David Esler

David Esler is a golf course architect whose work centers on the Chicago metropolitan area, with a particular focus on creating distinctive layouts for daily-fee and private facilities. His most notable project is Black Sheep Golf Club in Sugar Grove, Illinois, where he designed all 27 holes across three nines that each carry strong Course Vaults ratings above 8.4. The property demonstrates his ability to craft varied, strategic golf on Midwestern terrain.

Esler has also contributed renovations and design work at established clubs in the region, including Glen View Club in Golf, Illinois, and Mt. Prospect Golf Club. His portfolio reflects a commitment to accessible, well-routed courses that serve the public and member golfer alike, with an emphasis on playability and thoughtful challenge rather than excessive length or manufactured difficulty.

Details about his formal training and career timeline are limited in available sources, but his executed work speaks to a solid understanding of classic design principles adapted to the Chicago corridor's landscape and golfing culture.

Sources: Course Vaults course links only.