Born in Graham, Texas in 1928, Leon Howard left an indelible mark on golf course architecture across the United States—and nowhere more so than in Texas. A graduate of Texas A&M University (Class of 1949), Howard blended science and strategy from the very beginning, authoring a pioneering thesis on Compaction problems in putting green soils and later earning a master’s degree in Soil Physics with support from the United States Golf Association.
That foundation shaped a career that produced more than 165 golf course designs nationwide. Howard’s courses were not about spectacle or excess length. Instead, they emphasized sound agronomy, thoughtful routing, and strategic decision-making—qualities that allow his work to remain relevant decades later.
A Sample of Leon Howard Golf Course Designs
Municipal Golf: Ross Rogers, Amarillo
One of Leon Howard’s most important public-golf contributions is the Ross Rogers Golf Complex in Amarillo. The complex features two courses originally designed by Howard: the Mustang Course and the Wildhorse Course. Ross Rogers has hosted championships conducted by the Texas Golf Association, a distinction that speaks directly to the architectural integrity of the design. The Mustang Course is more traditional and welcoming, while Wildhorse presents a tougher, wind-exposed test that rewards discipline and placement. Together, they embody Howard’s belief that municipal golf should be accessible, but never ordinary.
Private Club Pedigree: Maridoe Golf Club
Howard’s influence extended well beyond public golf. Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, TX was originally designed by Leon Howard in 1959. Decades later, the course was modernized by D.A. Weibring, transforming it into a contemporary championship venue while preserving the bones of Howard’s original routing. That architectural lineage matters. Rather than being replaced, Howard’s design proved adaptable—strong enough to support modern length, conditioning, and elite competition.
Strategic Signatures in the Hill Country: The Hills of Lakeway
In Austin, Howard designed the Morris Williams course for the city and two of the four courses at The Hills of Lakeway: the Live Oak Course and the Yaupon Course. The Lakeway courses showcase one of Howard’s most memorable—and mischievous—design signatures: a tree planted squarely in the middle of the fairway, daring long hitters to think twice and forcing shorter hitters to navigate around. At the Yaupon Course, holes 5, 11 and 17 challenge you with this design element, while at Live Oak, it’s holes 3 and 14. These holes don’t punish length outright; they reward decisions. Shape it, lay back, or take on the risk. It’s classic Leon Howard—strategy without severity.
A Favorite Close to Home: Lighthouse Golf Course
Despite his national footprint, Howard held one course especially close: Lighthouse Golf Course in Kingsland. It was his personal favorite and the course he played regularly after retiring to the Highland Lakes area. That preference speaks volumes. Lighthouse reflects everything Howard valued—walkability, strategic interest, and a course that reveals something new every time around.
Leon Howard's Legacy is Written in Fairways
Leon Howard passed away in December 2014, joining his wife of 58 years, Fannie Jo Jones Howard. But his legacy remains very much alive—in Amarillo’s championship municipal fairways, at Maridoe’s elite private corridors, among the oak-lined challenges of Lakeway, and on quiet evenings at Lighthouse.
In an era increasingly defined by length and spectacle, Leon Howard’s work reminds us that the best golf courses are built on ideas, not excess. His designs reward thoughtful golfers, endure across generations, and continue to earn respect from everyday players and championship organizers alike. From Texas Panhandle winds to Hill Country ravines, Leon Howard helped shape Texas golf in ways that still matter today.
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Ross Rogers is an excellent facility! Nice write up on a Texas legend.
George great looking blog. Can’t wait to get into it with you. Played Ross Rogers Amarillo. Great golf course!
thanks.
Great stuff, George. One night I’ll be drunk enough to go out and take care of those trees that Howard inadvertently left in the middle of the fairways.