Contributed
The City of Oviedo honored the legacy of renowned golf course architect Joseph “Joe” Lewis Lee with the unveiling of a commemorative painting and plaque at Twin Rivers Golf Club, Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 3 p.m.
In August 2023, the City approached the Public Arts Board to explore ways to recognize Mr. Lee’s contributions as the designer of the Twin Rivers Golf Course. Oviedo artist Caryn Dahm was selected for the project and she created a watercolor painting that will be permanently displayed at the course. Along with the painting, a memorial plaque was installed in front of the clubhouse to memorialize Mr. Lee.
Lee was not only a world-recognized golf course architect, but also an Oviedo native, born on November 25, 1921. He graduated from Oviedo High School in 1938, served four years in the U.S. Navy, and later earned a degree in education from the University of Miami. He began his career working alongside golf course architect Dick Wilson and continued designing courses after Wilson’s passing in 1965.
Over the course of 50 years, Lee designed hundreds of golf courses across the United States, the Caribbean, South America, and Portugal. He played a significant role in the growth and popularity of golf in Florida, designing dozens of courses throughout the state, including Twin Rivers, before his passing in 2003.
Known for designing courses that are both challenging and fair for golfers of all skill levels; Lee was also featured in Golf Digest magazine for his contributions to the sport.
“It is only fitting that we honor the legacy of Joe Lee in Oviedo,” said Recreation and Parks Director Paul Belden. “He has enhanced the quality of life for thousands of people around the world with his courses, and we want to ensure his memory lives on through art.”
