Course designer Bobby Weed mentored by Pete Dye

July 26, 2020

The Spanish Oaks Golf Course stands as a testament to the rare talent of course architect Bobby Weed. Not only did he create a beautiful and challenging layout, rated among the best in Texas, but he also made it one of the most environmentally sensitive courses ever built, fully embracing the rugged natural topography in his design and restoring native vegetation that had been killed off decades before.

Weed’s talent was recognized early on by none other than the legendary Pete Dye, who designed nearly 200 courses during his career and is one of only four golf course architects to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Weed began his career nearly 40 years ago as Dye’s apprentice, and they’ve been friends ever since, sometimes collaborating on course designs and renovations. Dye’s days as a golf course architect have sadly come to an end. Now 92, he’s suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. But Weed still visits his long-time mentor as often as he can.

A recent GolfDigest.com article paying tribute to Dye said that, outside of Dye’s immediate family, no one spends more time with him than Weed. And the article quotes Weed extensively.

“Pete is going to have a number of legacies,” Weed told the GolfDigest.com writer. “His golf courses will stand the test of time. His other legacy is how many people he has influenced who themselves have contributed to the game or are part of the game, myself included.”

Dye did not collaborate with Weed on Spanish Oaks. But walking the fairways of this stellar golf course, it’s easy to believe that the old master would nod approvingly at his protégé’s creation.