In this episode of The Process by The Greenprint, Leighton Walker and Thad Layton are joined by internationally renowned golf course architect Brian Curley, whose career has taken him from growing up in Pebble Beach to designing and overseeing some of the largest golf developments ever undertaken around the world.

Brian reflects on the moment he discovered golf course architecture as a profession, his formative years working alongside Pete Dye during the golf boom of the 1980s, and how those experiences shaped his approach to design. He explains why successful golf architecture is about far more than shaping fairways and greens, discussing the importance of routing, strategy, landscape, non-turf areas and understanding what clients are truly trying to achieve.

The conversation then explores Brian's extraordinary work throughout Asia, including the development of Mission Hills China and Mission Hills Haikou, where he helped create multiple golf courses on an unprecedented scale. He shares fascinating stories about designing courses with distinctly different architectural identities, managing enormous construction projects, embracing local culture, and adapting golf architecture for emerging markets across China, Myanmar, Vietnam and beyond.

Brian also discusses the evolution of golf development over the past four decades, the post-COVID investment boom, why renovation work has become such a significant part of modern practice, and how practice facilities, short courses and alternative golf experiences are reshaping the future of the game. Along the way, the discussion covers owner expectations, the commercial realities of golf development, irrigation, construction, architecture in emerging markets and why spending time on-site remains one of the most important parts of the design process.

It's an insightful conversation with one of golf's most experienced architects, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the process of creating golf courses on every scale, from classic renovations to some of the largest projects the game has ever seen.

https://schmidt-curley.com/

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In the latest edition of On The Tee, Leighton Walker is once again joined by Golf Course Architecture magazine editor Toby Ingleton to explore some of the most interesting projects and talking points currently shaping the world of golf course architecture.

The conversation begins in Ireland, where Toby reflects on recent visits to two of the country's most significant renovation projects. At Ballybunion, attention turns to the transformation of the Cashen Course by Graeme Webster and Tom Watson Design, discussing how the renovation has opened up one of Ireland's most dramatic links landscapes while creating a far more playable and strategically engaging golf course. The discussion then moves south to Tralee, where another major restoration has enhanced Arnold Palmer's celebrated design while strengthening the relationship between the golf holes and the spectacular dune landscape that surrounds them.

Leighton and Toby also examine the growing emergence of high-quality 12-hole golf courses and whether they represent an important evolution for the modern game. Using New Greens in Sydney, designed by Crafter + Mogford, and the Mad Swans developments in England as examples, they discuss how thoughtful architecture, combined with wider leisure facilities, could provide a sustainable future for golf in urban environments without compromising the quality of the golfing experience.

Leighton then shares his impressions from a recent visit to White Bear Yacht Club in Minnesota, one of the United States' most understated architectural treasures. The pair discuss Donald Ross's influence, the subsequent restoration work led by Renaissance Golf Design and Jim Urbina, the remarkable natural movement across the property and green complexes that demand just as much thought as the wonderfully undulating fairways.

Closer to home, Toby looks back on his visit to Tandridge Golf Club following its recent renovation programme by Tim Lobb and his team. They explore how sympathetic tree management, outstanding new bunkering and subtle architectural enhancements have elevated one of England's finest inland courses while preserving its traditional character and strategic interest.

To round off the episode, Leighton and Toby are joined by Jason Straka of Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design for an exclusive update on one of the world's most extraordinary golf developments.

Plover Cove will become Hong Kong's first new golf course in almost half a century and is unlike almost any other project currently under construction. Built across reclaimed land and a former landfill overlooking Tolo Harbour, the project combines complex engineering, environmental restoration and modern golf course architecture on a remarkable scale. Jason explains the challenges of working alongside dozens of engineering disciplines, relocating landfill infrastructure, capturing and recycling stormwater, restoring woodland habitats and creating a world-class golf course where few would have imagined one could ever exist.

He also provides an update on construction progress, discusses the extensive sustainability measures built into the project, and reflects on how the experience is changing his own thinking about environmental restoration and golf course development.

The episode concludes with updates from two further Fry/Straka projects nearing completion: Curracloe Links in Ireland, where grow-in is entering its final stages ahead of preview play, and Miakka in Florida, where work continues on an expansive championship golf development that includes a vast practice facility, native landscape restoration and an innovative 12-hole par-three course.

It is another wide-ranging discussion that blends architecture, strategy, sustainability and some of the most exciting golf course projects currently taking shape around the world.

Plover Cove Golf Club

Plover Cove Video

Ballybunion Golf Club

Tralee Golf Club

New Greens Golf - Chatswood, Sydney

Mad Swans

White Bear Yacht Club

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Guests: Brad Burgess (Sports Turf Solutions) & Ryan McKuhen (Blade Runner Farms)

In the second episode of our mini-series exploring the evolution of golf course turfgrasses, Leighton Walker shifts the focus from cool-season species to the exciting world of warm-season grasses.

Joined by Brad Burgess, founder of Sports Turf Solutions, and Ryan McKuhen, President of Blade Runner Farms, the conversation explores how decades of research and development are transforming the way golf courses are built, maintained and experienced through the turf that it's played on.

The episode examines the evolution of modern Zoysia grasses, how they compare with traditional Bermuda and Paspalum varieties, and why many architects, owners and agronomists now see them as one of the biggest advances in golf course sustainability. Brad shares his experience introducing warm-season grasses across Asia, while Ryan explains the years of research and breeding behind Blade Runner Farms' latest turfgrass innovations.

Using Miakka Golf Club in Florida as a real-world case study, the discussion highlights how these new grass varieties are helping create firmer, faster playing surfaces while dramatically reducing water consumption, maintenance inputs and long-term operating costs. The conversation also explores how these grasses are giving golf course architects greater design freedom, allowing more creative shaping without increasing maintenance demands.

Looking ahead, Brad and Ryan discuss the future of warm-season turfgrasses, from improved drought and salt tolerance to even lower maintenance varieties, and explain why many believe they will play a vital role in making golf more sustainable for generations to come.

Whether you're a golf course architect, superintendent, club manager or simply fascinated by golf course design and agronomy, this episode offers a fascinating insight into one of the most significant developments shaping the future of golf.

https://www.bladerunnerfarms.com/

https://sportsturfsolutions.com/

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Leighton steps away from the usual interview format for a short update on The Greenprint, reflecting on how the podcast has evolved since launch and sharing the vision for where it's heading next. From its origins as a personal learning journey into golf course architecture and agronomy, the show has grown into a global platform featuring guests from five continents and a diverse mix of architects, superintendents, greenkeepers and industry experts.

The episode also explains the different strands of the podcast, including traditional interviews, The Process by The Greenprint with Thad Layton, agronomy-focused discussions, and the quarterly On The Tee series with Golf Course Architecture magazine. Leighton highlights some standout episodes, previews upcoming guests and projects, and discusses the importance of collaborations with organisations such as the European Institute of Golf Course Architects.

Looking ahead, Leighton shares plans to visit more golf courses and construction projects around the world, bringing listeners closer to the people, places and ideas shaping the future of golf course design. He also reflects on recent travels to Toronto and Minneapolis and outlines upcoming visits to Portugal and Australia.

Finally, the episode is a heartfelt thank you to listeners, guests and show partners whose support has helped The Greenprint continue to grow. Leighton explains why partnerships with companies such as Toro, Himalayas Golf and Shorehill Golf are built around shared values rather than traditional advertising, before inviting listeners to continue following the journey and help spread the word about the podcast.

EPISODES MENTIONED: David McLay Kidd - The Process Dana Fry - The Process Cool Season Grass Development All episodes

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In this episode of The Process by The Greenprint, Leighton Walker and Thad Layton are joined by renowned Australian golf course architect Mike Clayton for a wide-ranging discussion on the principles he feels underpin great golf course architecture. Drawing on decades as both a tour professional and architect, Mike explains why the best courses ask golfers interesting questions rather than simply demanding perfect execution, and how strategic design creates a much more enjoyable game.

The conversation explores the lasting influence of iconic courses such as The Old Course, Royal Melbourne Golf Club and Kingston Heath Golf Club. Mike discusses why angles into greens remain fundamental to good design, how the Melbourne Sandbelt shaped his architectural philosophy, and why many modern courses rely too heavily on bunkers when contour, short grass and strategic options often create far more engaging golf.

Mike also reflects on his career journey from touring professional to architect, the partnerships that have defined his work, and the collaborative process behind projects including Barnbougle Dunes, Seven Mile Beach and restorations at some of Australia's and Europe's most respected golf clubs. He shares practical insights into restoring classic courses, designing new greens that fit seamlessly within existing layouts, and why spending time on-site throughout construction is essential to creating great golf.

Along the way, the discussion covers tree management, course restoration, the value of 19th holes for maintenance flexibility, the realities of working with golf club committees, and why aspiring architects - and even tour professionals considering design - must immerse themselves fully in the craft rather than simply lending their name to a project. It's an insightful conversation about architecture, strategy, collaboration and the enduring qualities that make golf courses memorable for generations.

https://www.claytongolf.com.au/

https://www.cdpgolf.com/

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In this episode of The Process by The Greenprint, golf course architect and shaper Brett Hochstein joins hosts Leighton Walker and Thad Layton for a deep conversation on golf architecture, shaping philosophy, and the importance of reading the land. Brett reflects on discovering golf architecture at just four years old and shares how his early shaping work alongside architects like Tom Doak helped form his design instincts and understanding of construction.

A major theme throughout the discussion is site-specific design and the idea that golf courses should feel naturally connected to their environment. Brett explains how geology, erosion, wind, vegetation, and local history all influence his approach to shaping and strategy. The conversation explores everything from the sand dunes of Nebraska to the rugged common land courses of England, including places like Painswick Golf Club and Royal Worlington & Newmarket Golf Club, which Brett sees as some of golf's purest and most authentic experiences.

The episode also dives into Brett's restoration work at courses including Pasatiempo Golf Club, Hadley Wood Golf Club, and Lake Merced Golf Club. He shares the painstaking process of rebuilding lost Alister MacKenzie features from historic photographs, along with the challenge of balancing artistry, construction efficiency, and historical accuracy. Brett and Thad also discuss current architectural trends, from naturalistic design to the renewed interest in bold early Golden Age shaping and contour-driven strategy.

Beyond architecture, the conversation becomes surprisingly personal as Brett opens up about the pressures of the industry and the value of therapy and personal growth in building confidence and resilience. The episode closes with a quick-fire discussion on design features ranging from blind shots and centerline hazards to fall-away greens and revetted bunkers, offering a revealing look into Brett's architectural preferences and philosophy.

https://www.hochsteindesign.com/

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It's an agronomy based episode of The Greenprint, and Leighton Walker is joined by Scott Roberts, Course Manager at Hindhead Golf Club in the UK, alongside Mark Shaw and Will Bowden from PGG Wrightson Seeds in New Zealand. Together they explore the fascinating world of cool-season turfgrasses, uncovering the science, research and long-term planning that underpin the playing surfaces golfers often take for granted. There's also a strong emphasis on how these grasses effect playability of Golf Courses

The conversation begins with an introduction to PGG Wrightson Seeds and their role within DLF, one of the world's largest seed companies. Mark and Will explain how New Zealand has become a global centre for turfgrass breeding, particularly for colonial browntop, and discuss how genetics collected from golf courses and natural environments are used to develop new cultivars capable of meeting the demands of modern golf.

Scott shares his journey through the greenkeeping profession, including his involvement in the complete redevelopment of Basingstoke Golf Club before moving to Hindhead. His experience provides valuable insight into the practical challenges of selecting grass species during construction projects and balancing performance, maintenance requirements and golfer expectations.

A major theme throughout the episode is the complexity of turfgrass breeding. Mark and Will explain that developing a new cultivar can take more than a decade, from identifying promising parent plants and carrying out controlled crosses through to years of evaluation, seed multiplication and commercial production. They discuss the constant challenge of improving turf quality while simultaneously increasing resilience to drought, disease and wear.

The group also examines the differences between creeping bentgrass, colonial browntop and fine fescues, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each species. While creeping bentgrass offers exceptional playing quality and recovery, browntop and fescues often require fewer inputs and can provide greater sustainability in the right environment. The discussion highlights that there is rarely a universal solution, with successful grass selection depending heavily on climate, soil conditions, maintenance budgets and the overall vision for the golf course.

Sustainability features heavily in the conversation as the panel explores the impact of declining pesticide availability, increasing pressure on water resources and changing climatic conditions. The guests explain how breeding programmes are increasingly focused on disease resistance and drought tolerance, helping golf courses adapt to future challenges while maintaining acceptable standards of play. They also discuss examples from Europe and New Zealand where golf courses are operating with significantly reduced chemical inputs, providing a glimpse into the future direction of turf management.

The episode concludes with a discussion around the importance of collaboration between breeders, architects, agronomists and course managers. Through examples including Tara Iti, Te Arai Links, Jack's Point and Royal Melbourne, the guests demonstrate how early involvement in the design process can help ensure the right grass species and cultivars are selected to deliver both exceptional playing conditions and long-term sustainability.

This episode offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of turfgrass development and highlights the crucial role that genetics will play in shaping the future of golf course management. It also sets the stage for the next instalment in the series, which will focus on warm-season grasses, including Bermuda and Zoysia, and their growing relevance in an increasingly unpredictable climate.

Hindhead Golf Club

PGG Wrightson

Will Bowden

Mark Shaw

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In this episode of The Process by The Greenprint, Leighton and Thad sit down with legendary golf course architect Bruce Charlton of Robert Trent Jones II to explore the design philosophies and creative process he has developed over more than 40 years in the industry.

Bruce reflects on his early fascination with golf course design - including sketching golf holes during church services, and explains how that passion evolved into a career shaping courses around the world. The conversation dives into his instinctive approach to routing, why he prefers to "follow the water," and how listening to the natural movement of the land remains central to his philosophy.

Leighton and Thad also discuss Bruce's experiences working alongside Bobby Jones Jr., the creative freedom and trust he has been given throughout his career, and the incredible variety found across the courses he has designed. Bruce shares insight into how golf architecture has evolved over the decades, particularly when revisiting courses originally built 30 or 40 years ago and modernising them for today's game while respecting their original character.

The conversation also touches on the realities of balancing an extensive global career with family life, and how Bruce has managed the demands of constant travel and long-term projects while maintaining perspective away from the golf course.

A thoughtful and engaging conversation with one of the most respected figures in golf course architecture.

https://www.rtj2.com/

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Reach out to Thad - https://thadlaytondesign.com/

https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/the-green-print/

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www.golfclubtalk.uk

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*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:89ffc765-c9c8-489f-8418-9045269ae7cc-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:89ffc765-c9c8-489f-8418-9045269ae7cc-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> On this episode of The Process, we sit down with the thoughtful and highly respected golf course architect and shaper Riley Johns. Riley's path through the game is a rare one — having worked alongside both Bill Coore and Tom Doak, he has been shaped by two of the most influential modern design philosophies in golf. Those experiences, combined with years of hands-on shaping work around the world, have helped form Riley's own distinctive perspective on architecture, creativity, and restraint, culminating in Rhebb & Johns Design. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:89ffc765-c9c8-489f-8418-9045269ae7cc-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:89ffc765-c9c8-489f-8418-9045269ae7cc-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant">

Our conversation explores the experiences and influences that continue to shape Riley's process today. He reflects on his upbringing in the Canadian Rockies and how growing up surrounded by dramatic landscapes sharpened his appreciation for terrain, movement, and scale. Riley also shares stories from his time working with some of the game's most respected operators and architects, discussing the importance of observation, patience, and learning through travel.

Part of the discussion centers around Riley's long-standing partnership with Keith Rhebb and the collaborative dynamic that has made their work so admired throughout the golf world. We also dive into the art of routing — one of the most critical and misunderstood aspects of golf course architecture — as Riley explains how he walks and studies a piece of land repeatedly to uncover the best possible golf holes. Rather than forcing ideas onto the landscape, he discusses the discipline of letting the land guide the process and why great routing often comes from careful observation more than ambition.

Riley also shares his thoughts on the ideal golf facility — one built around far more than just golf itself.

This episode is a thoughtful look into the mindset behind great golf architecture and the experiences that continue to influence one of the industry's most respected modern craftsmen.

https://rhebbandjohns.com/

Reach out to Thad - https://thadlaytondesign.com/

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[email protected]

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A very collaborative episode at the recent EIGCA Annual Meeting in Utrecht, where we joined our partner Toro to record a wide-ranging and insightful conversation with a fantastic group of guests, including:

Andy Brown from Toro

Toby Ingleton of Golf Course Architecture Magazine

Golf course architects:

Jeff Lynch of Re:Golf

James Edwards of EDI

Bruce Charlton of RTJ2.

The discussion which was not always a deep "architecture" conversation, began with reflections on three exceptional courses played during the meeting: Kyle Phillips' Bernardus, along with Hilversumsche and De Pan. These courses provided the perfect backdrop to explore the strength of golf in the Netherlands, a country with a rich golfing history where courses are often seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape and foster a strong sense of community.

From there, the conversation expanded into how the setting of a golf course influences perception, not just in terms of scenery but in how it interacts with architectural intent. The group also explored the challenges facing golf in the Netherlands, particularly around increasing regulation. The country is often seen as a bellwether for future trends in areas such as biodiversity, chemical use, and water management, raising important questions about how these issues may shape the future of golf globally.

The evolution of golf clubs was another key theme, with discussion around opening facilities up to become more inclusive, mixed-use spaces that appeal to a broader audience. Alongside this, the value of practice and short-form facilities—such as short game areas, driving ranges, and putting courses—was highlighted as an increasingly important part of modern golf operations.

We also delved into length of Golf Courses and the question of; do we need to reduce the length of courses to appeal to a larger number of Golfers.

It was a thoughtful and engaging conversation throughout, and we are grateful to all of our guests for their time and insights.

Toro Golf

EIGCA

Golf Course Architecture Magazine

ReGolf

EDI Golf

RTJ2

A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro

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