Course designer Von Hagge dies aged 82

Les Bordes creator was one of the finest course architects

Bob Warters's picture
Thu, 21 Oct 2010
Course designer Von Hagge dies aged 82


Robert von Hagge, the golf design innovator who created masterpieces including Les Bordes, Paris National and Seignosse on the French Spanish Border, has died at his home in Texas, aged 82.

Born and raised on a golf course, where he worked as a caddie, greens superintendant and assistant pro, he was the son of course designer and developer Ben von Hagge, who worked briefly with Donald Ross in the 1920s.
By 1959, Robert was recognised in his own right as a principal designer with the Wilson firm and within three years helped in the design of 40 courses in the US and the Caribbean.


He has since had a hand in creating more than 250 courses around the world chiefly in the US, Mexico and in Europe, where  Les Bordes, set in the middle of the Loire Valley in France is regularly ranked No.1 in Europe.
According to one website 'It has been said that when he designed this beast, he was at his most wickedly creative … the course is a supreme challenge.'


Other creations on the Continent include Circolo in Milan, Emporda in Spain and Royal Mougin  in Southern France.