🏗️ Golf Course Design & Architecture

Understanding course design principles, famous architects, and how course layout affects strategy

🎨 Legendary Golf Course Architects

Donald Ross

  • • Pinehurst No. 2
  • • Inverted bowl greens
  • • Strategic bunkering
  • • Over 400 courses designed

Pete Dye

  • • TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course
  • • Railroad ties and water hazards
  • • Penal design philosophy
  • • Strategic target golf

Alister MacKenzie

  • • Augusta National Golf Club
  • • Cypress Point Club
  • • Strategic design principles
  • • Natural terrain usage

📐 Course Design Philosophies

Strategic Design

  • • Multiple route options
  • • Risk/reward decision making
  • • Favors course management
  • • Example: St. Andrews Old Course

Penal Design

  • • Severe punishment for mistakes
  • • One optimal route
  • • Demands precision
  • • Example: Oakmont Country Club