Course Designer, Pete Dye

Birthdate: December 29, 1925
Birthplace: Urbana, Ohio
College: Rollins College, Stetson University, and Purdue University

Biography
Considered in many circles to be the most influential golf course architect of the last five decades, Pete is now in his 80's and still designing golf courses. Pete comes by his career naturally. His father designed and built a nine-hole golf course on his mother's farm in Urbana, Ohio, and Pete grew up playing and working on this course.

World War II interrupted his high school education and Pete served in the 82nd Airborne Infantry of the United States Army. Upon his discharge, he attended Rollins College where he met Alice O'Neal.

Alice and Pete were married in 1950 and Pete moved to Indianapolis where he became a star salesman for The Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company. During this time, he was also pursuing his golf career and won the 1958 Indiana State Amateur Championship. He also played in the 1957 United States Open where he finished ahead of both Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

Design Philosophy
His designs are known for distinctive features, including the use of railroad ties to hold bunkers and small greens. He is known for designing the "world's most terrifying tee shot". Known as the "Island Green", it is the 17th hole at TPC at Sawgrass. In 2005, Dye became the sixth recipient of the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award.

Hampton Golf Course

- Southern Hills Plantation Club