About
Despite losing his lower left leg in World War I, Macan competed in amateur golf events and continued designing courses for nearly 50 years, becoming the first Canadian member of the American Society of Golf Architects.
A.V. Macan, born in Dublin, Ireland in 1882, is widely regarded as one of the most influential golf course architects in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. Originally a lawyer and keen amateur golfer, Macan emigrated to Canada after excelling in major regional golf championships, including the British Columbia Men's Amateur and Pacific Northwest Amateur. His architectural career began with the Royal Colwood Golf Club in 1913, earning widespread acclaim and leading to commissions across British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. Despite losing part of his left leg at Vimy Ridge in WWI, Macan continued to play and design courses, becoming known for innovative designs that balanced challenge with playability for golfers of all abilities. Over his five-decade career, he designed or renovated more than forty courses, including prominent layouts like Shaughnessy and Marine Drive. Macan remained an active writer and designer until his death in 1964, cementing his legacy in North American golf architecture.
