Designers of Rated Courses

Transcribed from the "Useful Information" section (pages 224–229) of the printed Pocket Guide to Golf Courses: Ireland (2006) — a short list of designers of the book's rated courses, followed by a fuller A–Z directory of golf course architects with Irish work. For the recommended-reading bibliography and the glossary of design terms from the same section, see Glossary & Bibliography on the main site.

Designers of Rated Courses

We list those involved in design of ★★★ and ★★ courses and a few other leading designers involved with Irish courses, especially in respect of dates of birth and death of some of the earlier designers, who have not been able to obtain all the information. We would be grateful for help from readers who could help us fill in the gaps for future editions.

Hugh Alison GB 1882–1952Designer

Oxford-educated journalist and talented cricketer/golfer. As secretary to Hugh Alison met H.S. Colt, who had newly formed Stoke Poges (England), and was clearly a character: once, formed by their invitation to Killarney and continued revising it. A friend of several other designers. Designed strategic courses in the 1920s with J.S.F. Morrison and A. Mackenzie also worked for North America and Far East.

George Baillie GB 1882–1922Designer

A Scot from Musselburgh, who learnt golf as a boy and played to scratch in 1885. Baillie moved to Belfast and was a schoolteacher by profession (taught English at Royal Belfast Academy), and clearly involved in Irish golf course design, he was also founder secretary of The Irish Golf Union. Founder of Royal Belfast’s original course promotion, notably Bundoran, Castlerock, Leapordstown, involved in courses now lost/superseded includes small elements of his work survive at Royal Belfast’s original course (now defunct).

Mr Bancroft IR 1822–19??Designer

Reputed (rightly, it would seem) to be the ‘expert of experts’, Bancroft designed the original 9 holes at Birr (1893). We know nothing further — unless ‘Mr Bancroft’ be confused an ‘n’ with an ‘r’ in which case might our source have extended it to a full 18 (1911).

Cecil Barcroft IR 1871–1924Designer

A barrister, member of Royal Portrush in 1892, captain of Dublin University and Dungannon golf clubs in 1897 and Secretary of The Royal Dublin (1905–1924), he was a pioneer of golf, designing several courses, including Carlow (Deerpark), Castle and input into County Louth. His obituary credits him with 20–30 other courses. Also a golf journalist (incl. for The Daily Express).

Cuthbert Butchart GB 1876–1955Player

A Scot from Carnoustie, who was appointed pro at The Royal County Down at the young age of 23, before leaving Ireland to America in 1904. Golf teacher to the German royal family while pro at the Westchester Biltmore, New York. In 1914 interned in Ireland, he won the 1913 German PCA championship, only to be marked out a few Irish courses (e.g. Bundoran and Annesley (Championship), before leaving Ireland to America in 1904.

James Braid GB 1870–1950Player

5 times Open Champion who dominated competitive golf along with H Vardon and JH Taylor (1900–1920). Pro at Walton Heath GC (England) from 1904, he was responsible for laying out many courses (mainly in GB as he feared the sea). Wrote knowledgeably re course design. Irish credits include Ballybunion (Old), Bangor, Howth, Kirkistown Castle, Mullingar and Tullamore.

Sir Guy Campbell GB 1885–1960Designer

Eton educated grandson of Robert Chambers (co-designer of original 9 holes at Hoylake, England). Sports editor of The Times under legendary Bernard Darwin, he wrote countless magazine articles and several books, notably “A History of Golf in Britain”. Began designing courses in late 1920s, continuing until his death. Courses include Killarney (Killeen & Mahony’s Point) and The Royal Dublin.

Valentine Browne, Lord Castlerosse 6th Earl of Kenmare, IR 1891–1943Designer

Landowner and press baron with a passion for golf (good enough to get through the 1st round of the 1913 French Amateur Championship). Employed Sir Guy Campbell to design the original course at Killarney and forever continued revising it. A friend of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, and clearly a character: once, at Baden-Baden, he visited a florist to buy orchids for his dinner date that evening; luxuries were scarce then, and the shop only had one spray — “Get me more,” he demanded, “more, more, more. Wire for them.” It was done!

Harry Colt GB 1869–1951Designer

Cambridge-educated solicitor and distinguished amateur golfer, first assisted Douglas Rolland in design of Rye Golf Club, 1894. Secretary at Sunningdale, 1901–1913. Soon abandoned law practice and became one of the world’s leading course designers before WW1. Colt brought on many first-rate golf architects, including C.H. Alison and A. Mackenzie. The first truly professional course architect — first to use a drawing board in preparing layout plans, and first to prepare tree planting plans. Many famous courses worldwide; in Ireland, most notably: Castle, County Sligo and both courses at Royal Portrush.

Tom Craddock IR 1932–1998Player

First rate Irish amateur golfer (Walker Cup 1967 & 1969) who began designing in 1982 when he joined Pat Ruddy. Many collaborations with Ruddy, e.g. Ballyliffin and Druids Glen, and some solo work (including the 3rd 9 at Connemara taken up after Hackett died; sadly, he also died before its completion).

Seymour Dunn GB 1882–1959Player

Best known for his teaching of (and writing about) the fundamentals of golf (pupils included Hagen and Sarazen) and a member of a famous golfing dynasty (father, Tom, was the most prolific designer of GB courses in the late Victorian era; grandfather laid out Wimbledon, England). With a transatlantic career, he was one of the early pro’s at The Royal County Down and had input into its design. Most of his courses were in the USA and on the Continent (notably Ugolino, near Florence, Italy).

Stan Eby US 1948–Designer

Qualified in Landscape Architecture, Project Management and Construction Administration from Wisconsin University, working under Dick Nugent. Joined European Golf Design (EGD), specialist in working with tour players on course design.

Full A–Z Directory

The book’s fuller "Designers" directory (pages 226–229) — golf course architects with Irish work, independent of the shorter list above.

Martin Ebert GB 1966–Designer

Cambridge University graduate, now based in Ireland extensively with firm until formation of Mackenzie & Ebert, who are now remodelling Milltown and Luttrellstown Castle. Worked with Steel on Enniscrone and The Royal County Down. ★ please check against the book

Charles Gibson GB 1864–1932Designer

Famous clubmaker/pro at Westward Ho!, England. From 1888 he trained J.H. Taylor (amongst others) and is also known to have designed several holes at Lahinch in 1904.

Mary ‘Molly’ Gourlay GB 1898–1990Player

Represented Great Britain in the 1932 and 1934 Curtis Cup, and won many major amateur tournaments. At the height of her playing career also assisted F.W. Hawtree in designing courses including Carlow, County Louth and Ballybunion. ★ please check against the book

Eddie Hackett IR 1910–1996Designer

Club pro at many Irish clubs, also worked in England and Belgium with Henry Cotton, before becoming one of Ireland’s most prolific course designers. Irish work includes Connemara, Donegal, Dooks and Waterville. ★ please check against the book

John Harris GB 1912–1977Designer

First began designing courses in 1912, and after service in WW1 remained alone until formed partnership with J.H. Taylor (1922). On father’s death became golf course construction firm (run by father and uncle). Irish work includes Lahinch (Castle), Shannon and minor work at Tramore. ★ please check against the book

Frederick George Hawtree GB 1883–1955Designer

First of the Hawtree design dynasty. Created courses in business until WW2, after which he practised alone until continued in business with F.W. Hawtree & Son. Irish work includes Arklow and Carlow. ★ please check against the book

Frederick William Hawtree GB 1916–2000Designer

Educated Liverpool University. Joined father’s firm as Hawtree & Taylor, 1938. Captured by Japanese, WW2. Upon release continued practice with father, and by 1950s his associates include Bryan Griffiths, Michael Wolveridge, Peter Thomson and Ronald Fream. Most of his some 450 courses are outside British Isles but include Lahinch (Castle), Shannon and minor work at Tramore. ★ please check against the book

Martin Hawtree GB 1947–Designer

Educated Liverpool University, third generation of the family firm, designing golf course design firm in 1973 becoming standing golf course design (effectively third in business since 1912). Became director on father’s death in 2000. Irish work has primarily been restoration/remodelling, notably at Dooks and Lahinch (Old).

Jeff Howes CAN 1945–Designer

Former scratch golfer from Calgary, with most artistic course designer of the 20th century. Arguably the greatest from Cambridge with degrees in Medicine, Natural Science, and Chemistry. Surgeon in Boer War, also studying Boer soldiers’ use of camouflage to avoid detection in treeless veldts. In Ireland, 400 courses in play worldwide. ★ please check against the book

Robert Trent Jones Snr US 1906–2000Designer

Undoubtedly twice Masters Champion and victorious Ryder Cup Captain in 2002. Responsible for the principle “hard par easy bogey.” By promoting strategic design, Jones & Co, a firm influential designer in history; by 1980 over 400 courses in play worldwide. Two sons, Robert Jnr. and Rees, are both successful designers. In Ireland: Adare and Ballybunion (Cashen). ★ please check against the book

Bernhard Langer GER 1957–Player

Germany’s greatest golfer, two times US Masters champion. In Ireland: Portmarnock Links (with Ebert), and Carton House – Montgomerie (with Montgomerie).

Alister Mackenzie GB 1870–1934Designer

Low handicap golfer at Dornoch who kindled interest in course design. After university golf and a spell as a Tour caddy, upon graduation (Landscape Architecture) joined firm with Harry Colt, who was so impressed with his models for greens and bunkers that he invited him to collaborate on its revision. Mackenzie gradually became full time designer. In 1914 earned worldwide publicity with the "Doctor" graduated famous camouflage technique for WW1. Further developed camouflage techniques in his design work, developed extensively in treeless veldts. Returned to medicine in 1907 at nearly Alwoodley with Harry Colt, who was so impressed with his models for greens and bunkers. See Design Principles (page 17). ★ please check against the book

Patrick Merrigan IR 1942–Designer

Graduating from University College, Dublin in Agricultural Science, worked in course design since 1971 when he joined Eddie Hackett at Waterville. Based in Dublin, portfolio includes Faithlegg and Milltown. ★ please check against the book

Harrison G Minchew US 1956–Designer

Began golf at Forest Hills, Augusta where student work on course maintenance crew curried his interest in design. Graduated in Landscape Architecture (University of Georgia, 1979), whose course included work for Kirby & Griffiths, joined Ron Fream and in 1982 became associate of Ed Seay in Palmer Course Design Company, where projects included remodelling Forest Hills. Irish courses include both at K Club and assisting Eddie Hackett at Slieve Russell and Tullamore. ★ please check against the book

Tom Mackenzie GB 1966–Designer

Partner in Mackenzie & Ebert (with Martin Ebert); see Martin Ebert, above. ★ please check against the book

Tom Morris (Old) GB 1821–1908Player

Assistant to Allan Robertson at St Andrews Old Course from 1839 to 1851, when moved to Prestwick as Pro/Greenkeeper after a dispute over use of “gutta percha ball” (Robertson).

William Pickeman CB 1862–19??Designer

Characterful golf writer since 1963, who first became involved in course design in 1972 (Castlecomer). He has since worked with his friend George Rosss famously rowed over from Sutton to the peninsula of Portmarnock to scout out land for golf links. The rest is history… Became Honorary Treasurer of the club, and a few Honorary Secretary and golf club. His input is left) including Castle and Rosslare (Old). ★ please check against the book

Pat Ruddy IR 1945–Designer

On Christmas Eve 1893 first became involved in course design in 1972 (Castlecomer). He has since worked with his friend George Rossily rowed over from Sutton to the peninsula of Portmarnock to scout out land for golf links. The rest is history… completed 36 others since then in collaborations with Tom Craddock. They include Ballyliffin and Rosapenna (Sandy Hills) in his own right. His “piece de résistance” is undoubtedly The European, which he runs with his family. ★ please check against the book

Edwin Seay US 1938–Designer

Graduated in Landscape Architecture and entered US Marine Corps. In 1964 joined Ellis Maples designing and constructing 27 courses. Began private practice in 1972, later forming design company with Arnold Palmer, where, as principal designer, work has included Druids Heath and Druids Glen (both courses) and Tralee.

Tom Simpson GB 1877–1964Designer

Woking, England, lawyer and scratch golfer. Became interested in design when home club of Woking closed legal practice and joined by Abercromby & Herbert Fowler. After WW1 joined by Herbert Fowler. Irish work included The K Club (both courses) and practice and joined Herbert Fowler. Remodelled by its members. By 1910 closed legal practice and joined Herbert Fowler.

Greg Norman AUS 1955–Player

Starting golf at 16, turned pro in 1976, successful career through the 1980s and 1990s — the only player ever to win order of merit either side of the Atlantic. >80 wins worldwide, including Doonbeg, his only Irish course to date (finished off by Christy O’Connor Jnr).

Jack Nicklaus US 1940–Player

The golfer of the 20th century. Formed design company in 1974, the principle golfer to date though he routed his own courses worldwide, including Mount Juliet (Old), Rosapenna and Royal County Down.

Christy O’Connor Jnr IR 1948–Player

Nephew of famous namesake, capped in 1989 with famous 2 iron shot to beat Fred Couples in Ryder Cup. Prolific Irish course design career, resulting in over 30 courses including Headfort (New) and Palmerstown.

Arnold Palmer Jnr US 1929–Player

Charismatic attitude made him the people’s champion in the late 1960s, 1969–74; then worked as design consultant with Francis Duane, 1969–74, forming Palmer Course Design, with many courses in the US and in Communist China and in Ireland.

Donald Steel GB 1937–Designer

Scratch amateur golfer. Educated Cambridge, became golf writer in 1965. Full time from 1971, responsible for in UK and Europe (notably Iberia). Subsequently founded own firm, in that having played over WW1 and in 1924 formed Hawtree over every course on which it has been to Ireland include: Carlow, Enniscrone, The Royal County Down.

John (J.H.) Taylor GB 1871–1963Player

Six times Open champion playing career: 5 Open wins and served as greenkeeper at Westward Ho!, then pro/greenkeeper at Burnham, Winchester, and Royal Mid Surrey, England. Designed several courses before WW2. Irish work included Bundoran and The Royal County Down.

Harry Vardon GB 1870–1937Player

Six times Open champion, won The Open a record 6 times. Irish work included Carlow, Enniscrone and both courses at Royal County Down.

Tom Watson US 1949–Player

Player with links courses affinity. Formed design company 1990. A long time fan of Ballybunion (Old), it was natural he was asked to assist with its remodelling.