George C. Thomas

George Clifford Thomas Jr. (1873–1932) was an American golf course architect, botanist, and writer who created some of California's most celebrated courses during the 1920s. A member of the "Philadelphia School" of golf architecture alongside A.W. Tillinghast, William Flynn, and others, Thomas combined strategic design principles with a keen horticultural sensibility developed through his botanical interests.

Signature work

His portfolio includes several courses frequently named among the nation's finest. The North Course at The Los Angeles Country Club and Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades represent his highest achievements, both widely regarded as masterworks of the Golden Age. Bel-Air Country Club and La Cumbre Country Club in Santa Barbara further demonstrate his command of routing through dramatic California terrain. Before moving west, Thomas designed Whitemarsh Valley Country Club outside Philadelphia, establishing his reputation on the East Coast.

Other notable designs include Stanford University Golf Club, Ojai Valley Inn, Marion Golf Course in Massachusetts, and the Wilson Course at Griffith Park—a rare public facility showcasing his strategic thinking accessible to everyday golfers. His work is distinguished by bold bunkering, strategic variety, and thoughtful integration with natural landscapes.

Sources: Wikipedia article on George C. Thomas Jr.; course list from Course Vaults.