It’s an unusual week – the US PGA is playing the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill and the US Senior PGA is at Catalina Course at Omni Tucson National. Both venues have ties to vHS&B.
While working with Dick Wilson, Robert worked on Bay Hill – way before it became “the house that Arny built” – as it was called during today’s telecast. In fact, Bay Hill had a very solid reputation and was an outstanding golf club from the beginning – which is why Arnold Palmer became enamored with Bay Hill in the mid-1980’s and eventually purchased the club.
The second course, with vHS&B ties, being used by the Senior tour this week – Omni Tucson National was originally designed by Robert Bruce Harris in 1961 and was renovated in 1983 by von Hagge and Devlin – (as the firm was known at that time). It was later renovated again in 2005 by Tom Lehman.
It’s unusual for an Architect to have two golf courses played by the professional tours in the same week. Looking at these courses today, seeing the changes in ownership and design – it truly gives a sense of the history and legacy of our company. These courses have stood the test of time and remain not only relevant, but stand out as significant and exemplary golf venues. It makes us proud!