About
Rod Whitman is known as one of the best bulldozer operators in golf course architecture, often personally overseeing and shaping the terrain during construction to perfectly align with his design vision.
Rod Whitman is a distinguished golf course architect whose career spans several decades across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia. He launched his Canadian design career with the acclaimed Wolf Creek Golf Club in Ponoka, Alberta, which opened in 1983 and remains one of Canada’s top courses. Whitman’s other notable Canadian projects include Blackhawk Golf Club and Sagebrush Golf and Sporting Club, both highly ranked by golf critics and publications.
Early in his career, Whitman worked closely with Pete Dye and later assisted Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw on various design and construction projects, gaining deep experience in course shaping and architecture. His approach is rooted in minimalist design principles, emphasizing natural land features and strategic use of contours, slopes, and vegetation to create engaging golf experiences.
A significant highlight of his work is the design of Cabot Links in Nova Scotia, completed in 2012, which is celebrated as one of the top 100 golf course designs worldwide. Whitman’s dedication to spending extensive time onsite during construction ensures high quality and attention to detail in every project.
