Gil Hanse

Gil Hanse is a highly respected American golf course architect known for his minimalist yet sophisticated design philosophy that emphasizes natural beauty and strategic play. Born in 1963 in Panama City, Florida, Hanse earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Denver and a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from Cornell University, where he was awarded the prestigious William Frederick Dreer Award. This opportunity allowed him to study golf course architecture in Great Britain, deepening his appreciation for classic design principles.

Hanse founded Hanse Golf Course Design in 1993, quickly establishing himself as a top restoration expert with projects including the North Course at Los Angeles Country Club and Merion Golf Club. Internationally, he gained acclaim for designing the Olympic Golf Course for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, the first Olympic golf venue in over a century. His work blends tradition with innovation, creating courses that are both visually elegant and strategically challenging.

He has been praised for restoring legendary layouts and creating new classics like Streamsong Black in Florida and the upcoming project at Bandon Dunes Resort. Gil Hanse’s contributions to golf architecture reflect a deep respect for the game’s history combined with a forward-looking creativity that makes his designs a favorite among golfers and critics alike.