Growing up in Chillicothe, Missouri, Lawrence Hughes was exposed to some of the finest architects in golf. His father, Henry T. Hughes, worked with Donald Ross as a construction supervisor for Ross’ designs. In his late teens, Larry and his brother went to work with their father during the construction of The Broadmoor, which is where his interest in golf course architecture was hatched. After World War I, Hughes would return to work with Ross on Holston Hills Country Club, where Hughes served the role as manager and greenkeeper.

After turbulent times during the Depression and World War II, Hughes launched his full-time golf design career. Teamed up with Johnny Dawson, a prestigious amateur golfer, he took on development of courses in Southern California, which vaulted him to a long career in golf course architecture. During this career, Hughes was assisted on many of his designs by his brothers Frank and Henry.

Hughes was elected to ASGCA in 1959. He served as a member for 16 years until his death in 1975.