My 2 cents,
I don't think it's so crazy to name drop some architects in that ad. First, it's not just any household, it's targeted to Chicago sports nuts (more or less). And if golfers are at all familiar with rankings and architects they'll probably know Fazio and maybe Doak with as many top ranked courses as he now has. Finally, if the listener doesn't recognize the names, just the fact that individual names are given indicates that probably the courses are noteworthy.
For instance pininfarina is a design company that designs tons of things, including cars (Ferrari, Cadillac among others). Typically, the do the a design for another company and nobody really knows that they were involved, but sometimes the pinanfarina badge and name is right on the car. I don't think that's only because people might know pininfarina (which is not too many people). Rather, just the fact that the name is worthy of placement indicates that it must be good and also mean that the Ferrari is really good.