Biography

Lee Schmidt, an accomplished golf course architect, began his career after graduating from Purdue University in 1970, working for renowned designers Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus. His roster includes globally renowned golf courses such as Casa De Campo in the Dominican Republic, the Stadium Course at PGA West in La Quinta, California, and many more. After a 12-year tenure at Landmark Land Company followed by seven years at Nicklaus Design, Schmidt co-founded Schmidt-Curley Design in 1997.

Schmidt-Curley Design is a globally recognized entity with projects across different regions including the United States, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and China. Some of the notable golf course projects in the United States include Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, Arizona, and Oak Harbor in Slidell, Louisiana. Schmidt is particularly proud of contributing to the growth of golf in various parts of the world, particularly in Asia.

Interestingly, there isn't a single defining characteristic or thought process behind Schmidt’s golf course designs. Instead, he and his partner Brian Curley rely on the environment and the specific requirements of each project. This approach allows for the construction of diverse courses, adapting to the local conditions and elements. It's evident in the stark contrast between the links-style layout of Southern Dunes and the dominating palm trees and water hazards of PGA West.