J F Dudok van Heel 1925 - 2003

Joan Frederik Dudok van Heel, a Fellow and past President of the British Institute of Golf Course Architects, passed away in May 2003.

After 25 years in the banking and petroleum/oil industry, Joan began designing golf courses in 1968. He designed and supervised construction of more than 50 courses throughout Europe.

Joan was also a Dutch national and international champion (15 times) and represented the Netherlands for 25 years from 1946 to 1971.

Cameron Sinclair, an EIGCA Fellow and past President of BIGCA, said:

"J F Dudok van Heel loved life and loved golf. A former Dutch Amateur Champion and member of the R&A and Pine Valley he could talk about golf with some authority. He was a fierce defender of the traditions of golf and his work as a golf course architect reflected his desire to keep everything as natural as possible. His promotional material started with the words "Munching grass on the Scottish dunes, sheep formed the first golf courses..". He was great company and had a great sense of humour. I had the pleasure of collaborating with him on two completed projects and he has worked with Gerard Jol, Bruno Steensels and Thomas Himmel, all Members of the EIGCA. Speaking fluent English, French, German and his native Dutch he worked extensively throughout Europe. There is no doubt that he has made a significant contribution to the growth of golf on the Continent."