Dana Fry

Dana Fry’s journey into golf course design began on the fairways as a competitive collegiate golfer at the University of Arizona, where he shocked the golf world by shooting course records while still a student. A meeting with Tom Fazio’s lead designer Andy Banfield drew him to the construction side of the game, where Fry quickly earned a reputation as an earthmoving prodigy. His early work sculpting courses helped lay the foundation for a career marked by a unique blend of artistry and technical mastery.

Fry’s five years under Tom Fazio segued into a fruitful partnership with environmental design pioneer Dr. Michael Hurdzan, with whom he crafted over a hundred courses, including Erin Hills, the site of the 2017 U.S. Open. Known for a hands-on, personalized approach, Fry emphasizes the player’s experience, combining strategic challenge with natural beauty. He co-founded Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design in 2012, pushing his creative vision worldwide and especially leading sustainable golf development in emerging markets.

A longtime ASGCA member praised by colleagues as deeply committed to every project, Fry continues to shape modern golf architecture with courses that marry bold design and playability, constantly raising the bar for what great golf environments should be. His story is one of passion turned mastery, with each new course a fresh masterpiece in the making.