News:

Welcome to the Golf Club Atlas Discussion Group!

Each user is approved by the Golf Club Atlas editorial staff. For any new inquiries, please contact us.


Sean Remington (SBR)

  • Karma: +0/-0
Architects that owned a golf course?
« on: March 13, 2012, 07:40:40 AM »
   I am Superintendent at course that was constructed and owned by William Flynn from the middle 20's thru middle 40's.   What other architects have owned a golf course?

Mac Plumart

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2012, 08:27:37 AM »
Mike Young owns one now, I believe.

Sportsman/Adventure loving golfer.

Dónal Ó Ceallaigh

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #2 on: March 13, 2012, 08:29:59 AM »
The European - Pat Ruddy (still owns it)

David_Tepper

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2012, 08:37:37 AM »
Does Jack Nicklaus own Muirfield Village? Does Arnold Palmer own Bay Hill & Latrobe?
« Last Edit: March 13, 2012, 08:41:36 AM by David_Tepper »

Steve Salmen

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #4 on: March 13, 2012, 08:39:55 AM »
I believe the Jones family owns Coral Ridge.

Michael Ryan

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #5 on: March 13, 2012, 08:43:44 AM »
Arnold Palmer owns Bay Hill but is not the original architect, I believe he played the course in an exhibition in the mid to late 60's-which led to him purchasing the property.  He and his team are responsible for numerous renovations, but I believe the layout is generally the same as the one Dick Wilson designed in 1960.

Patrick_Mucci

Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #6 on: March 13, 2012, 08:53:50 AM »
Sean,

That's a fascinating question.

I wonder how much tinkering or fine tuning is done on an ongoing basis

James Boon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #7 on: March 13, 2012, 09:44:44 AM »
Didn't Willie Park Jnr. own Huntercombe?

Cheers,

James
2023 Highlights: Hollinwell, Brora, Parkstone, Cavendish, Hallamshire, Sandmoor, Moortown, Elie, Crail, St Andrews (Himalayas & Eden), Chantilly, M, Hardelot Les Pins, Alwoodley

Jeff_Brauer

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #8 on: March 13, 2012, 09:49:23 AM »
In Chicago during and after the depression until after WWII, Robert Bruce Harris owned several courses, which contributed to his design style of round bunkers placed exactly one gang mower away from the green, large greens to spread wear, etc.  Most gca's take a little different look at their designs if they are the ones paying for maintenance.

The Jones Family owned Coral Ridge.

The Matthews of Michigan owned a few.

In fact, I bet its not uncommon for gca's (and contractors) to at least be partners in at least one course they designed.  I know I was (at least for a while, but I got out)  It got pretty typical in the boom of the 90's.  In general, I felt better about diversifying out of the golf industry, figuring what happened would happen at some point......
Jeff Brauer, ASGCA Director of Outreach

Bob Harris

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #9 on: March 13, 2012, 09:55:16 AM »
   I am Superintendent at course that was constructed and owned by William Flynn from the middle 20's thru middle 40's.   What other architects have owned a golf course?

Sean,

How much of the McDonald's Design Group Master Plan for Green Valley has been completed?  I especially liked the idea of burying the creek on #3 and # 11.
GVCC is one of the most under appreciated courses in GAP.

Bob

Howard Riefs

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #10 on: March 13, 2012, 09:58:31 AM »
Arnold Palmer owns Bay Hill but is not the original architect, I believe he played the course in an exhibition in the mid to late 60's-which led to him purchasing the property.  He and his team are responsible for numerous renovations, but I believe the layout is generally the same as the one Dick Wilson designed in 1960.

Palmer is also a principal along with Clint Eastwood and Peter Ueberroth in the investor group that purchased Pebble Beach Company in 1999.  Hence the reason Palmer's design company now handles course renovations.
"Golf combines two favorite American pastimes: Taking long walks and hitting things with a stick."  ~P.J. O'Rourke

Bruce Katona

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #11 on: March 13, 2012, 11:03:10 AM »
I discussions I've had over the years with architects, more than a few have becoame principals in the entity that owned their work; whether they wanted to or not.....better an interest in the entity or holding a membership, than not getting paid at all.

Howard Riefs

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #12 on: March 13, 2012, 11:48:19 AM »
In the category of "owners that designed their own course"... 

Rich Harvest Farms outside Chicago.  Co-designed by owner Jerry Rich with architect Greg Martin.
"Golf combines two favorite American pastimes: Taking long walks and hitting things with a stick."  ~P.J. O'Rourke

David_Tepper

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #13 on: March 13, 2012, 11:52:24 AM »
Mark Parsinen had a significant role in the design & construction of Castle Stuart. My guess is he did the same at Kingsbarns. 

Sean Remington (SBR)

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #14 on: March 13, 2012, 12:19:54 PM »
   I am Superintendent at course that was constructed and owned by William Flynn from the middle 20's thru middle 40's.   What other architects have owned a golf course?

Sean,

How much of the McDonald's Design Group Master Plan for Green Valley has been completed?  I especially liked the idea of burying the creek on #3 and # 11.
GVCC is one of the most under appreciated courses in GAP.

Bob - In 2004 we added a putting green and short game area.  After that the dollars have been tight so the improvments have bee limited.  We have removed some trees, leveled a few tees and removed a pond from the front of #8.  The overall affect has been to show slow and steady improvment.   This is a really nice piece of ground with a sound routing.  The course is easily walkable and we have a good caddie program.  There is much I would like to see someday but that day hasn't gotten here yet.

Bob

Ronald Montesano

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #15 on: March 13, 2012, 12:27:32 PM »
I believe Elihu Smails owned Bushwood...wait, Sandy did.
Coming in 2025
~Robert Moses Pitch 'n Putt
~~Sag Harbor
~~~Chenango Valley
~~~~Sleepy Hollow
~~~~~Montauk Downs
~~~~~~Sunken Meadow
~~~~~~~Some other, posh joints ;)

Alex Lagowitz

Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #16 on: March 13, 2012, 02:37:31 PM »
Donald Trump:
the greatest architect in the world, who happens to be the greatest owner of the greatest courses

Mike Erdmann

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #17 on: March 13, 2012, 03:38:02 PM »
RTJ Jr. owned Eagle Point in Medford, OR, though I believe sold his ownership interest a few years back.

Tim_Cronin

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #18 on: March 13, 2012, 04:25:45 PM »
In Chicago during and after the depression until after WWII, Robert Bruce Harris owned several courses, which contributed to his design style of round bunkers placed exactly one gang mower away from the green, large greens to spread wear, etc.  Most gca's take a little different look at their designs if they are the ones paying for maintenance.

The Jones Family owned Coral Ridge.

The Matthews of Michigan owned a few.

In fact, I bet its not uncommon for gca's (and contractors) to at least be partners in at least one course they designed.  I know I was (at least for a while, but I got out)  It got pretty typical in the boom of the 90's.  In general, I felt better about diversifying out of the golf industry, figuring what happened would happen at some point......

Also in Chicago, Charles Maddox owned Old Wayne and Stonehenge. I believe his family still owns them.
The website: www.illinoisgolfer.net
On Twitter: @illinoisgolfer

Joey Chase

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #19 on: March 13, 2012, 05:05:32 PM »
The Jones family sold Coral Ridge.  RTJ Sr. had a major role, as well as, an ownership in the course now known as Prince de Provence in south France.  It seems to be a very interesting story, of which I haven't all the details.

Tim Leahy

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #20 on: March 13, 2012, 05:10:54 PM »
Does Pete Dye own Pete Dye Golf Club?
I love golf, the fightin irish, and beautiful women depending on the season and availability.

Benny Hillard

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #21 on: March 13, 2012, 05:16:36 PM »
Eric Bergstol owns and designed Bayonne.
I believe he has designed a number of courses (all in NY area) that he has owned, Including one that he sold to Trump.

Benny


Ross Harmon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #22 on: March 13, 2012, 05:48:35 PM »
Does Pete Dye own Pete Dye Golf Club?

No.

And P.B. Dye doesn't own P.B. Dye Golf Club.

Ross Harmon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #23 on: March 13, 2012, 05:49:24 PM »
Donald Trump:
the greatest architect in the world, who happens to be the greatest owner of the greatest courses

So very true! I'm amazed that Trump isn't a member of the ASGCA?!?

A.G._Crockett

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architects that owned a golf course?
« Reply #24 on: March 13, 2012, 06:20:07 PM »
Denis Griffiths owns Old Union in Blairsville, GA.  DJ DeVictor has an ownership interest in The Fairways of Canton, also in Georgia.
"Golf...is usually played with the outward appearance of great dignity.  It is, nevertheless, a game of considerable passion, either of the explosive type, or that which burns inwardly and sears the soul."      Bobby Jones