Paul Dye

Paul 'Pete' Dye was one of the most innovative and influential figures in modern golf course architecture. Born in Urbana, Ohio, in 1925, Dye was immersed in the game from a young age, learning course design from his father. After serving as a greenskeeper in the Army and graduating from Rollins College, Dye shifted from a successful insurance career to pursue golf architecture with the support and partnership of his wife, Alice. Beginning with the nine-hole El Dorado course (now Dye's Walk Country Club) and Maple Creek Country Club in Indianapolis, Dye brought distinctive design elements inspired by a formative trip to Scotland, including small greens, pot bunkers, and wooden bulkheads. His portfolio includes iconic courses such as TPC Sawgrass, and his use of railroad ties and island greens became signatures, influencing generations of architects. Dye’s designs returned strategic shot-making to golf, and he mentored many future leading designers, solidifying his legacy as a transformative force in the sport.