George Clifton, ASGCA Fellow, dies at 72

George Clifton, ASGCA Fellow, died Nov. 4, 2025, in his hometown of Deland, Florida. He was age 72.

Clifton studied horticulture & architectural Drawing at the University of Florida, just as his father, Lloyd Clifton, ASGCA, had done. George spent time representing several leading suppliers of fertilizers, chemicals and seeds to the Florida golf market before turning to golf course architecture, joining his father and ASGCA Fellow Ken Ezell at Clifton Ezell Clifton Golf Design Group.

Included in the more than 90 CEC design projects was The Villages, Clermont, Florida. In 1984, George helped his father design the first course at The Villages. Since 1989, CEC has created 801 holes of golf, helping The Villages to become the largest golf community in the world.

The CEC Golf Design motto, “Championship Success by Design” was brought to life through more than just the skilled golf course architecture from Clifton, his father and business partner Ezell. The firm’s website notes Clifton’s horticulture background, noting they are a, “leading consultant in the preparation of integrated pesticide management plans and best management practices for golf courses. This assists our clients in solving the glut of environmental issues pressuring each project’s success. Our ornamental and horticulture background also facilitates owners’ selection and implementation of effective golf course programs to deal with trees, landscape and course irrigation.”

Besides The Villages, other golf course designed by Clifton include: Stoneybrook Golf Club, East Orlando, Florida; Prestwick Golf Club, Ormond Beach, Florida; Teravista, Round Rock, Texas; and Grey Oaks Palms Course, Naples, Florida.

Clifton became an ASGCA member in 2003 and a Fellow in 2024. He is survived by his wife, Terri, two children and four grandchildren.