Gene Bates

Gene Bates is an accomplished golf course architect with over 40 years of experience, renowned for his hands-on approach, attention to detail, and commitment to design excellence. Bates began his career in the late 1970s, collaborating with industry legends like Ron Kirby, Gary Player, and later Jack Nicklaus, gaining invaluable experience in design coordination and construction management across four continents. In 1988, he founded Bates Golf Group, and since 1992 has led Couples|Bates Golf Design with PGA professional Fred Couples. Bates has worked on more than 150 golf course projects worldwide, including award-winning layouts such as Salish Cliffs and Circling Raven in the United States, and Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore. Known for his keen sense of routing and landscape integration, Bates is often credited for transforming diverse landscapes into tournament-quality, player-friendly courses. As a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, Bates continues to influence modern golf course design, focusing on playability, sustainability, and long-term course maintenance.