Past PGA of America President and golf course architect Warren Cantrell was a strong influence in the golf world. Born in Hillsboro, Texas, Cantrell grew up loving the game of golf. He was considered to be a fine player, who would turn professional and became a club pro in Lubbock, Texas. While a club pro, he served as golf coach for Texas Tech University from 1953 to 1958. He was also involved in local and sectional PGA activities, which would eventually catapult him to becoming PGA of America President from 1964-1965.

Cantrell was a fine golf course architect. He attended Texas A&M and Armour Institute of Technology in Chicago, receiving degrees in engineering and architecture. Cantrell, after spending time forming a large operating contracting firm with his brother, designed his first golf course after World War II. During his career, he designed 30 courses throughout West Texas and New Mexico on a part-time basis. Cantrell was elected into ASGCA in 1959 and served as a member until his death in 1967.