Featured architects

Arnold Palmer

The King's design company, from Latrobe outward

Born
1929, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Years active
1972–2016
Works
300+ courses in 37 countries
Era
Modern Era

Why the name endures

Palmer's interest in design began in the late 1960s and became the Arnold Palmer Design Company in 1972, working first with Frank Duane and then for decades with Ed Seay. The courses reflect the man: generous off the tee, honest about what they ask, and built for the player who wants to have a go.

Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated.

Arnold Palmer

Design principles

  • Give the player a visible route to the aggressive line
  • Fairness before difficulty
  • Finishing holes built for a charge

Surviving work

Courses to see

Tralee

County Kerry, Ireland

A cliff-and-dune back nine on the Atlantic.

Bay Hill Club

Florida, USA

His home and the site of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Kapalua (Plantation)

Hawaii, USA

With Ed Seay: enormous scale and downhill running ground.