About
Kelly Blake Moran is so proud of his Texas heritage that he once attended dinner at Muirfield in Scotland wearing a jacket, tie, and cowboy boots, symbolizing his unique blend of Texan and Scottish golf influences.
Kelly Blake Moran is a distinguished American golf course architect recognized for his unique blend of influences from both Texas and classic Scottish design. Beginning as a competitive golfer at the University of Texas, Moran soon transferred to Texas A&M to pursue landscape architecture, driven by his passion for golf course design. His early career was shaped by collaboration with Robert von Hagge, where Moran advanced from draftsman to partner during an 11-year tenure, overseeing projects such as The Cliffs at Possum Kingdom Lake. Seeking greater creative freedom, Moran relocated to the Northeast, eventually earning acclaim for projects like Lederach Golf Club in Pennsylvania and Laurel Links Country Club in New York. Moran is deeply inspired by the great courses of the U.K., notably St. Andrews, and frequently incorporates their strategic design elements into his work. His thoughtful and hands-on approach distinguishes his courses, which are celebrated for their affordability, strategic variety, and integration with natural landscapes.
