Born on March 23, 1923, in the UK, Desmond Muirhead studied architectural engineering at Cambridge University before continuing his education in landscape architecture at the University of British Columbia in Canada and horticulture at the University of Oregon in the U.S. During World War II, he served as a pilot in the Royal Air Force, logging over 2,000 flight hours.

After the war, he transitioned from spatial design into the world of golf course architecture. One of his most famous works, Muirfield Village—home to the Memorial Tournament—was co-designed with “The Golden Bear” Jack Nicklaus.

After disappearing from the spotlight for about a decade, Muirhead returned to course design with a radically new approach, favoring bold and unconventional concepts. This shift, full of contradictions and mystery, became part of his story and what made him so fascinating.

He passed away on May 2, 2002, at the age of 79. In Japan, his most well-known work is Fuji Classic.
© Sonoko Funakoshi / Golf Journalist