Tom Bendelow

Tom Bendelow, born September 2, 1868, in Aberdeen, Scotland, earned the nicknames "The Johnny Appleseed of American Golf" and "The Dean of American Golf" due to his extraordinary impact on the sport in the United States. After immigrating to America at the age of 24, Bendelow quickly became a driving force behind the expansion of golf during the early 20th century, designing an estimated 600 to 700 courses over a 35-year career.

His early work included remodeling and expanding New York City’s Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course, turning it into the first 18-hole municipal golf course in the U.S., cementing the value of public golf facilities. Bendelow was hired by A.G. Spalding Company as Director of Golf Course Development in 1901 and traveled extensively across the U.S. and Canada, promoting golf’s growth by designing, consulting, and encouraging player organizations.

Bendelow’s designs are characterized by simplicity, practicality, and playability that made golf accessible to a broad audience. Some of his most notable legacy courses include Atlanta Athletic Club (where Bobby Jones learned golf), Medinah Country Club’s first three courses, and East Lake Golf Club. He was a pioneer of public and municipal courses, helping democratize golf during its boom years.

He passed away in 1936 at age 67, leaving an unparalleled legacy in golf course architecture.