When Tom Lehman and Chris Brands first joined forces more than a decade ago (1996), it was a natural evolution for both of them. Lehman, one of the world's most respected players and a British Open champion, had traveled the world playing courses of every conceivable style and design. He had a keen interest in learning more about how to create golf courses like the wondrous places over which he has competed during his stellar career. When the opportunity came in 1996, he began collaborating on projects with numerous designers including Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry, Arnold Palmer, the PGA Tour Design Group and, lastly, John Fought.

Working with Fought is where he met Chris Brands. Brands cut his teeth with architects Fought and Bob Cupp, along the way learning the ins and outs of every facet of golf course design and construction. Brands began his design career in 1990 and spent 13 years with Fought.

When Lehman joined with Fought in their own partnership in 2001, Brands came along and, when Lehman decided to form his own company in 2003, Brands joined him and Lehman Design Group was born.

"It is an optimal situation," says Lehman about working with Chris Brands. "He is very analytical and artistic where I am much more of a feel person. We have different strengths and the strengths together make the team gel very well."

Lehman says Brands is very bright and creative. "He is not afraid to think outside the box and has a very keen grasp of what will work and what won't. He understands way quicker than anybody the scope and the amount of work that might be involved in the eventual outcome. He has very strong beliefs and knows what he likes and, of course, so do I. At the end of the day, it is nice to be working with someone with the same conviction and passion who strives for excellence way and above the norm. I think that is what makes us so good."

Brands is equally complementary of Lehman. "He is very detailed and has a knack of being thoughtful and picking through things. And I like the fact that he is very hands-on; he loves going into the field and getting his hands dirty. I have learned a great deal from him. In the past few years, we have built up a nice approach and a good ability to design courses and it is really starting to come to fruition."