The First Lady of Golf Architecture dies

The PGA of America has issued a statement following the death of Alice Dye - the First Lady of Golf Architecture.

"The PGA of America is deeply saddened by the passing of Alice Dye, one of the most enduring advocates for women’s golf and the game’s future. Alice’s groundbreaking career as the ‘First Lady of Golf Architecture,’ where she partnered with her legendary husband, Pete, forged an unforgettable legacy.

Aice and Pete were partners in golf course design, with their work including TPC Sawgrass, Whistling Straits, Crooked Stick, Harbour Town and Kiawah’s Ocean Course.

“They are a great team and Alice has never gotten the credit she deserves. She really hasn’t, and she’s had some great ideas and she’s probably one of the smartest people I’ve ever met,” said Sandy Kunkel, a neighbor to the Dyes and member at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Ind., according to IndyStar. “They share a lot. They respect each other. They have a lot to do with the business almost on an equal basis.”

It was also Alice who was behind the idea of TPC Sawgrass’ island 17th green.

Born in Indianapolis, Alice Holliday O’Neal was a formidable amateur golfer, amassing at least 50 amateur golf titles after taking up the sport by the age of 12. Her victories included the 1968 North and South Women’s Amateur and the 1978 and ’79 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur. She was also a member of the 1970 U.S. Curtis Cup team.

“I feel as a woman that it’s your responsibility to take positions and be visible so that other women can follow,” Dye told IndyStar in 2016. “You need to open some doors.”

She was the 2017 recipient of the Donald Ross Award, given to a person who has made a significant contribution to the game of golf and the profession of golf course architecture.

In addition to all that, Dye created the “Two Tee System for Women,” a forward tee system devised to accommodate female players with differing skill sets.

Alice was the first woman seated on the PGA Board of Directors, and went on to ignite so many other remarkable uplifting chapters that included being celebrated as the 2004 PGA First Lady of Golf.

This very special woman took her passion to another level in a lifelong campaign to remind us that the game of golf should be inviting for all of us. The PGA joins the golf world in sending our thoughts and prayers to the Dye family." — PGA of America President Suzy Whaley.

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