Golf News: The Best Golf Course Logos from Around the World

Old MacDonald at Bandon Dunes

The fourth course at Bandon Dunes, Old MacDonald comes in first at logo design among a host of other distinctive Bandon course logos.

Some will look upon this design and sigh, “Come on. My third-grader could have done that.” You would have a very talented third-grader, first of all. And Second, you need to think about the design, its inspirations, and its beautiful symmetry with the course it represents, to appreciate it in full.

First, understand that monogramming, in its many forms, is a popular design philosophy in golf logos. Oakmont Country Club is a great example. California Golf Club also integrates a cool monogram. Basically, take any letter and put C.C. or G.C. with it and you’ve created a large majority of golf course logos.

Because of this fact, creating a new and stirring version of a monogram golf logo is a tall order. And this is where the Old MacDonald logo shines. It’s able to build on a design approach and reinvent the category in a new and refreshing manner that straddles tradition and modern aesthetics.

Understand that the course itself is an homage to C.B. MacDonald; architect of Shinnecock, Sleepy Hollow, The National Golf Links of America, and the legendary and mysterious Lido golf course. MacDonald is credited with inventing the term “Golf Architect” according to some.

He’s a big deal. He’s a legend.

So this course has a lot to live up to. The logo has to do a lot of that heavy lifting. It creates a first impression for the player. It’s an invitation to what the player will experience. It has to capture the history of the inspiration despite being less than ten years old.

Weaving old and new together without creating a design trainwreck is hard to do. I think the Old MacDonald logo captures it perfectly. Bandon Dunes describes the course as a Scottish transplant, looking and playing like an old links course many years its senior.

The logo captures this simpler time in golf history (and logo design) while striking the eye as something more modern and different. That’s the design equivalent of a Hogan 1-iron.

These are just five of my favorites. I also love Sleepy Hollow, Scioto, The Country Club (Brookline), and Olympic. If your club isn’t getting the notoriety (or pro shop sales) you desire, a rebrand might be an option. Creating emotion, history, and uniqueness around your course could make you more proud to play there, interest new players, and elevate the overall brand.