BIRDIE Act

The BIRDIE Act (HR 7228) expands U.S. copyright law to protect the design of golf courses as "architectural works." It specifically adds landscaping, irrigation systems, paths, greens, tees, practice facilities, bunkers, lakes, and topographic features to the copyrightable elements of a golf course design. This applies to courses created after December 1, 1990, or unconstructed courses with unpublished plans existing as of that date, but explicitly excludes mini-golf courses. The bill directly affects owners and designers of golf course layouts by granting them copyright protection for these specific design elements.