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 explores the huge variety of golf course styles he encountered along the way, from downland and links to the classic English heathland.

We then walk through a good number of the courses Thad played including a few of his favourites (this was Thad's order but we work in reverse in the interview):

Sunningdale, West Hill, Berkshire, Addington, Worplesdon, Woking, Swinley Forest, Liphook, St. George's Hill, Huntercombe, Walton Heath (Old), West Sussex, Rye, Cinque Ports, Royal St. George's, North Foreland, Royal Worlington & Newmarket, Brancaster, Woodhall Spa, Hollinwell, Little Aston, Pennard, Cleeve Hill, Minchinhampton, Painswick

Here's Thad's original appearance on The Greenprint - episode 9. Check it out!

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

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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 OCM projects in America: Fall Line in Georgia, which opened in 2024, and Tepetonka in Minnesota, currently under construction and set to open in 2026. Fall Line is especially interesting for its bold concept of utilising two distinct design traditions—the Melbourne Sandbelt and the London Heathlands—over two distinctly different golf courses. Mike explains the techniques used to achieve the result, including finding the right playing surfaces, vegetation and design aspects such as width and tree removal.

We also touch on "Sandy Links" on Melbourne's Sandbelt and right next to Royal Melbourne. It is an innovative course that is also home to Golf Australia and the PGA.

Mike is not only a talented designer but also a thoughtful voice in golf architecture. He shares insights on how courses function, reflect their environments, and shape the playing experience, offering a rare window into the creative side of modern design.

OCM

Check out the Hole Flyovers at Tepetonka:

https://www.tepetonka.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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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 before the sun even rises.

We also dive into the rewarding moments that come with such a prestigious role, and what it truly means to host golf's premier team event on one of the world’s toughest courses.

If you’re a fan of championship golf—or just curious about the incredible preparation behind the Ryder Cup—this episode is guaranteed to get your competitive juices flowing.

A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro

Check them out here!

https://www.bethpagegolfcourse.com/

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

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