Ellis Maples

Growing up in the Sand Hills of North Carolina and living in the birthplace of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, it can be easy to fall in love with the game of golf, and so it was for Ellis Maples.

Beginning at the age of 14, Ellis worked for his father, who was a long-time construction superintendent for Donald Ross and greenkeeper at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club. He would go on to attend Lenior-Rhyne College in North Carolina before returning to Pinehurst to work for his father as a greenkeeper, as well as for other local courses in the area, including Mid Pines and Pine Needles.

In 1947, after completing some small design and construction work and serving in World War II, Maples worked as a pro-manager for New Bern Golf and Country Club and spent additional time remodeling two courses in the nearby area. The following year, he would supervise the construction of Raleigh Country Club which was Ross' last design. He remained as superintendent until 1953, before deciding to take on golf architecture full time and going into private practice.

For the next 30 years, Maples was considered one of the busiest architects in the U.S. Always following the advice of Ross to never take a project he could not oversee, Ellis spent most of his career traveling and overseeing the work of his projects. He also mentored his son and ASGCA member Dan Maples.

Ellis was elected to the ASGCA as a member in 1963 and as President in 1973. Ellis was elected as a Fellow in 1981 and remained a member for 21 years until his death in 1984.