Born in Pinehurst, North Carolina in 1947 Dan Maples has been involved in golf either as professionals, superintendents, builders, or architects. At the age of six, Dan designed his first golf course and was handling earth-moving equipment before he had a driver's license. During summer vacations, he worked for his father gaining valuable experience in golf course construction and maintenance.
He graduated with a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture from the University of Georgia in 1972 and then worked as golf professional for two years. Two years later Dan joined the firm of his father, Ellis, as a full partner. Together, Ellis and Dan Maples have helped create 22 courses in North & South Carolina and Georgia including The Orchard in 1990.
Since forming Dan Maples Design in 1984, Dan has gone on to become one of the most successful golf course designers in America. His impressive list of courses includes many of America's finest. Dan is past president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects.