Tom Bendelow

Tom Bendelow is one of the most interesting golf architects in the history of the game. If ever the principles of mass production were brought to golf course design, Bendelow was the one to do it: while a full list doesn't exist, Bendelow is believed to have personally designed between 480 and 1,000+ golf courses throughout his career. Some architects and golf historians think of Bendelow as the "Johnny Appleseed of American Golf" -- golf course sprouted wherever he went. His work spread the game of golf and helped it grow, especially in small town America. Critics, however, call his design work "18 Stakes on a Sunday afternoon." His ability to design golf courses quickly often meant that his layouts sometimes lacked imagination and strategy. Still, his work in advancing the game and hastening its spread to rural America is worthy of celebration.

Courses

  • Manchester Country Club - Manchester - Semi-Private - 1917 - Devereux Emmet & Tom Bendelow; A.W. Tillinghast (1935)