Renowned golf course architect Ron Kirby, 90, passed away in August. The pride of Beverly left quite a legacy, including hundreds of course designs – and even more hearts touched.
There was nothing in the sport that Kirby hadn’t experienced. He was a caddie, maintenance crew member and, of course, a designer for five decades. He served under Robert Trent Jones Sr. and with business partner Gary Player, Kirby launched his own design company in 1970. He eventually sold the company and joined Nicklaus Design Services.
From Old Head Golf Links in Ireland, to Dolphin Head in Hilton Head, South Carolina, to the London Golf Club International Course to the Sun City Golf Course in South Africa, his resume was nothing short of remarkable.
He was pleased with his final design: the championship 18-hole course at Apes Hill Barbados.
Kirby worked hard until the end, passing peacefully alongside his family in Denmark where he was, of course, working on a project.
