Golf course architects

Many of Victoria’s golf courses have been designed by the top names in golf architecture.

Peter Thomson
His design philosophy is firmly rooted in the traditional values of Scottish links golf. Tight lies, firm greens and pot bunkers are intrinsic to his courses. Likes to leave green fronts open so that running shots can find the target.

Greg Norman
Firmly believes in using a site’s natural features to dictate the routing of holes. Tries at every opportunity to incorporate streams, vegetation and contours into his creations. Usually guards one side of the green with hazards and builds run-offs into chipping areas on the other side.

Tom Doak
Noted for his minimalistic approach that champions moving as little dirt as possible. His design strategy is to imagine a golf hole is all fairway and add bunkers and rough to create more interest. Likes giving people room to play, no matter what their ability level.

Dr Alister Mackenzie
The best of the best. Firmly believed that hazards on the ground dictated strategy. Noted for his beautiful bunkering, alternative routes of play for the less gifted, little rough and beautiful green contours.

Jack Nicklaus
Considered to create ‘second shot’ golf courses with heavily fortified greens. This ‘hurdle style’ approach encourages high, soft approach shots. Usually leaves plenty of space in the landing area for the tee shot.

Robert Trent Jones Jr
Pioneered the integration of golf with coastal wetlands and other sensitive environments to create many memorable courses rich in strategic value. Goes out of his way to preserve the natural beauty of a site while still maintaining the game’s intrinsic values.

Graham Marsh
His globetrotting days on tour gave ‘Swampy’ an insight into design practices on every continent. He uses that information to build courses that fit the landscape. Comfortable in any kind of eco system, be it dunes, meadow or ocean front.