Memorial proposed to honor local golf course architect

A memorial could be in the works to honor a famed local golf course architect. 

On Sept. 27, Oviedo’s Public Arts Board proposed an art project to honor the late Joseph “Joe” Lewis Lee and the legacy his designs had on golf courses across the country, including Oviedo’s Twin Rivers Golf Club.

Who is Joseph Lewis Lee?

Lee, an Oviedo native, was born in 1921 and died in 2003 at 81. After graduating from Oviedo High School in 1938, he enrolled at Bob Jones College in Tennessee for a year before joining the U.S. Navy. Lee served for four years before attending the University of Miami, where he earned a degree in education in 1949. 

Teaching for a year, Lee decided that he would work with prominent golf course architect Dick Wilson, who designed the famous Bay Hill golf course. After Wilson died in 1965, Lee went on to design hundreds of golf courses.

Lee used distinctive design techniques that set him apart from other architects. According to industry publication Golf Pass, he designed courses that were uniquely laid out by creating holes that could be reached by different shots, and lined the fairways and greens with huge bunkers. 

Lee’s impact on golf course design can be seen all over the world. He’s designed courses located in South America, Europe, the Caribbean and the United States. According to Golf Pass, Lee is mostly associated with the effect he’s had on golf courses in Florida. His work can be seen on dozens of courses throughout the entire state, including three Disney World resort golf courses and Twin Rivers.  

Lee’s designs didn’t go unnoticed. Author Ron Whitten wrote the book “Gentleman Joe Lee” to pay tribute to Lee’s 50-year golf course architecture career.

About the proposed memorial

Oviedo Development Services Director Teresa Correa said Oviedo City Council Member Keith Britton came to her with the idea to honor Lee. 

In order for the board to take on the project, it would have to meet certain criteria. According to City Ordinance No. 1653, the project would need to enhance the appearance of public facilities and places and improve the artistic and cultural environment of the City for its citizens through a variety of art forms, including but not limited to visual and performing arts.

“Initially, he came to me with the idea of a plaque, so if it were just a plaque to honor [Lee], it would not relate to public art,” Correa said. “If he were to attach any kind of watercolor, painting, a photograph or something… If we honor him with art, then yes, we can say it’s a great idea.” 

Correa said that during her initial research she learned that golf courses designed by Lee have found artistic ways to remember the architect. 

“When I was researching, I found the watercolor done by another place [Beau Chêne Country Club] that did the same thing [honoring Lee],” Correa said. 

Public Arts Board members said they were open to finding a way to honor Lee because of the impact and legacy he left. 

Board member Caryn Dahm said she thinks Twin Rivers Country Club would be an appropriate location.

“It’s a vibrant little club house. It’s old and it needs some updating but it could use something fresh in it,” Dahm said. 

What happens next

Correa said that the type of art the board would like to feature for Lee must be finalized before the next steps can be taken to approve the possible memorial. 

“It can be whatever the board decides to do,” Correa said. “Then we would have to assign a budget, or we can commission, we can decide to do a culture artist. We have different ways to attract art.” 

This proposal is in the early stages of planning, and the next Public Arts Boarding meeting is at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 18 at Oviedo City Hall, 400 Alexandria Blvd. to further discuss this project. 
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