan for that course?

Samuel: North Hills is another historical renovation, and it’s following a more traditional design-bid-build model, with Leibold Golf slated for construction in 2026. We’re preparing the course for its 100th anniversary and to host the Wisconsin Amateur in 2029.

Over the years, the course lost some of its original character due to overgrowth and a renovation in the '90s that didn’t align with its historic roots. Our plan includes restoring those classic design elements and expanding the greens that have shrunk over time.

The club has brought in a new superintendent, Matt Shafer, and PGA pro Jake VanFleet—both of whom are as passionate about golf design as I am. They’ve been fantastic collaborators. You can actually see a 3D flythrough of the planned changes on my YouTube channel: Watch Here.

Q: How did your experience at Catholic Central help shape your path—either personally or professionally?

Samuel: One word: persistence. Catholic Central is full of talented students. I was a decent golfer but never made the school team—I just couldn’t score well enough when it counted. I did manage to make it through walk-on tryouts at Ohio State, but I chose to focus on my education instead.

That experience taught me that talent is important, but what really sets you apart is your willingness to persist and adapt. Life rarely goes exactly as planned—just like a round of golf. Catholic Central’s values—Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge—have stuck with me. They help guide you, even when the path ahead is unclear.

Q: What advice would you give to current CC students or young alumni pursuing their passions?

Samuel: Stay persistent. Work hard. Be flexible. You may not be the top student or the best athlete at school, but if you’re passionate, willing to learn, and put in the work, success will follow. The path might look different than you expect, but dedication and adaptability are key.

Q: Are there any other upcoming projects or milestones you’re particularly excited about?

Samuel: Yes! If you're interested in following along with our projects, I regularly post updates on Instagram at @emergency9golf and share milestones and insights on LinkedIn.

Q: In addition to your design work, you’re also coaching—can you tell us about that?

Samuel: I’m the Head Girls’ Varsity Golf Coach at Lake Forest High School (IL)—yes, the same LFHS that the CC boys’ lacrosse team beat recently! Congrats to them!

Coaching is incredibly rewarding. We have players who shoot even par and others who are just picking up the game, but they all work hard to compete at a high level. I’m proud of their growth and really looking forward to the 2025 season this fall.

Q: Finally, do you have a favorite memory from your time at Catholic Central?

Samuel: I’d say leading the Boys Bowl mural project was a highlight. That year, we had more constraints than usual on the mural’s theme. We didn’t understand it at the time, but we managed to create something really special thanks to the school’s amazing artistic talent.

Also… maybe getting in trouble with some friends for a “hat toss” incident—but that’s a story for another time, right Mr. Bedard? (I do take bribes for stories about former students who are now teachers, by the way!)