Ron Kirby

Over a career that spanned more than seven decades, Ron Kirby (1932-2023) left a distinct mark on the world's golf courses, working both on his own and alongside several of the game's household names. Few golf course architects traveled as extensively as Kirby did, right up to the end of his life; he passed away during a trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, one of more than 10 countries in which he plied his trade.

Born in Beverly, Mass., Kirby caddied and worked on the maintenance crew of a local golf course in his early years. He would go on to study agriculture at the University of Massachusetts-Stockbridge. His first foray into golf course architecture came in 1958, when he worked as a design associate for legendary midcentury architect Dick Wilson. In 1963, Kirby was working for Robert Trent Jones, Sr. By 1970, he had formed his own practice. Like Pete Dye a year before him with Jack Nicklaus, Kirby was able to recruit a world-famous champion golfer to consult with him on several designs: Gary Player. His initial association with Player helped start Kirby on a path that would take him outside of the United States for much of his career's work. He also spent several years within the Nicklaus Design organization, overseeing the firm's new builds in Europe.
Kirby had a hand in the design and construction of some 150 golf courses over his career. Of the golf courses here he was the main architect of record, the most famous is Ireland's Old Head Golf Links, which is known as one of the world's most spectacularly scenic courses. GolfPass Managing Editor Jason Scott Deegan has played Old Head multiple times and considers it among the most awe-inspiring golf experiences of his life. “The scenery is off the charts because Kirby did such an incredible job integrating the holes with the seaside cliffs,” he said.
In addition to Europe, courses in Asia, South Africa and the Caribbean claim Kirby as their architect. His final design project, a complete overhaul of Barbados' Apes Hill Club, opened in 2022. “I am grateful to be a part of this place; I’m proud to say it is one of mine,” said Kirby. “I can say that about 140 or 150 golf courses, but this is a special one. It is hard to find a golf course anywhere that has everything that we have here at Apes Hill.”

Like his contemporary, Pete Dye, Kirby was aided and abetted throughout his life and travels by his wife, Sally, who passed away in 2021. The Kirbys had three children: Faye, Ron Jr. and Beverly.