Joe Lee

Joe Lee was born in Chicago in 1921, grew up in Florida and studied civil engineering at the University of Miami. A capable golfer, he worked in golf and construction before joining Dick Wilson in the early 1950s. He quickly became Wilson’s principal associate, responsible for plans, construction supervision and many detailed design decisions. Following Wilson’s death in 1965, Lee continued independently and developed an enormous portfolio across the United States, Caribbean, Europe and Asia. His work is characterised by jouabilité pour un public large; bunkers visibles et lignes claires; intégration aux resorts et lotissements; stratégie plus subtile que sa réputation de producteur prolifique. Principal associations include La Costa; Mission Hills; Walt Disney World Palm et Magnolia; Doral courses; Boca West; La Moraleja; collaborations sur Bay Hill et Wilson projects. Attribution nevertheless requires care: courses of this period were frequently products of firms, site associates and successive alteration. His significance lies as much in routing decisions as in detailed greens, bunkers, drainage and maintenance conditions. Influence also travelled through people he trained, regions he helped open to golf and professional methods he transmitted. In the broader history of architecture, his career helps explain the transition from a largely craft-based occupation to an organised international industry connected with property, tourism and public golf. The finest courses should not be judged only in their present condition, because many have been lengthened, renovated or altered by vegetation. Serious interpretation compares original plans, photographs, club archives and later work.