In this season finale of The Process by The Greenprint, Leighton Walker and Thad Layton look back on the first ten episodes of the series and reflect on what they have learned from a fascinating group of golf course architects, shapers and designers. From Nick Mills through to Bill Coore, the series set out to go deeper into how architects think, rather than simply what they build.
One of the recurring themes has been the sheer diversity of approaches to golf course architecture. Different backgrounds, influences and philosophies can lead architects down very different paths, yet many ultimately arrive at similar principles — working with the landscape, respecting the game and finding the best solution for the site.
Leighton and Thad revisit some of their standout conversations, starting with Bill Coore's take on "what golf course architecture means". Leighton highlights Brian Curley, whose willingness to forge his own path and take on projects in unfamiliar markets made a lasting impression. They also discuss Brett Hochstein's extraordinary attention to the landscape and his ability to observe the small details of natural processes and translate them into large-scale golf course features.
Riley Johns is another highlight, with his approach demonstrating how inspiration for golf course design can come from well beyond golf — from travel and mountains to surfing, hiking and the wider experience of being immersed in nature. Bruce Charlton provides another perspective, reflecting on how architects evolve throughout their careers and how returning to courses decades later can provide an opportunity to rethink and improve earlier work.
Perhaps the biggest lesson from the series is that there is no single formula for designing a great golf course. The architects all have different stories, mentors, influences and ways of seeing the landscape, but that variety is ultimately what makes golf course architecture so fascinating — and gives golfers such a rich diversity of experiences.
As the first season comes to a close, Leighton and Thad look ahead to Series Two in 2027, with plans to continue exploring the people, ideas and processes behind golf course design, while expanding the conversation globally and bringing more architects into the series. Please share with a colleague who you feel would benefit from tuning in.
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