The Greenprint

Glenelg Golf Club has been completely reshaped through a long, multi-year redevelopment that in 2021 brought architects, Neil Crafter and Ryan Van Der Veen together to modernize the course while protecting the character that makes it memorable. Neil Crafter started the process back in the late 1990's and more recently, with Ryan from 2021 to it's recent completion and opening.  The guiding design philosophy and a big part of this story is to challenge golfers through strategy and interesting green complexes rather than sheer length, creating holes that reward smart decision-making. That approach also includes embracing "quirk" as an intentional design e...

We're really pleased to welcome Paul Jansen to The Greenprint. Paul has built an impressive career in the world of golf architecture, and we kick things off by exploring his early journey in the industry, including a formative stint with Faldo Design.

From there, we dive into two of his standout ventures: @himalayasgolf and @golfinsmallspaces, both developed in collaboration with Sir Nick Faldo. Paul shares insights into the growing demand for innovative short-game practice areas, short courses, and state-of-the-art putting greens. His designs focus on thoughtful detail and authentic playability, allowing golfers to train in conditions that...

Brought to you by Toro

In this episode, we head to the striking Island of Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal located off the northwest coast of Africa. While Madeira isn't traditionally thought of as a golf destination, it carries nearly 100 years of golfing history and features three courses across two islands—Palheiro, Santo da Serra, and Porto Santo. The islands have also played host to the Madeira Open on the European Tour for many years. And with a fourth course under construction at Ponta do Pargo, Madeira's golf future looks brighter than ever. (Stay tuned for an...

We're really lucky to be joined by Clyde Johnson of Cunnin' Golf Design. Clyde brings an extensive knowledge of golf course design and construction, built through his time working with Tom Doak at Renaissance Golf Design and, for the past decade, through his own practice.

Learning from and collaborating with some of the best in the business, Clyde takes great pride in crafting natural golf courses on great sites—and in helping clubs enhance their existing layouts through thoughtful master planning.

In this episode, we explore Clyde's career journey, as well as some of the co...

In this newly titled edition of On The Tee with Golf Course Architecture magazine, we're joined once again by Toby Ingleton to explore a range of exciting golf course projects—some recently completed, others underway, and a few still on the horizon—all from around the world.

We kick things off at The Wisley, where work has just been completed on the Garden 9. Toby recently visited and shares his insights on the redesign and its impact.

From there, we move to The Rock!—a brand-new 9-hole Par 3 course with big ambitions to join the ranks of the...

Leighton is once again joined by golf course architect Thad Layton of Thad Layton Design to explore a recent architectural study trip.

Fresh off an incredible 20+ course tour of southern England and the Midlands, Thad shares the motivations behind the trip, how he organized it, and the design lessons he's bringing back to his own work. Many architects make this journey to the UK, but the focus here was on courses of southern England—some designed by the most notable names in golf architecture, and others by architects less well known but equally influential. The conversation also ex...

We're joined on this architecturally focused episode by Mike Cocking of OCM. OCM have been steadily building their reputation in the architecture world, particularly across Australia and more recently in the USA.

Mike talks about the team's transition into the US market after many standout projects in Australia, such as Peninsula Kingswood and Lonsdale Links. That move began with Shady Oaks in Dallas–Fort Worth, and despite the challenges of COVID, it ultimately led to one of the game's most significant projects: the redevelopment of Medinah No. 3.

From there, the conversation dives into two fascinating OC...

In partnership with Toro, we're delighted to be joined by Andrew Wilson, Director of Agronomy at Bethpage State Park Golf Course, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to prepare a Ryder Cup venue.  Together with Mike Hadley, Course Superintendent of the famed Black Course, they will ensure the course is tournament ready, providing the perfect stage for one of golf's greatest competitions.

From managing turf under climatic challenges to assembling a world-class team and ensuring equipment is Ryder Cup ready, Andrew and Mike share what goes into getting the course in perfect condition—often bef...

Leighton and Toby Ingleton of Golf Course Architecture Magazine join Martin and Allan to share their first-hand experience of playing the newly refurbished Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry, while also reflecting on the wider golf course. Widely regarded as one of the greatest courses in the world, the Ailsa has recently undergone significant changes — particularly to holes 7 and 8 — that further elevate its reputation.

Recorded in the Champions Suite at Turnberry, this conversation explores:

The more recent history of changes made since new ownership in 2016

The motivations behind the Trump Organisation's and Martin Ebert's rede...

In this episode, brought to you in partnership with Toro, we sit down with Andy Johnston — General Manager, Director of Agronomy, and Head of Design at Sentosa Golf Club.

A hugely respected figure in the world of golf, Andy shares an inside look at Sentosa GC, discussing its unique agronomic and climatic challenges and how he has helped shape both the courses and the wider infrastructure to world-class standards.

Drainage is a constant topic in course management — but at Sentosa, it's absolutely critical. Andy explains how the club tackles these issues and the innovative design appr...

Every 2–3 months we're teaming up with Golf Course Architecture magazine to bring you the latest from around the world of Golf Courses  — from redevelopments and restorations to exciting new builds

In this episode, Toby Ingleton from GCA magazine joins us to cover happenings from courses in Scotland, USA, Australia, England and Spain!  There's new openings, classic restorations and even a Ryder Cup venue!  

https://www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/

A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro

Check them out here!

https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/the-gre...

In this episode, Leighton is joined by Lee Strutt, a Master Greenkeeper with a career spanning some of the world's most prestigious golf courses. From his early work at Richmond Golf Club to grow-ins at elite venues like G-West and Les Bordes New Course as well as the Superintendent role at Cabot Cape Breton, Lee shares his journey through the turf industry, culminating in his current role at the iconic Loch Lomond Golf Club. This conversation offers deep insight into the dedication, cultural differences and unique challenges of overseeing these courses in different parts of the world.

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Leighton recently sat down with renowned golf course architect Thad Layton at the stunning Walton Heath Golf Club to discuss Thad's career journey, design philosophy, and his exciting transition into launching his own design firm.

The conversation then dove into one of the most important and evolving topics in modern golf architecture: the "design and build" method vs. the traditional "design and contractor" approach. With more courses opting for design and build, Thad shares valuable insights into why this method is gaining traction—particularly its ability to foster creativity, ensure design intent is preserved on-site, and deliver a...

In this insightful episode, we're joined by Kate Torgersen and Monina Gilbey of Torgersen Gilbey, who share how their combined expertise in environmental planning and sustainability strategy led to the formation of their consultancy.

Together, they support golf clubs through environmental audits, biodiversity planning, and strategic sustainability communication. Kate breaks down what's involved in an environmental audit or vegetation management plan, and the importance of native planting for course health and playability.

Monina explains biodiversity in the golf context, and how courses can become thriving ecological spaces. The duo highlights projects underway in Australia, the w...

In our first ever "What's News" segment, we're joined by Toby Ingleton, Editor of Golf Course Architecture Magazine, to explore a variety of exciting projects that are shaping the world of golf course design today.

Toby shares insights on a range of developments, including:

Royal Dornoch and the headline appointment of King, Collins, Dormer

Trump Turnberry's renovation work and the new course at Trump Aberdeen

Apogee in Hobe Sound, Florida – a high-profile addition to an already golf-rich region

The Cliffs on Kangaroo Island – an ambitious and scenic new project in A...

Leighton and Adam Lawrence of Golf Course Architecture Magazine and Oxford Golf Consulting lead episode 6 of The The Greenprint where they are joined by Tripp Davis. 

Tripp Davis is a highly respected American golf course architect and the founder of Tripp Davis and Associates (TDA), a firm he established in 1994. With a unique blend of competitive golfing experience and academic training in landscape architecture, Davis has become renowned for his strategic and environmentally conscious course designs.

Having been a three-time American Junior Golf Association All-American and student of the University of Oklahoma, Tripp attempted professional g...

In this episode, we're joined by Cam Ackerman and Aaron Belcher, the talented duo behind Up River Golf Co. – a rising force in golf course videography. With a rapidly growing reputation for cinematic storytelling and stunning visuals, Up River produces high-quality films for both private clients and their YouTube audience.

Cam and Aaron share how they founded Up River and their passion for highlighting golf course architecture through compelling narratives. Their films don't just show a course – they tell its story through the eyes of architects, superintendents, and those who live and breathe the game.

Feat...

In this episode, Leighton is joined by renowned golf course architect Tim Lobb, founder of Lobb & Partners. The conversation charts Tim's journey from his early days in Melbourne through pivotal roles at European Golf Design and Thompson, Perrett and Lobb, culminating in the launch of his own practice. Along the way, Tim shares how each phase of his career has informed his philosophy of working with the land, rather than imposing upon it.

We explore Lobb & Partners' international portfolio, with projects stretching from British Columbia to India, and delve into the nuances of designing for such diverse...

In this episode, we're joined by golf course designer and builder Ryan Van Der Veen of Van Der Veen Designs.

Growing up in Indiana, Ryan entered the world of construction and design early on—launching his career under the legendary Pete Dye. His time with Dye laid the foundation for a hands-on, design-and-build approach that's remained with him throughout his career.

Ryan later joined Norman Designs, where he spent years refining his skills in construction, project management, and design across the globe. Eventually, his journey led him to Australia, where he's now based and continuing to...

In this episode, Leighton delves into the remarkable transformation of Basingstoke Golf Club, telling the story through the evolution of the course itself. What began as an ambitious project years ago saw the club make a bold move half a mile across the M3 to Dummer Golf Club. The transition included selling the original site for development and acquiring Dummer Golf Course, all while ensuring that the members always had a course to play on.

Scott and Bruce join Leighton to discuss the early challenges of this endeavor, including navigating planning hurdles, managing water resources, and crafting...

Welcome to the first episode of The Greenprint! In this inaugural episode, we dive into the incredible story of Raglan Golf Club in Monmouthshire, Wales—a course that has truly risen from the ashes. After closing its doors following the COVID-19 pandemic, Raglan was purchased in early 2024 by a group hailing from Monmouthshire, and its rebirth is nothing short of inspiring.

Lucy, the driving force behind the revitalization, shares her journey in transforming the course from a state of disrepair to one that's ready to open in early April. From rebuilding greens to adding new tees and bu...