By Dave Shedloski
PGATOUR.COM Contributor

Tom Fazio is arguably one of the grand masters of modern golf course design. He has created some of the most visually attractive golf holes in the world that are both challenging and enjoyable to play.

Fazio was introduced to golf and the profession of designing and building golf courses at a young age and was still a teenager when he joined his uncle, George, a former touring professional, in business. For more than a decade they created some fine courses until George neared retirement and Tom struck out on his own in the 1970s.

Fazio strives to, as he puts it, "create a harmonious transition from existing topographical conditions," and build golf courses that "reflect the natural beauty of the setting."  Wade Hampton, in Cashiers, N.C., and Shadow Creek in North Las Vegas, are but two examples.

He is the antithesis of the traditionalist designer, going for bold and beautiful golf holes not only by shaping the earth, but also by enhancing the setting by utlizing natural features such as local vegetation, native sand dunes and existing rock outcroppings.  He maintains playability with broad fairways and by eschewing blind areas, but his bunkering, flashy and ornate, is intended to highlight the landscape and guide the golfer.

Lanny Wadkins (shown circa his arrival on PGA TOUR in 1971) has won 21 TOUR events, including the 1977 PGA Championship.

Fazio has collaborated with PGA TOUR players Jerry Pate and Lanny Wadkins, working with the latter on the TPC of Myrtle Beach. Fazio says it was tremendously enjoyable experience working with the Wadkins, the 1995 Ryder Cup Captain and a 21-time winner on the PGA TOUR, including the 1977 PGA Championship.  "He was fun, enthusiastic and energetic, a very good guy to work with," says Fazio.

Many Fazio traits are apparent at the TPC: elevated tee boxes for visual aid, free-form bunkers, elevated greens, and the use of lakes, ponds and creeks for further visual effect. The result is some of the most picturesque holes on the Grand Strand.

Other prized layouts bearing the Fazio signature include Jupiter Hills, Jupiter, Fla., Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Fla., Butler National in Oakbrook, Ill., The Quarry at La Quinta, Calif.; Estancia, Scottsdale, Ariz., Wild Dunes in Charleston, S.C.; World Woods, Homosassa, Fla., and Old Overton in Birmingham, Ala. He is the chief design consultant in the ongoing renovation of Augusta National Golf Club and has renovated other classics, including Inverness Club in Toledo, OH, and Oak Hill in Rochester, NY.