Growing up in the Chicagoland area of the USA, Ryan entered the world of golf course design and construction at the early age of 15. While obtaining a Bachelor Degree of Land Surveying Engineering with Purdue University, Ryan’s career was launched under the legendary Pete Dye. His first assignment was shaping at Whistling Straits GC (Three-time host of the PGA Championship and host of the 2021 Ryder Cup). The following years with Dye in the USA laid the foundation for a unique hands-on, design and build approach that has remained with him throughout his career.

Ryan later joined the Greg Norman Company, where he spent 19 years refining his skills in construction, project management, planning, and design across five continents of the globe.  His international experience included the links land of Ireland, deserts of Dubai, sand dunes in Vietnam, islands in the Caribbean, and pine forests of Spain. Eventually, his journey led him to Australia, where he led the design of popular projects like The Grange – East Course, and Cathedral Golf Club for Norman. More recently Ryan has collaborated on the redesign
of Glenelg Golf Club with long time SAGCA member, Neil Crafter.

In 2019, Ryan started Van Der Veen Designs in Australia, where he is now based with his wife and son. Van Der Veen Designs provides golf course assessments, master planning, architecture, and construction services. Through years of high-profile new builds around the globe to more recent relationships with existing clubs, Ryan is excited to help provide creative, enjoyable, economic, and sustainable solutions for clubs looking to improve their
facilities.

Ryan brings a calm, thoughtful, and fun perspective to the craft – shaped by decades of experience and a unique blend of tradition and innovation. He continues to handcraft the course of golf by personally shaping his designs. This unique approach enhances and allows for a more cohesive and interactive design result. Van Der Veen Designs enjoy teaming up with new owners, committees, members, and staff to unlock the full potential of their golf course properties.