About
Gary Stephenson spent three years working in Scotland at St. Andrews, where the experience influenced his design philosophy to favor ground game strategies, similar to traditional Scottish golf.
Gary Stephenson is a highly regarded golf course architect whose career has centered on blending strategic design with the natural character of the landscape. After earning a degree in Landscape Architecture from Texas Tech University in 1990—where he received multiple national honors for design—Stephenson honed his craft at the notable firm Graham & Panks International, collaborating with icons like David Graham. He eventually established his own design company, THE LINKSMEN, where his philosophy emphasized working with the natural topography to create challenging yet accessible golf courses. Stephenson’s portfolio includes collaborations with golf greats such as Byron Nelson and Phil Mickelson, and he is known for courses that allow imaginative play, drawing inspiration from classic Scottish layouts. His acclaimed work at Kissing Tree Golf Club in Texas exemplifies his approach to using existing land forms and working with natural habitats. Previously a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, Stephenson’s influence continues in innovative, environmentally attuned designs.
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