Johnny Bulla

Johnny Bulla (1914–2003) was an American professional golfer who transitioned into golf course design following his competitive playing career. While details of his design philosophy and major projects are limited in historical records, his portfolio extended across the southwestern United States, with particular concentration in Arizona and Colorado.

Bulla's known design work includes Orange Tree Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Ahwatukee Country Club in Phoenix. In Colorado, he designed Desert Hawk Golf Course in Pueblo West and developed a three-course complex at Pagosa Springs Golf Club, featuring the Meadows, Pinon, and Ponderosa layouts. His work also reached Arkansas with Thunderbird Country Club in Heber Springs.

His design career followed his time as a touring professional, allowing him to apply playing experience to course architecture. The geographic spread of his courses—from Arizona's Sonoran Desert to Colorado's mountain elevations—suggests versatility in adapting designs to diverse terrain and climates.

Sources: Wikipedia article on Johnny Bulla; course list from Course Vaults.