BROOKFIELD, Wis. – 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 (CEC) 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.
ASGCA Background
Founded in 1946 by Donald Ross, Robert Trent Jones and 12 other leading architects, the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of experienced golf course designers located throughout North America. Members have completed a rigorous application process that includes the peer review of representative golf courses. ASGCA members are able to counsel in all aspects of golf course design and remodeling and comprise many of the great talents throughout the golf industry.
For more information about ASGCA, including a current list of members, visit http://www.asgca.org or call (262) 786-5960.
# # #
American Society of Golf Course Architects
155 S. Executive Dr., Suite 100
Brookfield, WI 53005
Office (262) 786-5960, Cell (262) 510-8796
www.asgca.org