Famous Golf Course Designers

Famous golf course architects

Do you love the way a Harry Colt Heathland course shapes up? Or maybe it is the way an Alister MacKenzie green undulates to create a unique approach shot? Whatever your golf-course-design-tipple, we've got some fantastic inspiration.

From Jack Nicklaus and his Championship layouts to Arnold Palmer's "risk or reward" courses, the footprint & heritage these designers have left is something for us all to enjoy.

Our Ambassador Nick Dougherty is a huge fan of Kyle Philips "He has created a load of great courses but Kingsbarns would be my favourite. I think that it's out of this world."

Golf Courses built by famous designers

Harry Colt

Courses

Harry Colt is considered to be one of golf's greatest golf course designers. His Championship courses have stood the test of time and his legacy is there for all to enjoy at the likes of Sunningdale, Royal Portrush and Ganton. Look internationally and you won't have to seek more than the design he bought to life at Pine Valley with George Crump as validation of Colt's enduring capstone in golf.

Hidden gems designed by Colt include the likes of County Sligo where his re-design saw the course become the top-rated layout we enjoy today, or Belgium's Royal Zoute which was a winning venue for the likes of Lee Westwood, Sir Nick Faldo and Darren Clarke on The European Tour.

Wherever you tread with a Harry Colt designed golf course, you'll be sure to see a fair and rewarding layout.

Alister MacKenzie

Courses

Very few golf course architects can boast the spread of golf courses that Dr Alister MacKenzie can. Whether it is Titirangi Golf Club in New Zealand, The Jockey Club in Argentina or Augusta National, home of The Masters, MacKenzie's mark on some of the world's most revered courses is one that golfers will forever be indebted to.

Thankfully, despite this global adventure, MacKenzie also gave us a wealth of courses to play in the UK and Ireland. With Leeds benefiting from Alwoodley, Moortown and Sand Moor and other UK layouts including Teignmouth, Stanley Park, Seaton Carew as well as Cork Golf Club, Lahinch and Douglas Golf Club in Ireland.

MacKenzie's most famous design feature was very much his greens, their undulations reward accuracy with grand elevations ready to sweep the ball away from the putting surface.

Nicklaus, Palmer & Player

Courses

Golf's greatest trio have left a mark on the game that extends to not only Major Championships.

Jack Nicklaus has an illustrious set of designs from Cornwall's St Mellion to The Algarve's Monte Rei plus a host of courses in Murcia.

Arnold Palmer, famed for his driving, provides us with an array of courses that'll be sure to reward the brave. All the way from La Manga's South Course to The Victoria in Vilamoura, Palmer has embraced water & placed a premium on great driving.

Gary Player, golf's most travelled golfer has seen his designs come to life across the globe. From Kiawah Island to Saadiyat Beach & of course Sun City, Player has created incredible memorable courses.