Tom Vardon.
He is probably the epitome of the regional architect, being based in Minnesota from 1916-1936, but he was both prolific -- more than 40 courses from Western Wisconsin to the Dakotas -- and skilled. Even in Minnesota his work has only recently come to be appreciated, but anyone who plays Hillcrest, the University of Minnesota, Southview, Stillwater CC (my home course), Eau Claire Country Club or Spooner, Wis., will quickly come to realize that Vardon shared the stylistic values and instincts of the best of the U.K. imports.