About
David Sampson’s career began unconventionally—he entered and won a hole design competition run by Golf World magazine and European Golf Design, with his design still in play at Linna Golf in Finland.
David Sampson is a distinguished golf course architect recognized for his prominent role in modern golf design, particularly as the lead architect of the 2023 Ryder Cup venue, Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome. Starting as a qualified landscape architect, Sampson's initial break in golf came after winning a competition to design a hole at Linna Golf in Finland, fueling his passion for the sport’s architecture. He joined European Golf Design (EGD), where his talent quickly saw him trusted with high-profile projects such as redesigning Marco Simone, transforming the original 1991 course into a dramatic stage for international competition. Known for maximizing natural landscapes and incorporating strategic risk-reward holes, Sampson’s work focuses on creating excitement for both players and spectators while maintaining accessibility for everyday golfers. His attention to environmental stewardship and course playability positions him at the forefront of sustainable golf course innovation.
