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

www.golfclubtalk.uk

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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

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Leighton and Toby Ingleton of Golf Course Architecture Magazine join Martin and Allan to share their first-hand experience of playing the newly refurbished Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry, while also reflecting on the wider golf course. Widely regarded as one of the greatest courses in the world, the Ailsa has recently undergone significant changes — particularly to holes 7 and 8 — that further elevate its reputation.

Recorded in the Champions Suite at Turnberry, this conversation explores:

• The more recent history of changes made since new ownership in 2016

• The motivations behind the Trump Organisation’s and Martin Ebert's redesign work on the Ailsa

• The unique situation of ownership being so directly involved in shaping the changes

• How the redesign enhances both the playing experience and the walk

• The strategic use of the coastline and its impact on the course’s design

• Future ambitions and plans for the course — and more

Even if you’ve never played Trump Turnberry’s Ailsa Course, this episode offers a fascinating look at how thoughtful design and engaged ownership can redefine both quality and experience.

https://www.turnberry.co.uk/

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 this episode, brought to you in partnership with Toro, we sit down with Andy Johnston — General Manager, Director of Agronomy, and Head of Design at Sentosa Golf Club.

A hugely respected figure in the world of golf, Andy shares an inside look at Sentosa GC, discussing its unique agronomic and climatic challenges and how he has helped shape both the courses and the wider infrastructure to world-class standards.

Drainage is a constant topic in course management — but at Sentosa, it’s absolutely critical. Andy explains how the club tackles these issues and the innovative design approaches that keep the courses in peak condition year-round.

We also dive into Sentosa’s forward-thinking sustainability initiatives, from waste management and rainwater capture to the use of Toro’s machinery and advanced irrigation systems — all designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of play.

https://www.sentosagolf.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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Every 2–3 months we're teaming up with Golf Course Architecture magazine to bring you the latest from around the world of Golf Courses — from redevelopments and restorations to exciting new builds

In this episode, Toby Ingleton from GCA magazine joins us to cover happenings from courses in Scotland, USA, Australia, England and Spain! There's new openings, classic restorations and even a Ryder Cup venue!

https://www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/

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 this episode, Leighton is joined by Lee Strutt, a Master Greenkeeper with a career spanning some of the world’s most prestigious golf courses. From his early work at Richmond Golf Club to grow-ins at elite venues like G-West and Les Bordes New Course as well as the Superintendent role at Cabot Cape Breton, Lee shares his journey through the turf industry, culminating in his current role at the iconic Loch Lomond Golf Club. This conversation offers deep insight into the dedication, cultural differences and unique challenges of overseeing these courses in different parts of the world.

Topics Covered:

• Lee’s early days at Richmond Golf Club

• Experience at G-West, a unique venue in Scotland which has never opened!

• The RAC Golf Club

• Les Bordes, including the grow-in of the Gil Hanse designed New Course

• The unique challenges of working at Cabot Cape Breton

• His current role at Loch Lomond

• The benefit of travel and pushing your boundaries

About the Guest:
Lee Strutt is a certified Master Greenkeeper and one of the most respected professionals in the turf industry. His career includes leadership roles at Richmond GC, G-West, Les Bordes (New Course grow-in), Cabot Cape Breton, and now Loch Lomond. Known for his technical expertise, leadership, and commitment to excellence, Lee offers a masterclass in career longevity and innovation in golf course management all while traversing countries and cultures.

https://therichmondgolfclub.com/

https://www.gwest.co.uk/

https://www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk/woodcote-park/golf/

https://www.lesbordesgolfclub.com/golf/new-course/

https://cabotcapebreton.com/

https://www.lochlomond.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:

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Leighton recently sat down with renowned golf course architect Thad Layton at the stunning Walton Heath Golf Club to discuss Thad’s career journey, design philosophy, and his exciting transition into launching his own design firm.

The conversation then dove into one of the most important and evolving topics in modern golf architecture: the "design and build" method vs. the traditional "design and contractor" approach. With more courses opting for design and build, Thad shares valuable insights into why this method is gaining traction—particularly its ability to foster creativity, ensure design intent is preserved on-site, and deliver a more unified final product.

Thad also shared highlights from his current tour through the south of England, where he’s been playing many of the region’s iconic heathland and links courses. He reflects on what he's learned from these historic sites and how they continue to shape his perspective as a designer.

To cap things off, Leighton and Thad took to the course themselves to experience Walton Heath firsthand—one of the finest examples of heathland golf and a source of inspiration in its own right.

A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro

Check them out here!

https://thadlaytondesign.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thad.layton/

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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