Born into a family filled with golf history, John Harbottle III turned his early appreciation for the sport into a career by developing world class golf courses. Early in his career, he traveled to Scotland and Ireland to study some of the great courses in those countries. He was inspired by the natural links and how they were formed while keeping the natural features intact. He also read golf architecture books written by Ross, Mackenzie, and Macdonald to help gain more knowledge of their style and architectural theories. These experiences helped shape John’s own style and approach to his architectural career.

His career took off in 1984, when he worked construction and design with ASGCA Past President Pete Dye. On working with Dye, Harbottle said, “Pete gave me the opportunity to work in both the office and in construction. He showed me the importance of spending time in the field and of using a talented construction crew to perform the work.”

After working with Dye, Harbottle opened his own design firm. During his time at the firm, he was in charge of several designs and redesigns across the United States. Though he suddenly passed away in 2012, John always considered himself incredibly fortunate to spend most of his life doing what he enjoyed the most, designing golf courses.

Harbottle was elected into ASGCA in 1992 as an Associate and promoted to Regular member in 1996. He served with ASGCA for 20 years until his death.