George C. Thomas
Name:
George Clifford Thomas Jr.Country:
USALived:
[1873-1932]. Born on Oct 3, 1873 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Died on Feb 28, 1932 in Beverly Hills, California (aged 58).Original/Home Club:
Occupation:
Golf course architect, botanist and author.Turned Pro:
Frequently designed in collaboration with fellow Pennsylvanian William Park "Billy" Bell, much of Thomas's work is to be found in Los Angeles and southern California. Thomas's best known designs (all in California), include but are not limited to:
Riviera CC (1926) / Bel-Air CC (1926) / Los Angeles CC (redesign of North course, 1927) / Ojai Valley Inn (1923) / Palos Verdes GC, LA (1924) / Stanford University GC (1930) / Griffith Park, LA (Harding course, 1923; Wilson course, 1927).
Born in 1873, Thomas grew-up in Philadelphia, where he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania before joining his father in the investment bank Drexel & Company. As a very competent golfer, he also developed a keen interest in course design and the prevailing "Philadelphia School" of golf course architecture.
After the First World War, in which he served and attained the rank of Captain, Thomas moved to California in 1919. It was here that his flair for course design really took hold. He struck-up a working relationship with William Park "Billy" Bell, with whom he co-designed many renowned southern California courses. Thomas considered the layout at Riviera Country Club to be his masterpiece ... the only one of his courses that has not been substantially altered.
In 1926 Thomas published his seminal book "Golf Course Architecture in America", in which he advocated the use of wide fairways and providing options for golfers to shape their shots. He also believed that hazards were important but should not “unduly penalize or make it hard to recover.” Above all, Thomas thought a golf course should blend into its natural surroundings and provide a layout based on diversity and memorability.
Women’s (British) Open: the last women’s major championship of the season is hosted by Royal Porthcawl GC. It’s the first time this fabulous seaside links course has hosted the event (July 31-Aug 3).
Walker Cup: the 50th playing of this prestigious men’s amateur event sees the GB&I go head-to-head against the defending USA team at Cypress Point Club, California (Sept 6-7). After that, all eyes turn to Bethpage State Park on Long Island, NY, where the American and defending European professional teams engage in the 45th Ryder Cup (Sept 27-29).
Lottie Woad: 21-year-old Woad burst onto the professional scene in July, with wins in the Women’s Irish Open (as an amateur) and three weeks later in the Women’s Scottish Open (as a professional). She nearly picked-up a major championship, placing third in The Evian in the same month.
Pádraig Harrington: the ever-likeable Irishman added the (British) Senior Open Championship title to his stellar array of tournament successes. His win came on Sunningdale’s spectacular Old Course. Harrington had already bagged the U.S. Senior Open title in June this year.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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