The Stanley Thompson Foundation
- Is an incorporated entity.
- Is a registered charity.
- Funds are raised through the foundation for approved programs.
- The focus is the Thompson Graduate Studies Program
Inspire the Next Generation of Canadian Golf Course Architects
Stanley Thompson Award Recipients:
2022
Jenny Andrews
Terrestrial Ecologist at Aboud & Associates

Jenny Andrews has achieved a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Minor in Biology from Carleton University, as well as a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Guelph. Jenny decided to enroll in the Master of Landscape Architecture program with the intention of combining wildlife conservation and ecology with design. Jenny believes golf courses have the potential to support significant biodiversity, especially in urban areas. Her master’s thesis focused on creating design recommendations for the optimization of biodiversity in southern Ontario golf courses. Jenny’s career intentions are to design landscapes with native flora to maximize native biodiversity and ecosystem services, to restore degraded ecosystems, to bring more green infrastructure to urban areas, and to use the most sustainable materials. Her extensive professional and volunteer experience with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Birds Canada, Sandbanks Provincial Park, and RARE Charitable Research Reserve have afforded the opportunity to inventory, interpret, and develop defensible reporting for wildlife studies and natural heritage features.
2019
James Hughes
Construction Contract Manager at STUDIO tla
James Hughes obtained his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Guelph. During both his Bachelor and Master’s degree James worked and played on several Stanley Thompson’s courses, most notably the 2022 Canadian Open Partner Course, Islington Golf Club in Toronto. It was this work that established James’ strong foundation and passion in Turf Science and Landscape Construction. While working on a Stanley Thompson designed golf course, James learned the art of balancing historically significant design features and modernizing them for current day demands. James uses the skills he developed working in the golf industry to further his growth as a Landscape designer and Landscape Architect.
2014
Keith Cutten
Golf Course Architect at Whitman, Axland & Cutten (WAC Golf)
www.WAC.golf
226-750-3855
Keith Cutten has worked to design and construct some of the top golf course in North America over the past 15 years, including Cabot Links, Cabot Cliffs and Sagebrush Golf Club. Keith has also restored several of Canada’s most historic courses, including The Algonquin, The Brantford Golf and Country Club and the Riverside Golf and Country Club. In addition to having achieved a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design, and his professional designation as a Registered Professional Planner, Keith has also attained a Master of Landscape Architecture degree. As a golf historian, Keith has published several articles in various media outlets. In November 2018, Keith released his first book, titled The Evolution of Golf Course Design. Based on research completed while writing his thesis at the University of Guelph, this book has been very well received. In 2020, Keith partnered his mentors Rod Whitman and Dave Axland to form the firm of Whitman, Axland & Cutten (WAC Golf). Keith has served on the Board of Directors for the Stanley Thompson Society since 2018.
2013
Christine Fraser
Golf Course Architect at Christine Fraser Design
christinefraserdesign.com
613-879-5210
Christine spent five years as an associate architect under Dr. Martin Hawtree working on courses throughout Europe such as Lahinch, Sunningdale, Royal Birkdale, and Royal Waterloo. This connection was made possible by the STS because Christine met Dr. Hawtree while collecting data for her master’s thesis during a trip to Scotland funded by the award money. Christine has since moved home to Canada and opened her own golf design business. She was recently awarded the lead architectural position at The Toronto Hunt, Canada’s #1 ranked 9-hole golf course. Christine has also had the privilege of working on a number of Stanley Thompson designed courses in Canada, most notably a restoration of Mr. Thompson's vision at Beaconsfield Golf Club in Pointe-Claire, Quebec. The STS continues to be a great source of community and resource for Christine, for which she is grateful.