20 Influential Golf Course Designers

Here’s a list of the top 20 golf course designers, known for their impact and influence on golf course architecture throughout history:

1. Alister MacKenzie– Known for his work on Augusta National and Cypress Point, MacKenzie was a pioneer in course design, emphasizing natural beauty and playability.

2. Donald Ross – The designer behind Pinehurst No. 2, Ross built over 400 courses, with a focus on strategic design and player enjoyment.

3. A.W. Tillinghast – Creator of some of America’s finest courses, including Winged Foot and Bethpage Black, Tillinghast’s designs are known for their difficulty and beauty.

4. Tom Fazio – A modern master, Fazio is known for his ability to create visually stunning, yet challenging, courses like Shadow Creek and Pinehurst No. 4.

5. Pete Dye – Dye’s innovations, like using railroad ties and dramatic visual deception, made courses like TPC Sawgrass iconic.

6. Robert Trent Jones Sr. – A prolific designer with over 500 courses to his name, Jones is known for making courses more challenging and modern, such as Spyglass Hill.

7. Harry Colt– A pioneer in British golf course design, Colt’s masterpieces include Sunningdale and Royal Portrush.

8. Stanley Thompson – Canada’s most famous designer, Thompson created courses that harmonize with the natural landscape, including Banff Springs and Jasper Park Lodge.

9. Charles Blair Macdonald – Often referred to as the father of American golf course architecture, Macdonald’s work includes the National Golf Links of America.

10. Seth Raynor - A disciple of Macdonald, Raynor designed iconic courses like Fishers Island and Shoreacres, known for geometric shapes and bold features.

11. Old Tom Morris – A pioneer of golf architecture, Morris was instrumental in creating St. Andrews and Royal Dornoch, shaping the early game.

12. Jack Nicklaus – As a legendary golfer, Nicklaus became a successful course designer, crafting courses like Muirfield Village and Harbour Town.

13. Bobby Jones & Alister MacKenzie (Collaboration) – The combination of Jones’ vision and MacKenzie’s design resulted in Augusta National, home of The Masters.

14. Gil Hanse – Known for minimalist and restoration work, Hanse is responsible for courses like Castle Stuart and the Rio Olympic Golf Course.

15. Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw – This design duo has crafted naturalistic courses such as Sand Hills and Cabot Cliffs, known for their simplicity and beauty.

16. Tom Doak – A proponent of minimalist design, Doak has created notable courses like Pacific Dunes and Ballyneal.

17. Mike Strantz – Known for his bold and artistic designs, Strantz designed courses like Tobacco Road and Caledonia Golf & Fish Club.

18. Robert Trent Jones Jr. – Son of Robert Trent Jones Sr., Jones Jr. has carried on the family tradition with courses like Chambers Bay and Spanish Bay.

19. Kyle Phillips – Known for creating classic, links-style courses, Phillips is behind projects like Kingsbarns and Yas Links.

20. David McLay Kidd – Kidd’s work includes Bandon Dunes and Mammoth Dunes, emphasizing playability and natural landscapes.

These designers have left a lasting legacy on the game of golf through their unique approaches to course architecture.