About
Harris estimated he participated in the design, remodeling, and construction of over 450 courses, making him more widely recognized internationally than in his native England.
John Dering Harris was a distinguished English golf course architect, widely recognized for his international influence on golf design. Born in Surrey in 1912, Harris was immersed in golf from a young age, joining his family's construction firm, Franks Harris Brothers, which built many renowned British courses. Educated in civil engineering, he brought technical precision and creativity to his work, collaborating with iconic architects like Harry Colt and Alister MacKenzie. After serving as a Royal Navy commander in WWII, Harris returned to golf design, first partnering with C.K. Cotton and later forming his own firm in 1960. He became known for working with leading figures such as Peter Thomson and Ronald Fream, and for creating courses on nearly every continent. Harris designed, remodeled, or supervised the construction of more than 450 courses worldwide. His legacy includes influential projects in the Caribbean and New Zealand, demonstrating his commitment to spreading the game globally, often being better known abroad than in his native England.
