Who designed The Gunnamatta Course at The National Golf Club in 2018?

Course Architect – Tom Doak

The Gunnamatta course was a redesign project of the “Ocean Course” which was originally designed by Thomson, Wolveridge & Perrett and opened in 2000.

The Gunnamatta Course redesign project involved substantive changes to the routing of the existing course and the construction of 18 new green complexes and alterations to the design, style and number of existing bunkers.

Tom Doak is known for his minimalist design philosophy and significant contributions to the field of golf course architecture. Born on March 16, 1961, he graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Design and Landscape Architecture. After a brief stint at MIT, he traveled to Great Britain and Ireland to study historic golf courses, which greatly influenced his design approach.

Career Highlights

Doak's career began with the opening of his first course, High Pointe Golf Club in Michigan, in 1989. Although it received mixed reviews, it established him as a serious architect in the industry. Over the years, he has designed several acclaimed courses, including:

Pacific Dunes (Oregon)

Ballyneal (Colorado)

Barnbougle Dunes (Tasmania)

Cape Kidnappers (New Zealand)

These courses have consistently ranked among the top 100 in the world according to Golf Magazine.

Design Philosophy

Doak is recognized for his minimalist approach, which emphasizes utilizing the natural landscape and features of the land to create engaging and playable golf holes. He often draws inspiration from the traditional links courses of the British Isles and aims to construct courses that are both challenging and accessible

Publications

In addition to his architectural work, Doak is an author of several influential books on golf course design, including:

The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses

The Anatomy of a Golf Course

The Life and Work of Dr. Alister MacKenzie

His writings are known for their candid critiques and insights into golf course architecture, often stirring debate among peers in the industry.

Influence and Legacy

Doak has been a significant figure in modern golf course architecture, influencing a new generation of designers. His commitment to creating courses that reflect the game's traditions has earned him respect and recognition within the golfing community. He continues to work on various projects and remains active in writing and research related to golf course design.