Denver, United States: Perry Dye, a member of one of the most famous families in golf, has passed away at the age of 68.

Dye received his first experience building golf courses at age 12, when he began an apprenticeship under his father, American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) Past President Pete Dye.

He accompanied his father to work on sites in the Midwest and the Dominican Republic through his youth and college years.

Perry formed Dye Designs in 1984. The company is known for building unique, environmentally sensitive golf courses.

In 1986, Dye Designs further expanded internationally as Perry recognised the growing demand and market for worldwide golf services. In Japan alone, Perry designed nearly two dozen courses, and Dye-designed facilities can be found in more than 15 countries.

With more than 80 courses to his credit, Perry’s dedication to golf included promoting growth within the golf course industry by co-operating with and supporting industry and professional groups, civic organisations and the general public.

A member of the Golf Course Builders Association of America, in 2004 he received the inaugural award that bears his name – the Perry O. Dye Service Award – which honours ‘exceptional individuals who have unselfishly contributed their influence to foster positive changes for the association and have continually endeavoured to make it better’.

“This is a great loss for golf design, but right now we should all be sending our love and support to the Dye family,” said ASGCA President Forrest Richardson.

“Perry and I shared many good times, and I am so grateful to have spent time with him at the 2020 Golf Industry Show just before the Covid lockdowns began. As usual, he was full of life, smiling and telling stories. We will miss him,” added Richardson.

Perry became an ASGCA member in 1996 and served on the ASGCA Board of Governors. He was preceded in death by his parents, ASGCA Past Presidents Pete and Alice Dye. He is survived by his brother, PB Dye, ASGCA, wife Ann, children and their spouses Lucy (Erik) Bowman and Lilly (Ross) Harmon, and grandchildren Brooks and Margaret Harmon.

*Report by American Society of Golf Course Architects