About
Press Maxwell was selected by Marshal Tito to serve as a pilot in the Yugoslavian Air Force during WWII, flying rescue missions and earning multiple service decorations.
Press Maxwell was one of the leading American golf course architects of the 20th century. Born in Ardmore, Oklahoma in 1916, he learned the craft from his father, the celebrated architect Perry Maxwell, and initially collaborated with him on several projects after World War II. During the war, he flew 81 combat missions and served in special operations in Yugoslavia. After his father’s death in 1952, Press established himself as an independent designer, contributing notable courses throughout the United States. He became known for crafting layouts that harmonized with native landscapes, focusing on strategic challenge and aesthetic appeal. In 1960, Press served as president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, affirming his influence on the profession. His legacy is reflected in the enduring quality and popularity of the courses he designed, many of which remain highly regarded in golf architecture circles.