About
Howard Toomey was instrumental in introducing advanced drainage systems to early American golf courses, helping set new industry standards for playability.
Howard Toomey was a prominent civil engineer who played a crucial role in American golf course construction during the early 20th century. Serving as the business partner of renowned architect William Flynn, Toomey’s expertise lay primarily in overseeing construction and engineering for numerous prestigious courses, notably within the Philadelphia area. Although commonly credited as a co-designer, Toomey’s main contributions were in implementing drainage plans and managing construction crews that executed Flynn's creative vision. Together, the firm of Toomey & Flynn became synonymous with high-quality course builds, handling construction for acclaimed courses such as Westchester Country Club and Burning Tree. Toomey's attention to operational detail ensured that Flynn’s designs were accurately translated onto the land, providing clients with a streamlined, one-stop solution for both design and build—a competitive advantage at the time. While he did not design courses himself, his collaboration helped mentor future construction foremen and contributed to the golden age of golf architecture.
