Tom Bendelow

Tom Bendelow, nicknamed The Johnny Appleseed of Golf, is estimated to have designed between 480 and 1,000 golf courses across the United States and Canada. A fact that makes him the most prolific golf architect ever in the history of the game. A fact, as well, that not many people are aware of.

Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on September 2, 1868, to merchants who operated the local pie shop, Tom began playing golf at an early age. He came to America in 1892 and first worked as a reporter for the New York Herald. Later, when Bendelow joined A.G. Spalding and Bros., his job entailed promoting the sport of golf – and equipment sales – which he did by increasing the number of golf courses.

In advancing the game, Bendelow started teaching golf.  His students – affluent hobbyists, women, or families – then needed places to play on which prompted Bendelow to design a range of layouts from a few private holes to complete, full-length courses. These initial designs were simple – meant to promote play and practice, not so difficult to discourage, challenging enough to be rewarding yet, not too costly to maintain. Bendelow felt that, ideally, golf courses should be like public ball fields – open to all players at little or no cost. The concept of a municipal or public golf course was, thus, born.

It was this concept that served as the basis of Bendelow’s involvement with Van Cortland Park in the Bronx, which eventually became the country’s very first 18-hole municipal golf course – a model which Bendelow and Spalding replicated throughout the nation. It was also at this golf course that the concept of reserved play or “tee time” was introduced.

In designing courses, Bendelow also adopted a “naturalist’s approach” which made full use of a site’s natural features. Many of Bendelow’s golf courses continue to provide challenging yet enjoyable play for today’s golfers. Medinah Country Club’s Course No. 3 stands out as perhaps his best work and is acclaimed worldwide.

Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Bendelow