The BIRDIE Act expands copyright protection under federal law to include the design of golf courses, treating them similarly to other architectural works. Currently, copyright law protects architectural structures like buildings, but golf course designs—including their landscaping, irrigation systems, greens, tees, bunkers, and other features—are not explicitly covered. This bill adds golf courses to the definition of protectable architectural works, which would allow golf course designers and owners to have greater legal control over unauthorized reproductions or copying of their course designs. The legislation applies to golf courses designed on or after December 1, 1990, as well as those that existed as unpublished plans or drawings on that date. The bill does not specify any new funding requirements or implementation timeline beyond the December 1, 1990 effective date.
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