Arnold Palmer Signature Design

A Note from Arnold Palmer on Design Philosophy

We design the courses our clients request, not just courses to satisfy ourselves. That means that all of our courses are a little bit different, reflecting the personalities and wishes of their owners/developers while also meeting our own high standards.

We do not have a design trademark, nor do we want one. We do, however, strive to design all of our courses so that they look beautiful, are constructed soundly, on time, and within budget. Moreover, we always make sure they’re fun to play.

My basic philosophy—and that of everyone at APDC—is based on straightforward design. This produces courses of lasting quality that are exciting and enjoyable for golfers of every handicap. The designs are founded on strategies of the game, and are sensitive to the land.

In fact, sensitivity to the environment is key to everyone at APDC, and it shows in our creations. As is evident with all great courses, we respect the existing terrain as much as each project allows us to do so within the framework of playability. Basically, we do not force or design unnecessary grade work or features.

Today, with approximately 300 golf courses and clubs around the world, I believe that we are setting the standard by which modern golf courses are measured. We have active projects and open golf courses in 37 states and in 27 countries around the world, and there are more coming every day.

Wherever we work we do so with continuity and loyalty. This is reflected in the tenure of my staff who have worked with me for a combined total of nearly 150 years and is why we have so many repeat clients.
So it is that the same principles on which Ed and I shook hands so many years ago continue to guide the company.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

- Arnold Palmer

The Governors Club is an Arnold Palmer Signature golf course. This distinction results from Arnold Palmer Design Company creating a land use plan and golf course construction documents and then supervising construction all under the watchful eye of The King himself. Mr. Palmer shares ideas with the staff and they develop them into the overall layout of the course and the details of each hole. Arnold’s involvement also includes promotion of the golf course with a video or site visit and his name and likeness used in marketing.

APDC has more than three decades of experience in designing and building golf courses bearing the Arnold Palmer Signature brand. Great golf, professional service and Arnold Palmer distinction are the constants in every Arnold Palmer Signature Course. Moreover APDC continually strives to improve their design ability through contemporary innovation and by studying classic course history.

Arnold Palmer Signature Courses frequently become professional tournament venues. The Ryder Cup was held at Ireland’s K Club in 2006 and the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard are regular PGA Tour stops on our courses. In fact, in any given year, almost every professional tour holds a tournament on an APDC course.