Women and Golf Course Development

[John_Lovito]

Thanks to the Naffer, I am finally getting around to reading Geoff Shackelford’s book on the Cypress Point Club.  As has been mentioned many times on GCA, it is a wonderful read and very informative.  

What has been most enlightening to me is the significant role that Marion Hollins played in the development of both Cypress Point and Pasatiempo.  My question is, during the so-called golden era of golf architecture, what other examples are there of women at the forefront of  course/club development in the U.S.

[Steve O.]

You could start with Alice Dye, who I hear keeps busy. Has anyone here seen her work? I haven't.

Tom Fazio has a senior designer named Jan Beljak (not sure of the last name). She has been with him for years and has a solid reputation.

I think that golf course design is a men's club not because of any chauvinistic attitude but just because for whatever reason women are not interested in it. It's like chess in that way.

I haven't seen any women post on this site in at least a year.
 How many women even visit?

[David Wigler]

Dye writes in his book that Alice is integral in almost all of his designs and is constantly checking his work to make sure it is strategic, fun and challenging for Women.  If you have played a Dye course, you have almost certainly seen some of Alice's influence.

[A Clay Man]

Nothing but my speculation; but. I'd bet the womens green on the original 18th on the River course at Blackwolf Run was constructed with her approval. It is now the 18th on the meadow-valley course. The mens green, across the river, has the angle of the river moving away to the left. An incredibly difficult shot to a double green which it shares with the 18th on the River course. Obviously the alternate (womens) green's justification was that a small percentage of women could would or should be able to carry the wide (Sheboygan?) River. Definitly one of the sadder parts of the day is when one finnishes their round(s) at the wolf.