About
David Gill overcame polio after opening his own firm, returning to work and mentoring a generation of golf course architects, including his own son and notable professionals.
David Gill was a distinguished American golf course architect known for his Midwest roots and his significant contributions to golf course design. He earned his degree in landscape architecture from the University of Illinois and worked as a civil engineer before serving in World War II. Gill began his professional career apprenticing with Robert Bruce Harris in Chicago, and in 1950 he founded his own architectural firm. Despite being stricken by polio early in his independent career, he made a full recovery and returned to golf course design, completing projects such as Cress Creek Country Club in Naperville, Arlington Lakes Golf Club in Arlington Heights, and Eagle Springs Golf Course in St. Louis. Gill was deeply knowledgeable about British design principles and mentored future architects, including his son Garrett Gill and Lindsay Ervin. Elected to the American Society of Golf Course Architects in 1972, he served as a member until his passing in 1991, leaving a lasting legacy in golf course architecture.
