We're excited to bring you The Process by The Greenprint, a new sub-series that digs deep into how golf course architects think, work, and create.

Hosted by Leighton Walker and joined by Thad Layton of Thad Layton Design, the series explores the processes that shape great golf design.

In this first full episode, we sit down with Nick Mills, a Melbourne-born golf course designer whose introduction to the game began caddying at Capital Golf Club. That early exposure—combined with hands-on maintenance work and formal study in Landscape Architecture—laid the foundation for a career defined by curiosity, experimentation, and a deep respect for the land.

The conversation traces formative projects across New Zealand and the United States, including early restoration work at Titirangi Golf Club alongside Clyde Johnson, a transition into U.S. construction at Cedarbrook, the influential Old Sandwich short-game area, and ongoing large-scale work at The Patterson Club. Along the way, we explore how small projects can have outsized influence, and why restraint and scale—particularly around bunkering—are essential tools in design.

We also discuss the architects, mentors, and creative thinkers who have shaped Nick's perspective, including French gardener and writer Gilles Clément, and his concept of the "third landscape." The episode highlights the importance of looking beyond the golf architecture echo chamber, and how collaboration—especially in shaping—drives the best outcomes.

The conversation closes with reflections on sustainability as a natural byproduct of good design, and why the greatest golf holes should ultimately make you feel something.

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

A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro

Check them out here!

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

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Following the successful launch of The Greenprint, the podcast dedicated to golf course design, sustainability and agronomy has announced a new sub-series titled "The Process by The Greenprint." The series will focus exclusively on golf course architecture, offering an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how architects think, work and create.

The new sub-series will feature and be co-hosted by, Thad Layton of Thad Layton Design, who brings on-the-ground expertise and extensive knowledge of golf course architecture to the conversations. The Process will take listeners deep into the philosophy, history, vision and—most importantly—the process behind modern golf course design.

Unlike traditional interviews, The Process is designed to go beyond surface-level discussion. Each episode will explore what truly drives architects creatively, using real-world examples from their portfolios to examine how ideas evolve from initial concept through to completed courses.

The format will remain relaxed and conversational while delivering genuine technical insight. Listeners can expect candid discussions, practical examples and thoughtful reflections from respected names within golf course architecture, providing rare insight into the creative and strategic decisions behind course design.

Here in this episode, Leighton and Thad sit down at the wonderful Streamsong to preview the show and get into what will be explored, including subject matter and some early guests.

Episodes of The Process by The Greenprint will be released a minimum of once per month, alongside the main Greenprint schedule.

https://thadlaytondesign.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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Episode 24 of The Greenprint is produced in partnership with Toro and takes the form of a wide-ranging panel discussion, recorded at BTME, on how modern machinery and technology are reshaping golf course design. The episode brings together three leading architects—Tim Lobb of Lobb & Partners, Caspar Grauballe of By Caspar, and Paul Kimber of Kimber Glen International—alongside industry expert Andy Brown from Toro. Each architect approaches the subject from their own design perspective, while Andy adds insight from the machinery, irrigation, and innovation side of the game.

The conversation explores how advances in construction equipment, irrigation systems, and maintenance technology are influencing what can be built, how courses play, and how design intent is delivered on the ground. The panel digs into themes such as firmness, green speeds, and how modern practices can reintroduce and enhance the ground game. They also discuss autonomous mowing, bunker construction and maintenance, and the evolving relationship between technology and course labour. Along the way, the discussion touches on less obvious influences, including GPS and social media, and how they are beginning to shape both design decisions and golfer expectations. It's a thoughtful, candid exchange featuring some of the sharpest architectural minds in the UK and Europe, offering a clear picture of where golf course design is heading and why.

https://kimberglen.com/

https://www.bycaspar.com/

https://lobbandpartners.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

Support us here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

Sign up to our Newsletter here