Sam Whiting

Sam Whiting was a highly regarded golf course architect and professional whose impact was most strongly felt in Northern California during the early-to-mid 20th century. Originally trained and influenced by five-time Open Champion J.H. Taylor in England, Whiting began his professional career as an apprentice at Royal Mid-Surrey and Ilkley Golf Club before emigrating to the United States. Whiting started as head professional at Berkeley Country Club, then made his mark at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. He partnered with William Watson to help design and, most crucially, build the Olympic Club’s renowned Lake and Ocean courses, which opened in 1924 and earned the nickname 'St. Andrews of America.' In 1927, Whiting completed a major redesign of the Lake Course on his own, further cementing his reputation. Throughout his career, he was responsible for the design or construction of several other prominent courses including Harding Park, Sonoma Golf Club, and Nevada County Country Club. Whiting served as the Olympic Club’s golf professional and greenkeeper until his retirement in 1954, shaping the character and challenge of some of the Bay Area’s most prestigious courses.