Tom Doak

Golf Course Architect

Biography

Tom Doak is one of the most critically acclaimed golf course architects of the modern era. A Cornell graduate who studied under Pete Dye and traveled the world documenting great courses, Doak established Renaissance Golf Design and has produced some of the highest-rated courses of the 21st century. His renovation of Memorial Park in Houston transformed a tired municipal course into a PGA Tour venue.

Design Philosophy

Doak practices minimalist architecture that moves as little earth as possible, letting the land dictate the routing. His courses feature firm, fast conditions, wide playing corridors, and green complexes with infinite pin positions. He famously rates courses on a 0-10 scale in his Confidential Guide.

Courses by Tom Doak in Our Directory (4)

Streamsong Resort - Blue

Bowling Green, Florida · resort · Est. 2012

4.7

$175–$325

CommonGround Golf Course

Denver, Colorado · public · Est. 2009

4.3

$40–$70

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort - Pacific Dunes

Portland, Oregon · resort · Est. 2001

5.0

$275–$395

Forest Dunes Golf Club - The Loop (Red)

Roscommon, Michigan · resort · Est. 2016

4.8

$100–$225

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tom Doak's design philosophy?

Doak practices minimalism — moving as little earth as possible and letting the natural land dictate the routing. His courses feature firm, fast conditions and wide playing corridors with multiple strategic options.

What are Tom Doak's best courses?

Pacific Dunes at Bandon, Streamsong Blue, Old Macdonald, Barnbougle Dunes in Australia, and the Memorial Park renovation in Houston are among his most celebrated works.

Tom Fazio Pete Dye Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw Donald Ross A.W. Tillinghast Tom Weiskopf Rees Jones Tiger Woods (TGR Design)

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