Course Architect

William S. Flynn ranks among the great golf architects not only for the distinguished courses he built, but for the philosophies he expressed and the agronomic innovations he brought to the game.

He served his apprenticeship at Merion and re-shaped classic courses from Pine Valley to Shinnecock Hills, in addition to his achievements at Cherry Hills.

Born in 1890, Flynn died in 1945, having enjoyed his peak productivity in the "Golden Age" of American course design from 1913-1939. He was responsible for two U.S. Open courses during his lifetime, with others that have since hosted numerous national championships.

Acknowledged as a master of routing and expert in construction principles, Flynn is heralded by a biography titled The Nature Faker for his proficiency in making a golf course blend into its natural landscape.

When building Cherry Hills in 1922-23, during the prime of his career, Flynn was strongly influenced by Pine Valey, where he had recently redesigned the 12th through the 15th holes. Flynn's incorporation of interrupted fairways on nearly half of the holes at Cherry Hills, which can be clearly seen in the Course Map, was Pine Valley's primary influence.

Several holes at Cherry Hills are reminiscent of Pine Valley, including the 7th (inspired by the 12th at Pine Valley).

The 7th is a dog-leg left that tempts players to challenge the bunkers and go for the direct line in contrast to the safer preferred line. The 14th at Cherry Hills is reminiscent of the 13th at Pine Valley with its heroic tee shot and demanding long approach. While the massive cross bunkers at the 17th recall Pine Valley's Hell's Half Acre, Flynn's use of interrupted fairways at Cherry Hills was a less penal challenge for players of all skill levels. The island green 17th is comparable to the 14th at Pine Valley, and was a novel concept at the time.