Joe Lee

Joe Lee was a prolific and highly respected golf course architect whose career spanned over five decades, during which he designed and renovated more than 200 courses worldwide. Born in Oviedo, Florida in 1921, Lee served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before earning a degree from the University of Miami. Starting as a teaching professional, he soon joined renowned architect Dick Wilson and played a pivotal role working alongside him on iconic PGA Tour venues such as Doral’s Blue Monster, Bay Hill, LaCosta, Cog Hill, and Warwick Hills. After Wilson’s death in 1965, Lee went on to create his own legacy, focusing primarily in the Southeast, especially Florida, where his designs remain numerous and widely played.

Lee’s hallmark was designing courses that provided a fair but genuine challenge, steering away from gimmicks and harsh penalties. His layouts typically featured large, well-contoured greens, strategic bunkering at varying elevations, and multiple shot options that accommodate players of all skill levels. Among his most notable contributions was designing the original three championship courses at Walt Disney World Resort—Lake Buena Vista, Magnolia, and Palm—helping establish Disney as a major golf destination and hosting PGA Tour events with Arnold Palmer's involvement.

Nicknamed “Gentleman Joe” for his courteous demeanor and commitment to quality, Lee was deeply involved in every project, ensuring that each course remained playable, beautiful, and enduring. He passed away in 2003, leaving behind a legacy celebrated by pros and amateurs alike. Jack Nicklaus famously said, “Joe Lee has never built a bad course.”