Architect Algie M. Pulley, Jr., dies at 85

Algie M. Pulley, Jr., ASGCA Fellow, died Sept. 21, near his home in Georgetown, Texas. He was age 85.

A native of Petersburg, Virginia, Pulley earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Virginia, where he captained the golf team, and later studied turf management at the University of Maryland. He served several years as a lieutenant in the U.S. Coast Guard and worked nearly six decades in the golf industry, in development, design, management and planning golf courses and support facilities.

Pulley’s stated belief was that “The focus in golf course design should be building positive human relationships through golf by establishing a pleasant, positive attitude beginning with the management staff and carried out by all employees.” Aware of the changing times and needs in the golf industry, Pulley put forth innovative solutions and called upon a host of specialists in all areas of creation and operation of a golf course to do so.

One of his many clients described Pulley by saying, “One seldom meets a professional in any field with such an abundance of ability, background and dedication. He was a tireless and loyal worker and an outstanding golfer and golf course architect.”

Golf courses designed by Pulley include Chardonnay Golf Course in Napa, California; Sky Valley Golf Course in Vallejo, California; Moraga Country Club in Moraga, California; and Prince George’s Country Club (with Arnold Palmer, also an ASGCA fellow in Mitchellville, Maryland.

Pulley became an ASGCA member in 1974 and became a Fellow in 2011. He is survived by his wife, Gayle.