About
Neil Haworth and his firm Nelson & Haworth were responsible for designing nearly 10% of all golf courses in China, significantly shaping the nation's golf landscape
Neil Haworth was a Canadian golf course architect renowned internationally for his innovative course designs, particularly across Asia. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, and holding a bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Guelph, Haworth began his professional journey with Graham Cooke and Associates in 1985. He later moved to Singapore in 1990 to establish the Asian office of Nelson & Wright, eventually heading the renamed Nelson & Haworth Golf Course Architects from 2000. Under his leadership, the firm became celebrated for designing award-winning courses in over a dozen countries, notably creating nearly 10% of all courses in China. Among his most prominent works are Shenzhen Golf Club in Guangzhou and Sheshan International Golf Club near Shanghai, host to the HSBC Champions tournament. Haworth became a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects in 1996 and was respected for integrating cultural elements into his challenging, enjoyable golf courses. He passed away in Ottawa, Ontario, in June 2024 at age 63.
