About
Leo Johnson designed golf courses in at least seven different U.S. states, primarily in the Midwest, and is especially noted for bringing quality public golf facilities to rural and smaller communities.
Leo Johnson was an influential American golf course architect who left a lasting mark on the Midwest’s golfing landscape throughout the mid- to late-20th century. Born in Homer, Nebraska in 1918, Johnson’s design philosophy blended playability with a respect for natural terrain, earning him recognition across several states. Notable projects include the design of the Hidden Valley Golf Course (Iowa), Cottonwood Country Club (Utah), and numerous public and semi-private courses in the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Arizona. Johnson's layouts are praised for their strategic challenge and accessibility to players of all skill levels. His career spanned several decades, culminating in a portfolio that reveals a commitment to expanding public access to quality golf. Johnson passed away in 2005, but the breadth and diversity of his work—especially in smaller communities—continue to introduce new generations to the joys of golf.
