Golf Monthly

The Good Doctor

A master of the skilful and subtle use of terrain to create wonderfully natural golf holes, Dr Alister MacKenzie is most famous in the golfing world as designer of Augusta National. But the Yorkshire-born Scot was responsible for architectural works at over 300 clubs in the UK, Ireland and across the globe.

One hundred and fifty years since MacKenzie’s birth, we’re taking a look at his life, his design philosophy and some of the courses in the UK and Ireland that he designed or lent his expertise to, starting with his first project for his home club of Alwoodley.

MacKenzie was born in Wakefield, Yorkshire and went to school in the town before going on to study chemistry, medicine and natural science at Cambridge University. Upon graduating, he joined his father’s medical practice, but it wasn’t long before he was called upon to serve in

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Golf Monthly

Golf Monthly3 min read
Sweet Carolinas
Although everyone rightly associates Augusta National with the state of Georgia, if it were a couple of miles further east or north, it would actually be in South Carolina. The two Carolinas therefore share a similar climate, with hot, steamy summers
Golf Monthly2 min read
Ask The Experts
By GM Top 50 Coach John Howells Many club golfers struggle to strike their irons well. Typical faults are either striking the ground early and catching it heavy or making contact halfway up the ball with the leading edge and thinning it. Both are cau
Golf Monthly1 min read
Stats: Masters Special
Gary Player competed in 52 Masters between 1957 and 2009, the most appearances ever BEST CAREER SCORING AVERAGE (MINIMUM 25 ROUNDS) HARDEST HOLES AT AUGUSTA IN MASTERS HISTORY Jon Rahm’s winning share of the 2023 Masters prize fund Tiger Woods’ odds

Related