Willard Byrd

[Forrest Richardson]

I received this today and figured it would be of interest to our GCA group.

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Long-time ASGCA member Willard C. Byrd has died at age 85. Willard passed away on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004 in Atlanta and is survived by his wife Eunice, two daughters, a son-in-law and two grandchildren.
 
Byrd founded Willard C. Byrd and Associates, Landscape Architects, Town Planners and Golf Course Architects in 1956. Byrd served as Chairman of the ASGCA Foundation Committee in the early 1990s and was formerly associated with those including ASGCA member Lee Chang and ASGCA Past President Clyde Johnston.
 
Funeral services are being held today, Dec. 20, at Wieuca Road Baptist Church in Atlanta where Byrd was honored as Deacon Emeritus.

http://www.ajc.com/obits
 
 

[Scott_Burroughs]

I'm guessing that Byrd's most notable designs are the former PGA Tour stop and Mr. Rood's home course, Atlanta CC, and co-designing CCNC (Dogwood) in Pinehurst w/Ellis Maples.

I've played 9 of his designs, 7 of which are in the Myrtle Beach area.

[BCrosby]

Willard Byrd did the best 18 at my club, Cherokee T&CC, in Atlanta. Fazio redid parts of the course about 8 years ago. A shame because, with a couple of exceptions, Byrid' original design was much more interesting. His holes tended to be a little more ornery and less postcard pretty than Fazio's redo. Better players still recall the old course fondly. Byrd's reverese Redan (no.2) on the North Course was my favorite hole at Cherokee. It is now NLE.  

I also always liked his work at Atlanta Country Club.

Byrd is under-appreciated. I hope people will take the time now to acknowedge his very solid body of work.

May he rest in peace.

Bob

[Forrest Richardson]

I regret not knowing Mr. Byrd. I do know Lee Chang and Bill Boswell, both of whom I believe worked with Mr. Byrd.

[Brian_Gracely]

I played Byrd's Dogwood Course at CCNC yesterday, which hosted the US Amateur in 1980 (or '81...Hal Sutton's year).

Great course which is laid out over quite varied land.  

[michael j fay]

I think that Ellis Maples took the lead at the Dogwood Course at CCNC.

[Bill_McBride]

Did Ellis Maples study under Willard Byrd?

What about the Devil's Knob course at Wintergreen in Virginia west of Charlottesville?  Was that a Byrd course?  Crazy holes and greens, but a great day of golf.

Hate to see the old guys go.

[hhuffines]

It is my understanding that Willard Byrd did the master plan
for the course and housing but that Ellis Maples designed
the holes for the Dogwood.

Willard Byrd does get credit for the original or inside nine on
the CCNC Cardinal course.  Used to be one of my favorite
nines, especially combined with the Dogwood for 27.

[Tom Davis]

Willard Byrd designed MacGregor Downs Country Club in Cary, NC -- old tour stop in early 70s.  A very solid second shot (approach) golf course.

[Greg Holland]

Mr. Byrd also designed Willow Creek (of High Point CC) in NC.  The course is highly regarded, particularly by better players.  

[Sam Sikes]

Willard Byrd, I think, did one of the courses at Seabrook Island, maybe ocean winds, but Im not sure.

[Carlyle Rood]

I wish I'd seen this on Monday.  Willard Byrd designed my home course, Atlanta Country Club, in 1964.  I never met him; but, I always intended to.  I would have liked to have attended the funeral.

Carlyle

[Rob Curtiss]

Later this summer I am playing the Oaks Club in Osprey Florida - Heron course- its a Wllard Byrd design.

Wondering if anyone has played it or if anyone has any information on his courses. I am not familiar with his work.

Does he have any specific design features .

I cant find too much information on this site or on the web