Robert F. "Red" Lawrence

[Brad Klein]

I'm looking seriously into Red Lawrence, designer of Desert Forest GC in Carefore, Ariz., and The University of New Mexico South Course in Albuquerque.

Lawrence, 1893-1976, was a founding member and two-time president of the ASGCA. From 1921 to 1932, he was on staff with William S. Flynn, golf course architect, and with Toomey & Flynn, contracting engineers. In that capacity (and perhaps other capacities) he worked on Philadelphia CC, The Country Club in Brookline, Mass, Kittansett, Manufacturers, Huntingdon Valley, Seaview, Atlantic City CC, and the Country Club in Pepper Pike, Ohio. He then spent years working throughout Florida designing and building before heading out West in 1958 to set up shop in Tucson, Ariz. There in the 1960s and 1970s, his associates were designers Jeff Hardin and Greg Nash.

Lawrence had a daughter, Norma Bachelor, but I don't know if she is still alive or whether there are any papers anywhere.

Would welcome suggestions or documentary evidence, esp. from those working on Flynn to see if Lawrence's name comes up in their records.

[Steve_L.]

I think Forrest might be able to chime in on the "Desert Fox"

[Steve_L.]

I understand he did the Red Course at the Wigwam Resort in Goodyear, AZ as well.

[Mark_Fine]

Flynn was protective of his turf and didn't seem to give much credit to others who he worked with.  Maybe Wayne will chime in, but I haven't come across Lawrence's name much in my study of Flynn.  I'd be curious to learn more as it often seems there is some genius besides the named "architect" who should get some credit for many of the great designs.  

[Forrest Richardson]

Brad, you know what I know. Jack Snyder knew him, but not well. I'd call Jeff Hardin and Greg Nash.

[TEPaul]

Brad;

We've seen very little mention of Red Lawrence in our Flynn research. Toomey & Flynn had some interesting people working on their crews early on such as Lawrence and Dick Wilson (and his brother). Wilson unfortunately created some problems now and again for the company by various accounts but not much mention of Lawrence. The primary foreman for most of Toomey & Flynn's projects however appears to have been William Gordon.