ATLANTA – Bob Cupp, who designed some of the world’s great golf courses and a past president and fellow of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, died Friday. He was 76. 

After a brief career as a professional golfer, Cupp began designing courses. He worked with Jack Nicklaus, ASGCA Fellow, as a senior designer for more than 15 years before forming his own firm. His courses have hosted more than 50 national and international championships.

They include: Liberty National in New Jersey, Beacon Hill in Ontario, Canada, Pumpkin Ridge in Portland, Crosswater in Sunriver, Ore., Old Waverly CC, in Mississippi and Hawks Ridge in Georgia.

In 1992, Golf World Magazine recognized Cupp as it’s first-ever Golf Architect of the Year. His work over the years included joint projects with his son, Bobby, a golf course architect and builder.

A published author, Cupp wrote The Edict; a novel from the beginnings of golf, for Random House. He also co-authored Golf’s Grand Design, a conversation on the history and evolution of golf course architecture and companion book to the PBS television show of the same name, with Golf Digest Architecture Senior Editor Ron Whitten.

Cupp headed Bob Cupp, Inc. in Atlanta. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Miami and a Masters in Fine Arts from the U.S. Army Extension Service.

“Bob Cupp was a renaissance man,” said ASGCA President Greg Martin. “He was a poet and author, golf course architect and musician, he loved to tell tales and offer opinions. Bob was a famed golf course architect, mentor to many and friend to all. As a member and as ASGCA President, he provided lyrical perspective during some deeply challenging years.

“On behalf of the ASGCA, we offer our deepest condolences to Bob’s family – know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob was an important part of this organization, and more importantly, he was a cherished member of the ASGCA family.”

Cupp became an ASGCA member in 1990 and served as President in 2012-13.

Bob is survived by his wife, Pamela Amy-Cupp, their two children, Sengens and Foster Amy-Cupp and his children, Robert E. Cupp Jr., Caren Cupp, Laura Cupp and his seven grandchildren.