Golf Architects/Designers: Brian Curley

Brian Curley (born November 12, 1959) is a golf course architect. He was raised in Pebble Beach, California where he played, caddied and worked at the area’s iconic courses. He currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona. Curley is a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) and currently serves on its Board of Governors.

Curley is a 1982 graduate of the School of Architecture and Environmental Design, California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, California. Much of his early years in design were spent working alongside golf course designer Pete Dye and future design partner, Lee Schmidt, while working with Landmark Design Company from 1984 to 1992. In 1997, he and Schmidt formed Schmidt-Curley Design, working primarily in the southwest United States. 

Schmidt-Curley soon focused much of its business interests on the burgeoning Asian market with a strong emphasis on China. They are considered leaders of the China golf course development movement and were subsequently cited by Golf Inc. in 2011 as one of golf’s most influential architects. Schmidt-Curley was also named “Architect of the Year” by GOLF Magazine in 2011 and “Best Golf Course Architect – Asia-Pacific” by Asian Golf Monthly in both 2011 and 2012. Curley’s design credits include 20 courses at China’s Mission Hills Golf Club.

Schmidt-Curley designed the 10 courses at Mission Hills Haikou, “World’s Largest Golf Club”, which opened in 2010 and is located one hour north of Hong Kong. The resort’s Lava Fields Course was named the “Best New Course” in the International category by GOLF Magazine in 2011. The Blackstone Course was voted the “No. 1 Course in China” and “Best Championship Course – Asia-Pacific” in 2012 by Asian Golf Monthly.