The Mount Rushmore Of Golf Architects

When it comes to design, no single architect has dominated the creation of golf courses. 

Golf architecture is an appreciated art form that brings together a common collective of individuals who seek to explore the game beyond just hitting a ball down a patch of grass.  

These nerds, enthusiasts or admirers (there are countless other adjectives to describe them), revel in the majesty of perfectly placed bunkers or flawless use of the natural landscape. 

So, as with all sports, let’s begin the debate: Who are the G.O.A.Ts that deserve their face on the Mount Rushmore of golf architecture?

Establishing the criteria

Let’s start with the requirements. I’ve made this list based on four distinct categories: signature works, influence, enduring legacy and innovation.

1. Signature works

This first piece is pretty self-explanatory.

This can span from top-100 rankings to prestigious events hosted. Good golf course design is showcased in some shape or form for the general public—how much do they appreciate it?

2. Influence

With all art, style transcends era. Influential architects have their styles incorporated into modern designs and span multiple decades. We’re looking for those who have timeless layouts that don’t lose relevancy over the years despite changes in technology.

3. Enduring legacy

When it comes to the art of golf course design, the general public asks, “Are their courses still used for major championships or iconic events? or “Is their design philosophy still taught, debated and celebrated today?”

These two questions pose interesting debates. An architect should span generations in their approach to design. Newer architects should look to them for inspiration and guidance in how to design their own courses. If not, what’s the point?

4. Innovation

A great architect pushes the boundaries of golf course design. Not only did they push design in terms of routing, design and/or incorporation of the natural environment but they advanced the idea of golf as an art form.

Golf course design is not simply just moving dirt, sand and grass to create 18 holes in a field somewhere. The great courses leave lasting memories and create an appreciation for the design and energy used to create them. 

With that in mind, let’s get into our Mount Rushmore of golf architects.

Mount Rushmore

Old Tom Morris

Golf course design might look very different without Old Tom Morris.

Regularly referred to as the “father of golf course design,” his portfolio speaks for itself. St Andrews stands in a class of its own but designs such as Muirfield and Prestwick also showcase his keen eye to shape the Scottish coast into timeless designs. His use of bunkering and creating multiple routes to a hole were groundbreaking during the 19th Century (and are commonplace in modern golf).

His work stands the test of time and he helped lay the foundation for golf architecture as a craft, making him the first true architect whose influence can still be seen more than a century later.

Alister MacKenzie

MacKenzie’s work was on full display in early September during the Walker Cup at Cypress Point—and it did not disappoint.

Simply put, he was an artist. MacKenzie stood firm on the belief that all courses should be natural, flow with the land and challenge the strategy of all golfers, regardless of skill level. His designs, such as Augusta National, Cypress Point and Royal Melbourne, are the gold standard for beauty and playability.

MacKenzie also wrote about his philosophy in books that remain essential reading for architects today. His ability to combine challenge, artistry and fun makes his legacy one of the most enduring in the game and earns him a spot on our list.

Donald Ross

If Alister MacKenzie was the artist, Donald Ross was the craftsman.

Ross is remembered for bringing golf architecture to America in a way no one else had. He is attributed to have designed more than 400 courses. His most famous work, Pinehurst No. 2, is known for his trademark turtleback greens and utilizing nature to build a challenging layout into the surroundings.

And while his courses are challenging, Ross proved that a difficult course did not need to be flashy or overly penalizing in terms of hazards. Some of his courses are regularly used to host major championships but they are far from the only influential courses in his extensive profile.

Pete Dye

Last, but certainly not least, is Pete Dye.

Dye, simply put, changed the way modern golf looks and feels. He was not afraid to take risks and intimidate those eager to play his designs. Using island greens, railroad ties and deep pot-bunkers, Dye did not hold back with providing a visually stunning course.

His courses were not his only contribution to the world of golf architecture as he also mentored the next generation of architects, including Tom Doak and Bill Coore.  Dye’s work bridged the gap between the Golden Age classics of Ross and MacKenzie to modern tournament golf, earning him the final spot and making him one of the most important figures of the last 50 years.

Honorable mentions

Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw

• Generating buzz with their continued partnership, you cannot name one without including the other. Courses such as Sand Hills, Friar’s Head and a duo at Bandon Dunes (Trails and Sheep Ranch) make a strong case to include them on the list.

Robert Trent Jones Sr.

• Another name that was hard to not include. Jones Sr.’s list of courses are also too beautiful to be ignored (Firestone, Hazeltine, RTJ and Spyglass Hill).

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with these picks? 

Let me know below in the comments.

Top Photo Caption: The 16th hole at Alister MacKenzie’s Cypress Point. (GETTY IMAGES/David Cannon)