The eldest son in a family devoted to the game of golf, Perry Dye is the third generation of Dye's to be in the business of golf course design and construction. Perry began his apprenticeship under his father at the early age of 12, and he learned from and worked at various courses in the Midwest and the Dominican Republic through his youth and college years. Perry began full–time work in golf course design and construction in the 1980s, forming Dye Designs in 1984. The company is known for building unique, environmentally sensitive, and ecological golf courses. It is also a leader in practical grassing solutions. For example, to conserve water in arid environments, Perry preaches "Brown is Beautiful," and he therefore recommends extremely drought–tolerant grasses and native grasses in out–of–play area. In 1986, Dye Designs went international in response to Perry's recognition of the growing demand and market for worldwide golf services—and challenging Dye golf courses. Perry first took Dye Designs to Japan, where he has since been involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of 22 courses. Dye Designs now has courses in 14 countries, and Perry logs millions of air miles to visit these projects, ensuring that every detail of the designs gives the courses the Dye trademark of excellence. With over 80 courses to his credit, Perry is truly dedicated to golf: he promotes the growth of the golf course industry by cooperating with and supporting industry and professional groups, civic organizations, and the general public. He has spoken at conferences held throughout the world on various topics affecting golf course design and construction. A member of the Golf Course Builders Association of America, in 2004, Perry received the inaugural Perry Dye Award, which honors "exceptional individuals who have unselfishly contributed their influence to foster positive changes for the association and have continually endeavored to make it better."