This story was first reported by Golf Course Architecture magazine.
The new firm will work on three new course projects in 2025, in South Dakota, Georgia and Florida, as well as a redesign in Indiana.
“What makes us such a strong team is that we each bring different and specific skill sets to the table,” said Smyers, an accomplished amateur golfer whose almost 50 years in the industry includes time as president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and on the USGA executive committee.
Smyers and Criag have shared their passion for golf architecture over several years.
“I’m forever grateful for Steve’s mentorship; he’s the Mr Miyagi to my Karate Kid.” said Craig, who started his own design firm aged 25 and is a winner of the World 100 Club Architectural Fellowship, which allowed him to study over 50 links courses in Scotland.
In 2019, Craig met golf writer Tom Coyne at Southern Hills. By the seventeenth, the two had agreed to collaborate, and they established Craig & Coyne in 2022.
“Storytelling and design have always had parallels, and Tom is one of the greatest storytellers in golf,” said Craig.
“Tom is one of the most well-travelled golfers of all time, and his passion for golf architecture makes him a rare and valuable asset,” said Smyers.
“What drew me to Steve was our shared respect for golf and our common values. Steve is the man – we’re lucky to have his wisdom in our corner,” said Coyne, a New York Times bestselling author and editor of The Golfer’s Journal.
The new firm brings together three generations (Smyers is a baby boomer, Coyne is Gen X and Craig is a millennial) with three perspectives of golf course architecture, and will focus on creating “one-of-a-kind projects with compelling stories”.
“It’s refreshing to be part of a multigenerational team,” said Coyne. “We all respect each other, and our combined energy is something rare in the field.”
SCC’s design philosophy aims to blend history with the natural land to emphasise strategic shot-making. According to Smyers, Coyne and Craig, the firm will “champion design through subtraction” to focus on simplicity, timelessness and creative thinking. Designs will encourage repeat play while honouring the traditions of the game and embracing new innovations.
“The best part of golf is the people you meet, and the second-best part is that golf is played on an undefined playing field, making golf architecture essential,” said Craig.
“We’re in the business of creating enjoyable experiences, but working with SCC will be an enjoyable experience,” said Coyne.