Biography

George Fazio was an influential figure in the golf world, not only as a touring professional in his early life but also as a renowned golf course designer. A winner of the 1946 Canadian Open and a playoff loser at the 1950 U.S. Open, Fazio plied his golfing trade at a time when prize money was not lucrative, leading many players to engage in other golf-related ventures. Fazio served as head pro at six different Philadelphia clubs and owned several businesses, including car dealerships and driving ranges. Unexpectedly, he found his niche in course design when he was appointed to renovate the Cobbs Creek course for a PGA Tour stop in his hometown in 1955.

George Fazio's course design breakthrough came with Waynesborough, a private course he designed, owned, and operated. Despite starting as a course architect in his 40s, Fazio established a distinguished career, completing 64 designs including notable golf courses like Palmetto Dunes, Jupiter Hills, and Pinehurst No. 6. He had also restructured major-championship courses like Inverness and Oak Hill. His design work was often in collaboration with his nephew, Tom Fazio, who also became a highly successful course architect.

Born to working-class Italian immigrants and one of eight children, George Fazio began his golfing career as a caddie at age 9 before becoming an assistant professional. He evolved into a Philadelphia-area golf icon and the head professional at Pine Valley, known for winning local tournaments. When business started waning in Philadelphia, Fazio moved his operations to Jupiter, Florida, where he spent his final 16 years. He passed away in 1986. Despite not maximizing his potential as a golfer, his contributions to golf course design made a lasting impact on the sport, proving his sentiment that life should be full of varied accomplishments rather than a singular pursuit.