Jim Ryan, Jr.'s passion for golf course architecture began at an early age. Growing up, his school notebooks were filled not with class notes, but with sketches of golf holes and course layouts. He spent countless hours designing courses on a rudimentary golf video game, Sim Golf, constantly refining ideas and imagining how golf holes should look and play. By high school, that fascination had evolved into a senior thesis on golf architecture, complete with the routing, renderings, and a 3D model of a golf course designed for the proposed site of an actual club. What began as youthful curiosity has since become a lifelong pursuit and career dedicated to the art of golf course design.

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Following graduation from Penn State University, Jim joined Mottin Golf Course Renovations in the Philadelphia area as a Project Manager, where he oversaw multiple renovation projects. He later relocated to Pinehurst, North Carolina, to apprentice under Richard Mandell, ASGCA, one of the country's foremost authorities on the restoration of Donald Ross golf courses. During his time in Pinehurst, Jim gained valuable experience studying classic architecture and the principles of historically sensitive restoration.

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After two years in North Carolina, Jim returned to the Philadelphia region to join Golf Architect, Tyler Rae, where he has played an integral role in the growth of the firm. Under Rae's mentorship, Jim has been involved in the design, shaping and construction of numerous acclaimed restoration, renovation, and new golf course projects throughout the United States.

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Some of the notable work on which Jim has contributed include:

• Detroit Golf Club (North Course) – Home of the PGA TOUR's Rocket Classic

• Lookout Mountain Club – Golf Digest Restoration of the Year (2023)

• Wampanoag Country Club – Golf Digest Restoration of the Year, Third Runner-Up (2023)

• Wakonda Club - Home of the PGA TOUR Champions Principal Charity Classic

• Old Sawmill Golf Club

• Ansley Golf Club (Settindown Course)

• St. Davids Golf Club

• Hyde Park Golf & Country Club

• Mountain Lake

• Glen View Club

 

In addition to his work with Rae, Jim has selectively cultivated an independent portfolio of consulting projects serving clubs throughout the country. His work is rooted in a deep appreciation for both Golden Age golf architecture and in the creativity of new golf course design.  Jim’s expertise goes beyond simply the design as he personally shapes his designs to ensure a detailed, handcrafted and refined finished product.

 

Away from the office or construction site, Jim enjoys spending time on the golf course with family and friends at his home club. He and his wife, Candace, reside in the Philadelphia area, where they enjoy exploring the regions developing food scene. In the fall, Saturdays are reserved for cheering on the Penn State Nittany Lions football team, the only tradition that rivals his passion for golf course design.

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Jim Ryan, Jr. ~ Golf Architect
641A N Providence Road
Media, PA 19063
(610) 505-4517
JimRyanGCDesign@gmail.com