Perry Maxwell

Perry Maxwell or Perry Duke Maxwell (June 13, 1879 - November 15, 1952) was an American golf course architect and a founding member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects.

Maxwell's primary course trademarks were his undulating greens and ability to use the existing natural topography to design challenging holes. Maxwell-designed greens are typically large and contoured with swells-often known as "Maxwell's rolls".

Maxwell was also a master at using the natural landscape to sculpt holes. Mac Bentley, a Daily Oklahoman sportswriter, wrote in 1933, "His genius came from recognizing Mother Nature's design, his courses only slightly carved out of the existing landscape."

Perhaps his favorite design feature was to include naturally occurring geological cliffs. He built a green atop a 50-foot cliff on the 16th hole at Dornick Hills. On the next hole, golfers tee off from the cliff summit and play sharply downward to a par 3 green below.

Maxwell is credited with many of the great layouts throughout the United States and is commonly recognized as one of America's great golf course designers. He made major contributions to such revered layouts as Pine Valley, Augusta National, Crystal Downs, and Merion Golf. In total, Maxwell is estimated to have designed 70 courses and remodeled approximately 50 others.

Website: https://www.perrymaxwellsociety.com/