Architect

Bill Coore

36 courses on Course Vaults

Bill Coore, working in partnership with Ben Crenshaw since 1986 in the firm Coore & Crenshaw, has become one of the most respected minimalist architects in modern golf design. Their philosophy emphasizes routing that follows natural landforms, restrained earth-moving, and strategic variety that rewards thoughtful play over forced heroics.

The partnership's breakthrough came with Sand Hills in Nebraska, a course that helped spark the minimalist movement and remains widely celebrated for its seamless integration with the Sandhills landscape. Since then, Coore & Crenshaw have produced an extraordinary portfolio including Friar's Head on Long Island, the restoration of Pinehurst No. 2, and dramatic seaside designs like Cabot Cliffs in Nova Scotia and Te Arai South in New Zealand. Their work at destination resorts—Bandon Trails, Lost Farm at Barnbougle, and Sand Valley—demonstrates their ability to craft compelling golf across diverse terrain.

Other notable projects include Old North State at Old Town Club, the links-inspired Hidden Creek in New Jersey, and the renovation of Kapalua's Plantation Course. Whether working on grand resort courses or intimate private clubs, Coore & Crenshaw designs are marked by strategic depth, natural aesthetics, and enduring playability.

Sources: Wikipedia articles linked above; course list from Course Vaults.

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