Red Lawrence

Robert "Red" Lawrence was an American golf course architect who concentrated his work primarily in Arizona and the southwestern United States. His portfolio includes a notable range of desert and resort courses that helped shape golf development in the region during the mid-to-late 20th century.

Lawrence's most acclaimed design is Desert Forest in Carefree, Arizona, a course often named among the most admired in American golf for its minimalist routing through natural desert terrain. His work spans from daily-fee layouts like Dobson Ranch in Mesa to resort courses including multiple designs at Tubac Golf Resort (Otero, Rancho, and Anza). He also designed courses in Florida, such as the North course at Fort Lauderdale Country Club and Miami Shores Country Club.

Signature work

Desert Forest Golf Club stands as Lawrence's defining achievement, recognized for its restraint and harmony with the Sonoran Desert landscape. His broader body of work demonstrates versatility across public, private, and resort settings throughout Arizona's golf boom era.

Sources: Wikipedia article on Robert Lawrence (golf course architect); course list from Course Vaults.