Our Picks: Golf Course Architect Walk-Up Songs

Did you see the TGL-produced video of Gil Hanse walking out into an empty SoFi Center like Stone Cold Steve Austin? It’s a work of art. Go watch it now.

The point of the video — aside from pure, visceral entertainment — was to announce Hanse’s appointment as one of the TGL’s virtual-course designers. The screen-golf league also released images of a Hanse-designed par 5 called “Stone & Steeple.” I offered an analysis of the hole in our new Fried Egg Golf Club community forum, if you’re into that kind of thing.

But what really got me thinking was an X reply from Craig Mosier: “Would like to see the newsletter tackle walk-up music for other architects.”

We live to serve. Ahead of TGL’s season-opening match on Sunday afternoon, my Fried Egg golf colleagues helped me come up with the ideas below, so please don’t blame me exclusively.

Donald Ross – “Area Codes” by Ludacris ft. Nate Dogg

Rumors persist that Ross had a mistress or two in Rochester, New York, in the 1920s. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that he designed several courses in the area.

Tommy Fazio II – “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” by Kenny Chesney

This scion of the Fazio golf architecture dynasty has been known to work on his designs and his tan simultaneously.

C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor – “You Copying Me” by T-Pain

A template-hole anthem!

Rees Jones – “Behind Blue Eyes” by The Who

Jones has become something of a “bad man” in the minds of golf architecture enthusiasts recently.

Pete Dye – “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad”

Dye is renowned for his love of railroads. Well, railroad ties. Close enough.

Robert Trent Jones – “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson

After World War II, the American golf world was ready to break away from the architectural heritage of the Golden Age, and RTJ was eager to help.

George Thomas – “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison

No doubt the architect behind Riviera and LACC North had a passion for designing golf courses. But he seemed to prefer growing award-winning roses in his garden.

Coore & Crenshaw – “Smooth Operator” by Sade

Bill and Ben are the smoothest operators in the business — both in blending golf features into the natural terrain and in getting their hands on the best sites available.

MORE: Check out our list of architect profiles

A.W. Tillinghast – “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” by George Thorogood

We suspect Tillie, unfortunately, would have related to Thorogood's tale of being broke and buzzed.

Alister MacKenzie – “The Time Is Now (Entrance Theme)” by John Cena

Dr. Mac, like Cena, was all about camouflage.

Tom Doak – “AM Radio” by Everclear

Years ago, on an episode of the “Yolk with Doak,” Tom said that he listened exclusively to local radio while driving to jobs. That tidbit just made us chuckle. Not sure why.

Old Tom Morris – “O.G. Original Gangster” by Ice-T

Pretty self-explanatory here. When I say “Old Tom Morris,” you think “Ice-T,” right?

Jack Nicklaus – “Turn Right” by the Jonas Brothers

The 18-time major champion and generational fader of the ball has a predilection for holes and greens that “turn right.”

Gary Player – “Good Morning Good Morning” by The Beatles

“MORNING, DAMON!”

Perry Maxwell – “Potato Chips” by Slim Gaillard

Maxwell was the Golden Age’s leading sculptor of potato chip-shaped greens. And yes, I found this song by Googling “potato chip song.”

Harry Colt – “Nature Boy” by Nat King Cole

Colt was the godfather of naturalism in golf architecture. That’s not what “Nature Boy” is about, but look, I’m running out of ideas here.