P
erry and Press Maxwell, Doug Petersan, Bill Coore and 
Ben Crenshaw, and Dave Axland. Remove the name 
that is not a renowned golf course architect. Trick 
question, of course. Beloved PD Golf Course Superintendent 
Doug Petersan (1980–1991) was as much golf course 
designer as greenskeeper. And, without Petersan, there 
perhaps wouldn’t be a Coore and Crenshaw or Axland in 
PD’s rich story. That’s the deep impact this humble, hard-
working gatekeeper continues to have on Prairie Dunes and 
the sustainability of the golf industry.
THE RIGHT BALANCE
Ben Crenshaw, two-time PGA Tour Major winner and World 
Golf Hall of Fame Member, says, “Doug was exceptional in 
every way.” Based on our many conversations and research, 
it appears that Doug’s genius rested in his understanding 
— at the depth of his soul — of how to embrace the major 
paradoxes his craft presents without feeling like he was 
constantly riding a seesaw. Overload any one side and it’s not 
going to end well for anyone. Petersan’s industry-enlarging 
example continues to be an open book for all to appreciate 
and take freely.
Architectural integrity and strategic intent 
Architectural integrity and strategic intent v Modern 
 Modern 
game adaptation
game adaptation
At one point it became a concern that Hole 12 at The Dunes 
was playing too short for the better golfers. Petersan 
immediately began constructing a new tee box on top of the 
dune directly above and behind the blue/gold tees. Legend 
has it that a member of the PD greens committee heard and 
hustled out to see what was going on, as this had not actually 
been authorized by the committee. Petersan apparently told 
him he was nearly halfway finished. The new tee is still in 
play today.
Similarly, a PD member once aced Hole 2 when his offline tee 
shot took a fortuitous bounce out of the gunch on the right 
side of the green and found its way to the bottom of the cup. 
When Petersan heard this he knew this was not how the hole 
should play. Yep. He quickly constructed the bunker on the right 
side of the green to prevent this from ever happening again.
Fortunately for Prairie Dunes, Doug recognized when he 
needed help to maintain the architectural integrity of the 
golf course. Enter Golf Course Architect Bill Coore to help 
resolve drainage issues on Hole 18 and lead the restoration of 
greens on Holes 1 and 2. Coore eventually partnered with Ben 
Crenshaw to form Coore and Crenshaw and their company 
became a tremendous partner to PD in the care and keeping 
of Maxwell’s gem.
We caught up with Mr. Coore coming off the successful 
soft opening of Rodeo Dunes in the sandy land of eastern 
Colorado. “I have been fortunate to come to know many of 
America’s most respected and acclaimed superintendents. 
Petersan was a man of integrity and intellect who became 
a mentor and great friend, and his name is at the very top 
of the list. Ever the teacher, Doug cherished and celebrated 
the successes of his pupils. An array of our nation’s most 
respected greenskeepers owes him a debt of gratitude for the 
guidance and preparation he gave them for business and life.”
PETER-  
PETER-  
 SAND
SAND
DOUG
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