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 element—features that give the course personality and make individual holes stand out.

Sustainability sits at the center of the club's future direction. A major upgrade to the irrigation system has improved water efficiency and course conditioning, while a broader push to integrate natural landforms and native vegetation reinforces environmental responsibility. Reducing the number of bunkers has also been a strategic choice, aimed at improving playability without diluting the tactical challenge.

Throughout the process, Glenelg has relied heavily on member engagement, using feedback to refine decisions and maintain alignment with the club community. As a result, the course remains one of Australia's highest-regarded golfing experiences—challenging, enjoyable, and now better adapted for long-term environmental and design sustainability.

https://www.glenelggolf.com/cms/

https://www.golfstrategies.com.au/

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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 closely mirror real-world scenarios.

We then shift to the spectacular Ponta do Pargo project in Madeira — a long-term passion for Paul. Leighton recently visited the site during the GCAE conference and had the privilege of touring the in-progress course alongside Paul and Sir Nick themselves. Paul explains the dramatic nature of the landscape, the design opportunities it offers, and the challenges the team has navigated along the way. Set to open in 2027, Ponta do Pargo is shaping up to be something truly special.

Learn more about Paul's work at Himalayas Golf: https://himalayasgolf.com/

A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro

Check them out here!

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

https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/

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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 upcoming episode on that spectacular project.)

This episode focuses on "Golf in Madeira"—both the golf experience itself and the company of the same name.
Our first guest, Andre Rodriguez, owner of Golf in Madeira, shares insights into:

• The unique character of golf on the island

• What makes each course distinct

• Why Madeira offers much more than a stand-alone golf holiday

Beyond golf, Andre highlights Madeira's incredible range of activities, including whale and dolphin watching, surfing, hiking, mountain biking, and more.

We're then joined by Henrique Duarte of Irrimac, the Toro distributor for the region, and Ricardo Abreu, CEO of Santo da Serra. They take us through the story of Santo da Serra's history and the extraordinary challenge they faced when trying to create an irrigation solution for the course—and the surrounding community—when it was believed no workable solution existed. Together with Toro, they found one.

If you're searching for an exciting, evolving, and authentic golf destination, Madeira deserves a spot on your map.

https://www.golfinmadeira.com/

https://www.palheironatureestate.com/palheiro-golf.html

https://santodaserragolf.com/

https://portosantogolfe.com/

A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro

Check them out here!

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

https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-greenprint-golf/?viewAsMember=true

www.golfclubtalk.uk

golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com

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