In a heartfelt tribute to a golf legend taken too soon, Phil Mickelson has taken to social media to honor the memory of Mike Strantz, a visionary designer whose impact on the sport remains profound even decades after his untimely passing. Strantz, who left an indelible mark on the golfing landscape with only nine course designs, is celebrated for creating some of the toughest and most memorable courses in America during a mere decade of prolific work.
The homage began when GOLFR shared a nostalgic look at one of Strantz’s masterpieces, Tobacco Road, which debuted in 1998. The post extolled the course’s remarkable layout and scale, describing it as one of the best in the world. In a poignant comment, Mickelson reflected on Strantz’s brilliance, stating, “Amazing course designer. He was taken much too early.” Strantz’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 50 when he succumbed to oral cancer in 2005, but his legacy as one of the Top 10 Greatest Golf Architects of All Time, as recognized in 2000, continues to inspire.
Strantz’s creative genius was unparalleled, earning him the title of “most in-demand course designer in the U.S.,” according to Golf World. His designs are characterized by their audacity, featuring massive mounds, blind tee shots, and aggressive risk-reward routes that challenge even the most skilled golfers. The greens he crafted are often large, steep, and uniquely shaped, becoming signature features of his courses and transforming into works of art in their own right.
His final project before his battle with cancer claimed him was the renovation of the Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course. Even while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, Strantz remained committed to his craft, losing significant weight and battling through immense pain to reshape the land. Witnesses recall a man driven by an unwavering determination to complete his vision, a testament to his passion for golf course design.
Strantz’s legacy is not only about his relentless dedication but also about the unforgettable courses he created. Each course showcases a different facet of his imagination, from the understated beauty of the Shore Course, once ranked 67th in GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 in the U.S., to the bold and challenging layout of Tobacco Road in North Carolina.
Each hole at Tobacco Road presents a daunting challenge, from the very first tee shot, which is nestled between towering mounds on a twisting par 5, to the steep terrain and long carries over water that define the course. Other remarkable designs include Royal New Kent in Virginia, reminiscent of an Irish links course, and Bulls Bay near Charleston, notable for its dramatic elevation changes and unpredictable routing that keeps golfers on their toes. Strantz’s works at Myrtle Beach, such as Caledonia and True Blue, have revolutionized the region’s golfing scene with their unique character and originality.
Though his courses were never built with professional tournaments in mind, their unconventional styles offer players a unique experience. Six of Strantz’s masterpieces remain open to the public, inviting golfers from all walks of life to immerse themselves in the captivating world he designed—one that is filled with surprises, challenges, and unforgettable moments. As Mickelson pays tribute to Strantz, he reminds us all of the extraordinary contributions made by this remarkable designer, whose legacy continues to shape the game of golf today.
