Biography

Since being awarded the first annual scholarship from the Florida State Golf Association in 1962, Ron Garl has become a prominent golf course designer, with a portfolio of over 250 courses, the majority of which are located in Florida. His most recognised work in the state is Golden Ocala, which is the host of the LPGA's Coates Golf Championship. It was also the first course worldwide that included tribute holes. His success in this innovation led to the advent of 'replica design', a new field in the industry.

Garl has also gained recognition for his work outside of Florida. The Tradition Golf Club, a Garl design located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was named Golf Digest's best new course of 1996 as well as the state's course of the year in 2000. In Canada, two of Garl's designed courses, Taboo in Ontario and Heritage Point in Calgary, are ranked among the top 100 courses in the country.

Raised in Lakeland, Florida, Garl initially worked on maintaining a local par-3 course, which fueled his imagination on how he could improve golf holes. After earning a degree in turf grass science on a full-ride scholarship at Florida, he worked on the construction crew of Robert Trent Jones before spending around five years under famous Florida designer, Joe Lee. Here, Garl learned how to build significant courses from flat, featureless terrain by utilizing dramatic bunkering and water hazards.

In the shrinking market, Garl has continued to prosper owing to his practical, business-oriented approach. This has been well received by many of his clients since Garl himself owns four golf courses in Florida. He has also become a persuasive spokesperson and innovative thinker about golf's future, advocating that growth-of-the-game efforts should concentrate on the Baby Boom generation, with their early retirements, considerable disposable income, and good health.