Steve Smyers & Craig & Coyne Golf Design Merge

The design firms of Steve Smyers Golf Course Architects and Craig & Coyne Golf Design have merged to create a new, dynamic design firm—Smyers Craig Coyne (SCC).

“What makes us such a strong team is that we each bring different and specific skill sets to the table,” said Steve Smyers about the recent partnership. Steve, a seasoned golf architect with nearly 50 years in the industry, has held pivotal roles including president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and served on the USGA’s executive committee. A University of Florida graduate and member of the 1973 NCAA National Championship team, Steve is also an accomplished amateur golfer, winning the 2008 Senior Crump Cup. His career has taken him around the world, designing courses on all six continents.

Over the years, Steve and Colton Craig have bonded over their shared passion for golf architecture. “I’m forever grateful for Steve’s mentorship; he’s the Mr. Miyagi to my Karate Kid,” said Colton, an Oklahoma State graduate with honors in Landscape Architecture. Colton’s journey includes winning the prestigious World 100 Club Architectural Fellowship, which allowed him to study over fifty legendary links courses in Scotland. At 25, Colton started his own design firm, marking the beginning of his journey.

In 2019, Colton met Tom Coyne at Southern Hills during his “A Course Called America” tour. Colton caddied for Tom, and by the 17th hole, the two had already agreed to collaborate. “Storytelling and design have always had parallels, and Tom is one of the greatest storytellers in golf,” said Colton. Tom, an award-winning, New York Times bestselling author and editor of The Golfer’s Journal, brings unique storytelling expertise to the team.

“Tom is one of the most well-traveled golfers of all time, and his passion for golf architecture makes him a rare and valuable asset,” said Steve. Tom, who holds a master’s degree in creative writing from Notre Dame, echoed Steve’s sentiments. “What drew me to Steve was our shared respect for golf and our common values. Steve is the man—we’re lucky to have his wisdom in our corner,” said Tom.

The new firm brings together a Baby Boomer (Steve), Gen X-er (Tom), and Millennial (Colton), each contributing their unique perspectives to the world of golf architecture. “In a time when generational tension feels high, It’s refreshing to be part of a multigenerational team. We all respect each other, and our combined energy is something rare in the field,” added Tom. Colton explained, “The best part of golf is the people you meet, and the second-best part is that golf is played on an undefined playing field, making golf architecture essential.”

Smyers Craig Coyne (SCC) will focus on creating exceptional, one-of-a-kind projects with compelling stories. The firm’s design philosophy blends the history of golf with the natural land, emphasizing strategic shot-making. In an era of abundance, SCC champions design through subtraction, focusing on simplicity, timelessness, and creative thinking. Their designs encourage repeat play while honoring the traditions of the game and embracing new i6nnovations.

Instead of focusing on quantity, SCC prioritizes quality in every project. Colton shares, “Steve changed my view on P&L. Early on, I took any project just to get by, but Steve showed me the value of focusing on a few key projects.” Developers often face the choice between a prolific firm or one with direct designer involvement. “We aim to offer both,” said Steve.

“We’re in the business of creating enjoyable experiences, but working with SCC will be an enjoyable experience,” said Tom.

Project in 2025: New Courses in South Dakota, Georgia, and Florida, and a redesign in Indiana.