The PLAYERS Championship is an annual celebration of one of the game’s most prolific and influential golf course architects, Pete Dye. Perhaps even more impressive than the many tournament courses Dye built over his career is the family tree of architects whose career he helped kick off and have gone on to have great careers of their own. Architects like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Doak, Bobby Weed and many more owe a debt to Dye for his mentorship early in their careers.
But Dye's best designs are iconic, and most of his best work is featured in pro golf and are publicly accessible. Six Dye designs made the Top 30 of my Golf Advisor Top 50 courses you can play in the U.S.
My five favorite Dye designs you can play are fixtures in professional and major championship golf. It includes the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, which is the annual host of the PLAYERS, as well as three major championship hosts (including the U.S. Women’s Open) and a regular favorite stop on the PGA Tour for over 40 years.
The cost to play these five courses in the peak season averages out to $341. But never fear, Dye has designed scores of public courses in the U.S, and some are downright affordable. Tell me your favorite Dye experiences on Twitter @MattGinellaGC.
The five best Pete Dye courses you can play
Play
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
More: Ginella, Shackelford talk Stadium design
Kohler, Wisc.
More: Ginella on Blackwolf Run and his Top 20 U.S. courses
Hilton Head Island, S.C.
More: The history of Dye's Harbour Town design
Kiawah Island, S.C.
More: Kiawah Island as a buddies trip destination
Sheboygan, Wisc.
More: Dye, Herb Kohler on Whistling Straits
Those courses are tough to beat but The plantation club at Southern hills(Brooksville, Fl.) has to be in the Top 10. The routing utilizing the hills of rural Brooksville is spectacular! From the downhill dogleg right #7 to the picturesque Par 3 #17, the course stimulates the brain and leaves you in awe of old Florida. The new greens make the course even more challenging and always leaves you wanting more. A Dye Masterpiece!
And for those wondering, Southern hills is private but playable to the public. Golfnow has Tee times and discount cards such as the Executive card. Average price is usually between $60 and $120. Worth every penny in my book.