More On Harbottle's Career

Todd Miles expands on his initial report about the sudden passing of golf architect John Harbottle.

One of his last renovation projects was underway at the course where he grew up – Tacoma Country and Golf Club, which flew the American flag at half-staff Friday in his honor.

Along with Tacoma course superintendent Joel Kachmack, Harbottle came up with a design to significantly alter bunkering, giving it a jagged-shaped, fescue-lined, classic-style look. The first phase has just been completed.

Harbottle was at another work site this week, and set to return home Thursday in time to sit on a First Tee of South Puget Sound board meeting Friday.

Apparently he was waiting for a layover flight at Los Angeles International Airport, and complained about pain in his neck and shoulder, Tacoma Country and Golf Club’s Friend said.

He went over to be worked on at a nearby chair massage and spa business in the airport terminal. Shortly after sitting down, he abruptly died. The cause of death has yet to be determined.