Biography

Joe Lee, an often under-recognized figure, was one of the most prolific golf course architects in history. Throughout his over 40-year career, Lee designed about 200 golf courses worldwide. A descendant of Civil War general Robert E. Lee and a U.S. Navy veteran, he got his start working with the famed Louis Sibbett “Dick” Wilson. As Wilson’s career diminished due to alcohol-related problems, Lee played a substantial part in the design of several well-known Wilson courses.

Some of the prominent courses Lee helped design under Wilson included the LaCosta in Carlsbad, California, The Blue Monster at Doral, Cog Hill located in Chicago’s suburbs, Warwick Hills in suburban Detroit, and Bay Hill in Orlando. His architectural work on these courses helped establish him as a significant player in the world of golf course design, although he continued to work under the shadow of Wilson.

After Wilson's death in 1965, Lee became the primary designer for more than 100 original golf courses until his death in 2003. What could be referred to as the golden era of golf in the late 20th century saw a significant contribution from Lee. His career spanned not only across the United States but also extended to the Caribbean, South America, and Portugal. Lee’s impact on this sport remains alive in the numerous beautiful and challenging courses he left behind.