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  • Bill Coore - The Process Ep 10

    Bill Coore - The Process Ep 10
    2026/08/30

    In this episode of The Process by The Greenprint, Leighton Walker and Thad Layton are joined by legendary golf course architect Bill Coore, whose work with Ben Crenshaw has helped define a modern approach to golf course architecture rooted in natural landforms, strategic interest and a deep respect for the character of a site.

    Bill reflects on what golf course architecture means to him, describing it as an attempt to create "interesting playgrounds" for a game born of nature. He explains why the early links of Britain and Ireland remain such an important blueprint, and why his approach is centred on working with the land rather than imposing a design upon it.

    The conversation explores Bill's philosophy of preservation, particularly on fragile sand dune sites, and the lessons learned at Sand Hills and Rodeo Dunes. He explains why doing the least possible does not mean doing nothing, and why the ultimate compliment is creating landforms that look as though nobody ever touched them.

    Bill also discusses his approach to working with talented associates, giving them the freedom to develop ideas while increasingly seeing his and Ben's role as editors rather than authors. He shares two principles that have guided their work for years: "know what you have when you see it" and "know when to quit." He also explains why they deliberately avoid making decisions on the first day of a site visit, allowing time for ideas to evolve and egos to stay out of the process.

    The discussion then turns to challenging routing projects including Kapalua, Wicker Point, The Kingsley Club and Friars Head, with Bill sharing the story of how cutting through a dune helped unlock the routing at Friars Head. He also reflects on Pacific Dunes, Tom Doak's influence and the humility that comes from seeing another course and asking, "Could we have done this?"

    Bill talks about the relationship between architects and owners, why he looks for interesting sites and clients who provide the freedom to create something different, and shares memorable stories from projects including Friars Head and Te Arai Links.

    He also discusses returning to completed courses and the importance of continuity, particularly with superintendents who understand the original design intent. Colorado Golf Club provides a great example of how a course can evolve when that philosophy is embraced.

    It's a fascinating insight into the process of one of golf's most influential architects, covering natural landscapes, routing, design-build, collaboration, ownership and the importance of simply spending time on the land.

    https://www.cooreandcrenshaw.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

    Check out Thad:

    https://thadlaytondesign.com/

    A big thanks to our partners:

    Toro – Click here for more information

    Shorehill Golf – https://sh-golf.com/

    Himalayas Golf – https://himalayasgolf.com/

    Support us here:

    https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

    Rate & Review

    Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!
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    2 時間 6 分
  • Designing Golf in Emerging Markets with Tim Lobb, Gary Johnston and the EIGCA - The Greenprint 34

    Designing Golf in Emerging Markets with Tim Lobb, Gary Johnston and the EIGCA - The Greenprint 34
    2026/08/21
    In this European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA) episode of The Greenprint, Leighton Walker is joined by Gary Johnston of European Golf Design and Tim Lobb of Lobb + Partners to explore the opportunities and challenges of developing golf in emerging markets. Drawing on decades of experience across destinations including Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Kazakhstan, the Caribbean, Albania and the Middle East, they discuss what makes these markets so exciting for golf course architects – and what it takes to turn an individual project into a successful golf destination. A major focus of the conversation is Turkey, and particularly the Belek region, which provides perhaps the clearest example of how strategic planning can transform an emerging golf market. Gary and Tim explain how government, tourism authorities, developers and hotel groups worked together to create a cluster of courses that now attracts golfers from around the world. The discussion looks at why scale, accessibility, accommodation and variety of golf courses have been so important to Turkey's success, while also considering the lessons that other emerging destinations can take from the model. The conversation also explores what happens behind the scenes when architects enter a country with little or no existing golf infrastructure. Education, local contractors, greenkeeping skills, construction materials, water supply and maintenance all become critical considerations. Gary and Tim discuss the importance of designing around local conditions and resources, from using locally available materials in Egypt to managing extreme climates and water challenges in places such as Kazakhstan and the Middle East. Sustainability is a recurring theme, particularly around desalination, treated effluent, landscape design and avoiding unnecessary reliance on imported materials. Finally, the conversation looks ahead to where the next generation of emerging golf markets could come from, with Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, the wider Middle East, Africa and parts of Eastern Europe all highlighted as areas with potential. Gary and Tim also reflect on how working across different cultures, climates and landscapes has influenced their own approach to golf course design. From the challenges of remote projects to the satisfaction of seeing local teams take ownership, the message is clear: emerging markets may be more difficult, but they can also provide some of the most rewarding and creative opportunities in golf course architecture. A big thanks to Tim and Gary for giving up their time! Check out the EIGCA website here: https://eigca.org/ Lobb & Partners European Golf Design - EGD Follow us to receive all episodes straight to your podcast feed Get in touch: https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/the-green-print/ https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/ The Greenprint - LinkedIn www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here for more information Himalayas Golf - https://himalayasgolf.com/ Shorehill Golf - https://sh-golf.com/ Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!
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    1 時間 6 分
  • The Process by The Greenprint - Brian Curley - Ep 9

    The Process by The Greenprint - Brian Curley - Ep 9
    2026/08/04

    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/

    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

    Check out Thad:

    https://thadlaytondesign.com/

    A big thanks to our partners:

    Toro – Click here for more information

    Shorehill Golf – https://sh-golf.com/

    Himalayas Golf - https://himalayasgolf.com/

    Support us here:

    https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

    Rate & Review

    Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!
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    1 時間 45 分
  • "On the Tee" with Golf Course Architecture Magazine - Greenprint 33

    "On the Tee" with Golf Course Architecture Magazine - Greenprint 33
    2026/07/31
    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 Follow us to receive all episodes straight to your podcast feed Get in touch: https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/the-green-print/ https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/ The Greenprint - LinkedIn www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here for more information Himalayas Golf - https://himalayasgolf.com/ Shorehill Golf - https://sh-golf.com/ Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!
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    54 分
  • Warm-Season Grasses: The Future of Sustainable Golf?? - Episode 32

    Warm-Season Grasses: The Future of Sustainable Golf?? - Episode 32
    2026/07/22
    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/ Follow us to receive all episodes straight to your podcast feed Get in touch: https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/the-green-print/ https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/ The Greenprint - LinkedIn www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here for more information Himalayas Golf - https://himalayasgolf.com/ Shorehill Golf - https://sh-golf.com/ Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!
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    1 時間 12 分
  • Building The Greenprint: Where We've Been & Where We're Going - Episode 31

    Building The Greenprint: Where We've Been & Where We're Going - Episode 31
    2026/07/15
    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 Follow us to receive all episodes straight to your podcast feed Get in touch: https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/the-green-print/ https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/ The Greenprint - LinkedIn www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here for more information Himalayas Golf - https://himalayasgolf.com/ Shorehill Golf - https://sh-golf.com/ Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!
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    16 分
  • Mike Clayton - The Process by The Greenprint - Episode 8

    Mike Clayton - The Process by The Greenprint - Episode 8
    2026/07/04
    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/ 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 Check out Thad: https://thadlaytondesign.com/ A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here for more information Shorehill Golf - https://sh-golf.com/ Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!
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    1 時間 54 分
  • Brett Hochstein - The Process by The Greenprint - Episode 7

    Brett Hochstein - The Process by The Greenprint - Episode 7
    2026/06/23
    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/ 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 A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here for more information Himalayas Golf - https://himalayasgolf.com/ Shorehill Golf - https://sh-golf.com/ Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!
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    1 時間 36 分