FLORIDA GOLF ARCHITECTURE

by Joe Stine, Editor - Florida Golf Magazine

        The Dye family is considered by many to be “America’s First Family of Golf.” The Dyes’ contributions have become an integral part of the history and tradition of golf course design and construction. All members of the Dye family have contributed their unique talents and knowledge to the improvement of the game. Pete, Alice and their sons Perry and P.B. have placed the “Dye” name on over 200 courses around the world. For generations, the Dye family has had a deep respect for the traditions of the game of golf. The blending of tradition with innovation in design has been noteworthy in their award winning golf projects.

        In regard to Pete Dye, "The King" - Arnold Palmer was once quoted as saying, “I’ve known Pete and Alice Dye most of my life. They have been good friends of mine practically since the day I began playing golf competitively.
        I remember Alice as a golfer first, and then Pete as a golfer second. Of course, beyond that the world knows of them because they have been so successful in the field of golf course architecture. Their fame derives from the fact that they have done extremely well and have compiled a wonderful resume of courses all over the world.
        I’ve been fortunate enough to play golf with Pete often, but I remember Alice and her golfing prowess prior to knowing him. She was an outstanding player and a very lovely lady.
        It reminds me of the old expression, ‘Behind every great man there’s a great woman.’ Pete’s game was impressive on its own, but like other areas in life, in my opinion it was Alice who helped him with his golf game, and then also supported him when he entered into the field of architecture.
        As an architect myself, I’ve admired the unique twists Pete has added to the field of golf course design, with his innovative use of railroad ties, pot bunkers, and fescue grasses. He’s produced such a wide range of courses, on varied terrain, all over the world. I kid a little bit about Alice leading the way, but there’s no question in my mind that they have been an extremely formidable architectural team for nearly fifty years.” - Arnold Palmer

Young Alice Dye, (now a world renown golf course architect) is photographed here in the early days, “operating a dozer” while assisting her husband, fellow golf course architect, Pete Dye.
Part 2 - 11 of the top 60 Florida golf courses are Dye courses.