The Greenprint – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to the first episode of The Greenprint! In this inaugural episode, we dive into the incredible story of Raglan Golf Club in Monmouthshire, Wales—a course that has truly risen from the ashes. After closing its doors following the COVID-19 pandemic, Raglan was purchased in early 2024 by a group hailing from Monmouthshire, and its rebirth is nothing short of inspiring.

Lucy, the driving force behind the revitalization, shares her journey in transforming the course from a state of disrepair to one that's ready to open in early April. From rebuilding greens to adding new tees and bunkers, Lucy has tackled every challenge, including restoring irrigation systems and improving drainage. She also discusses the agronomic hurdles of reopening a course after being closed for over two years, including selecting the right grass species for greens that were initially sown with fescue.

This episode is a fascinating look at how a struggling venue can be brought back to life with the right vision, support, and the dedication of passionate people. Tune in for an encouraging and insightful story of revival and community focus.

https://www.raglangolfclub.co.uk/

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In this episode, Leighton delves into the remarkable transformation of Basingstoke Golf Club, telling the story through the evolution of the course itself. What began as an ambitious project years ago saw the club make a bold move half a mile across the M3 to Dummer Golf Club. The transition included selling the original site for development and acquiring Dummer Golf Course, all while ensuring that the members always had a course to play on.

Scott and Bruce join Leighton to discuss the early challenges of this endeavor, including navigating planning hurdles, managing water resources, and crafting layouts that allowed for continuous play. They also talk about how they managed to preserve key elements of the old Dummer course while giving it a major facelift, modernizing the chalk downland course with dramatic improvements. The greens, in particular, stand out with their impressive movement and challenging pin placements.

Now entering its first full season, Scott is focused on making sure the course plays hard, fast, and in top condition.

This episode highlights how innovation, drive, and a clear vision can not only reshape a golf course but also secure the future of a beloved, long-standing club.

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In this episode, we're joined by golf course designer and builder Ryan Van Der Veen of Van Der Veen Designs.

Growing up in Indiana, Ryan entered the world of construction and design early on—launching his career under the legendary Pete Dye. His time with Dye laid the foundation for a hands-on, design-and-build approach that's remained with him throughout his career.

Ryan later joined Norman Designs, where he spent years refining his skills in construction, project management, and design across the globe. Eventually, his journey led him to Australia, where he's now based and continuing to make his mark.

We dive into Ryan’s current and upcoming projects, including:

• The nearly completed enhancement program at Glenelg Golf Club in South Australia, in collaboration with Neil Crafter

• A new project at Mollymook Golf Club in New South Wales

Ryan brings a calm and thoughtful perspective to the craft—shaped by decades of experience and a unique blend of tradition and innovation. There are some fantastic stories in this one, especially around his early days with Pete Dye and life on the road with international projects.

Whether you're into golf architecture, design philosophy, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in and enjoy!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-van-der-veen-b8698a215/

https://www.glenelggolf.com/cms/

https://www.mollymookgolf.com.au/

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In this episode, Leighton is joined by renowned golf course architect Tim Lobb, founder of Lobb & Partners. The conversation charts Tim’s journey from his early days in Melbourne through pivotal roles at European Golf Design and Thompson, Perrett and Lobb, culminating in the launch of his own practice. Along the way, Tim shares how each phase of his career has informed his philosophy of working with the land, rather than imposing upon it.

We explore Lobb & Partners' international portfolio, with projects stretching from British Columbia to India, and delve into the nuances of designing for such diverse environments. A spotlight is also placed on their current work at West Hill, located in the historic Surrey Heathlands, where Leighton recently paid a visit.

The conversation also touches on Tim's pioneering efforts in emerging golf markets like Turkey and Egypt, and the promising future of India as the next major frontier in golf course development.

This is an insightful discussion with one of golf architecture’s most respected figures.

https://lobbandpartners.com/

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In our first ever “What’s News” segment, we’re joined by Toby Ingleton, Editor of Golf Course Architecture Magazine, to explore a variety of exciting projects that are shaping the world of golf course design today.

Toby shares insights on a range of developments, including:

• Royal Dornoch and the headline appointment of King, Collins, Dormer

• Trump Turnberry's renovation work and the new course at Trump Aberdeen

• Apogee in Hobe Sound, Florida – a high-profile addition to an already golf-rich region

• The Cliffs on Kangaroo Island – an ambitious and scenic new project in Australia

• Big Cedar Lodge’s latest par-3 course, featuring a 19th hole tee box dramatically set inside a cave

Then in the second half of the episode, we’re joined by Gary Johnston of European Golf Design and Caspar Grauballe of By Caspar.

Caspar, the outgoing President of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA), recently handed over the reins to Gary at the organisation’s recent annual meeting held in the north of Scotland.  This meeting also acknowledged the 25th Anniversary of the EIGCA

Together, Gary and Caspar reflect on:

• The EIGCA’s mission to elevate and advocate for the profession of golf course architecture

• Sustainability as a central theme at the recent Dornoch meeting

• Royal Dornoch itself and what makes it so special

• Their current projects and perspectives on the evolving role of architects in the industry

This episode features thoughtful insight from two of the most respected voices in the industry. 

https://www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/

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https://www.bycaspar.com/

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Leighton and Adam Lawrence of Golf Course Architecture Magazine and Oxford Golf Consulting lead episode 6 of The The Greenprint where they are joined by Tripp Davis. 

Tripp Davis is a highly respected American golf course architect and the founder of Tripp Davis and Associates (TDA), a firm he established in 1994. With a unique blend of competitive golfing experience and academic training in landscape architecture, Davis has become renowned for his strategic and environmentally conscious course designs.

Having been a three-time American Junior Golf Association All-American and student of the University of Oklahoma, Tripp attempted professional golf briefly before pursuing his interest in Golf Course Design.

Tripp's philosophy emphasises strategic play and environmental harmony. The team works on a limited number of projects to ensure quality and attention to detail. Davis's designs often incorporate natural land features, aiming to create courses that are both challenging and enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

In terms of design philosophy, the conversation explores the difference between the design and build method versus the more design-led construction style, as well as grass types and their role in creating firmer conditions.

We then dive into a couple of Tripp's projects, including Black Diamond Ranch's Ranch Course in Lecanto Florida.  This is an interesting part of Florida, with good topography and sandy soils.  Leighton played The Ranch course in February and was really impressed with the recent renovation, which included a complete re-grassing and reconstruction of greens, tees and bunkers.  Davis's renovation has transformed the Ranch Course into a more strategic and engaging layout, enhancing its appeal to a wide range of golfers while maintaining its natural beauty and challenging design.

There's also a look at a new project currently under construction in Athens, Georgia.

Enjoy this conversation with a leading voice in Golf Course Architecture

Tripp Davis & Associates

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In this episode, we’re joined by Cam Ackerman and Aaron Belcher, the talented duo behind Up River Golf Co. – a rising force in golf course videography. With a rapidly growing reputation for cinematic storytelling and stunning visuals, Up River produces high-quality films for both private clients and their YouTube audience.

Cam and Aaron share how they founded Up River and their passion for highlighting golf course architecture through compelling narratives. Their films don’t just show a course – they tell its story through the eyes of architects, superintendents, and those who live and breathe the game.

Featured projects include:

• Gamble Sands

• Mid Pines

• The Loop

• Chambers Bay

• Erin Hills – which will host the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open in late May, something their film proudly celebrates.

We dive into the of producing these films – from scouting the location to capturing highly effective drone footage – and hear about their favorite courses to date.

The Greenprint and Up River Golf Co. will continue to collaborate, and we’re excited to keep you updated on all their latest work.

Huge thanks to Cam and Aaron for joining us – and for continuing to raise the bar in golf storytelling.

Check out their incredible videos and subscribe to their YouTube channel here:

https://www.youtube.com/@UpRiverGolfCo

https://www.upriverfilmco.com/

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In this insightful episode, we’re joined by Kate Torgersen and Monina Gilbey of Torgersen Gilbey, who share how their combined expertise in environmental planning and sustainability strategy led to the formation of their consultancy.

Together, they support golf clubs through environmental audits, biodiversity planning, and strategic sustainability communication. Kate breaks down what’s involved in an environmental audit or vegetation management plan, and the importance of native planting for course health and playability.

Monina explains biodiversity in the golf context, and how courses can become thriving ecological spaces. The duo highlights projects underway in Australia, the wider benefits these initiatives bring beyond the course, and the importance of improving how golf communicates its sustainability efforts.

They also explore what golf can learn from other sectors and how these practices can scale globally—both within and beyond the sport.

https://www.torgersengilbey.com.au/

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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

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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/

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