Renowned for his creative ingenuity and deep respect for the natural environment, David McLay Kidd is not just a name scribbled on the blueprints of some of the world’s most challenging and visually stunning golf courses, but an indelible signature in the universe of golf course design. With a career spanning over two decades, this Scottish-born maestro has built an influential portfolio marked by design innovation and environmental stewardship, leaving his distinctive footprint on several continents.
Born in 1967 in Hertfordshire, England, Kidd grew up in the inspiring surroundings of the Scottish highlands, in an area where golf was not just a pastime, but a way of life. His father, Jimmy Kidd, was a golf course superintendent, bringing an up-close insight into golf course management and design into the family conversation. As he entered his adult years, Kidd aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps. He honed his knowledge at Writtle University, specializing in landscape architecture.
In the mid-1990s, Kidd shot to prominence in the world of golf course design through his work on the now-famous Bandon Dunes in Oregon. He was just 26 years old when he accepted the project – an impressive achievement for a young designer. The Bandon Dunes project incorporated rugged landscapes and the coastal winds of Oregon with Kidd’s design philosophy, resulting in a challenging yet serene course that reflected a radical move away from the manicured perfection of traditional American golf courses.
Kidd’s work was a breath of fresh air at the turn of the century. His ability to incorporate the natural characteristics of a site into his design framework instead of drastically transforming these features is, perhaps, one of his greatest trademarks. From the tranquil mountains of Greenbrier in West Virginia to the azure ocean-hugging fairways of Guacalito de la Isla in Nicaragua, each of his courses highlights the unique attributes and the intrinsic beauty of the surroundings.
Adding to his repertoire, Kidd has created beautiful and functional courses across North America, Asia, and his native Scotland. His masterpieces include the Huntsman Springs in Idaho, the Gamble Sands in Washington, and St. Andrews Castle Course in Scotland. Each of these exhibits different styles and different terrains. Yet, they all present the same underlying design philosophy: respect for nature, a grasp of playability, and a consistent challenge for golfers in every skill bracket.
Unlike many designers of his era, Kidd possesses an uncanny knack for walking the middle path between playability and challenge. He strongly believes that golf should offer enjoyment for players of all skill sets and shouldn’t be confined to the elites. He once famously stated, “Making a golfer think that they are a little bit better than they are promotes joy, promotes enjoyment, and ultimately, that’s what the game truly needs.”
While his work continues to earn him accolades, Kidd remains a firm advocate for sustainable and environmentally conscious golf course designs. He initiated a methodology, defined by the term ‘least disturbance,’ which seeks to minimize the environmental impact of golf course construction. His designs often include wide corridors for wildlife movement, native vegetation maintenance, and water resource enhancement, showcasing a commitment to ecological function and health.
His commitment to sustainability is well demonstrated in the Tetherow Golf Club in Bend, Oregon. Involved in the project from its infancy, Kidd ensured the design protected and highlighted the existing topography, instead of altering it. The course design also applied sustainable practices such as the use of drought-tolerant grasses and the inclusion of wildlife corridors.
Perhaps the most emblematic part of Kidd’s golf course design journey is the blend of Scottish links-style layouts with modern design techniques. This fusion is born from his rich Scottish heritage, a land steeped in golf tradition, and his innovative approach to utilizing the inherent qualities of the landscape while fulfilling the needs of today’s golfers.
David McLay Kidd’s dedication to his craft has undeniably made a significant impact on how golf courses are designed and appreciated today. His firm, DMK Golf Design, continues to break new ground, uniting golf enthusiasts and environmental stewards in applauding his ongoing contributions to the sport. In the end, it’s safe to say that Kidd isn’t merely designing golf courses; he’s crafting narratives in which the game of golf, the player, and nature harmoniously coexist. His legacy, firmly rooted in the courses he designed, is also carried forward in the smile of every golfer who walks off his 18th green, gratified and eager for another round.