The Greenprint

"Exploring the art, science, and business of golf course design, sustainability, and agronomy" By focusing on expert insights and a learning journey, the show is designed to provide both golf enthusiasts and industry stakeholders with a deeper understanding of the complexities behind golf course creation and maintenanceLeighton & fellow hosts will blend of interviews with experts, hands-on exploration of golf course practices, and an accessible storytelling style, "The Greenprint" could become a key resource for anyone interested in the world of golf course design, maintenance and preservation.

The Greenprint is a sports podcast hosted by Leighton Walker, with 46 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Leighton Walker hosts The Greenprint, a sports show with 46 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  The Greenprint

  Gary Lisbon - Golf Course Photograper - Ep 36

  Sep 19, 202657 min

  In this episode of The Greenprint, Leighton Walker first catches up with Harry Cloke from Shorehill Golf, one of the show's partners, to discuss how golfer data can help inform golf-course renovation, redesign, maintenance and strategy. Harry explains how Shorehill tracks golfer movements and playing patterns to provide clubs, architects and agronomists with clear evidence on traffic, bunker usage, tee positions, playability and areas requiring attention. Harry also explains how the data can reveal unexpected patterns, from underused bunkers to areas suffering excessive traffic, and how it can be overlaid with architectural plans and historic imagery to help assess proposed changes. The process is straightforward, with golfers simply downloading the app and starting their round, providing a representative picture of how a course is actually being used. Leighton then welcomes renowned golf-course photographer Gary Lisbon to The Greenprint. Based in Melbourne, Gary has photographed more than 700 courses across 37 countries. He discusses how he approaches a course through the lens, from reading the light and shadows to finding the right balance between foreground, background, landscape and the golfer's perspective. He also explains how drones have transformed golf photography while emphasising the importance of ground-level images in capturing the character and movement of a course. The conversation also explores Gary's appreciation of golf-course architecture, his experiences photographing some of the world's great courses, and the layouts that have made the biggest impression on him. He discusses Royal Melbourne and the Melbourne Sandbelt, Lofoten Links, Tara Iti, Barnbougle Dunes and the Cliffs at Kangaroo Island, as well as his books Great Golf Courses of the World and Great Golf on the Melbourne Sandbelt . He also explains the Sandbelt Composite Challenge and his wider golf-travel business, Great Golf Escapes. A big thanks to Harry and Gary for giving up their time! Contact Harry at Shorehill Golf – Click here Gary Lisbon BOOKS Great Golf on the Melbourne Sandbelt View / download here Great Golf Courses of the World View / download here Great Golf Books Book information and sales: www.greatgolfbooks.com Great Golf Escapes www.greatgolfescapes.com Gary Lisbon Golf Photography www.garylisbon.com Instagram – Gary Lisbon Golf https://instagram.com/garylisbongolf Sandbelt Composite Challenge www.sandbeltcomposite.com Follow us to receive all episodes straight to your podcast feed Get in touch: The Greenprint Instagram - The Greenprint Golf The Greenprint - LinkedIn www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com A big thanks to our partners: Toro – Click here Himalayas Golf – Click here Support us here: Buy Me a Coffee Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

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  The Greenprint

  Mark Mungeam: Architecture, Public Golf & a 40-Year Career - Ep 35

  Sep 10, 20261h 14m

  In this episode of The Greenprint, Leighton Walker is joined by Mark Mungeam of Mungeam Golf Design, and current President of the ASGCA, to explore a career spanning almost four decades in golf course architecture, and his particular passion for improving public and municipal golf courses. From his early days working in golf course construction to spending 20 years with Cornish & Silva and eventually establishing his own practice, Mark reflects on the experiences and influences that have shaped his approach to golf course design. A major theme of the conversation is Mark's work on public golf courses, particularly across the north-eastern United States. Having made a conscious decision to limit the amount of international travel in order to spend more time with his family, Mark built a practice around working with municipal and publicly owned facilities. He explains why this work can be challenging, with tighter budgets, formal procurement processes and fewer contractors willing to bid on smaller projects, but also why helping these courses improve their facilities, increase revenue and provide better experiences for golfers can be particularly rewarding. Mark and Leighton also discuss the practical realities of renovating golf courses with limited resources. Careful planning, accurate cost estimates and clear tender documentation are essential, while relatively simple design decisions can make a significant difference to both playability and maintenance. Mark talks about using local materials, simplifying bunker construction, improving drainage and circulation, expanding and reconfiguring tee areas, opening up overgrown areas and reducing unnecessary obstacles around greens. The aim is not simply to make a course easier, but to make it more enjoyable, efficient to maintain and accessible to a wider range of golfers. The conversation then turns to two of Mark's most significant projects: Boston's George Wright Golf Course and William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park, both Donald Ross designs. Mark explains the challenges of working with historic courses that now accommodate tens of thousands of rounds and extensive cart traffic, while still respecting their original character. At George Wright, the availability of original plans and historic imagery has allowed a sympathetic restoration, while at Franklin Park the absence of original Ross plans has required a different approach. The projects demonstrate how historic public courses can be carefully improved without turning them into museum pieces, while still responding to modern safety, access, maintenance and playability requirements. Finally, Mark and Leighton look at the future of municipal golf and the wider role that public courses can play in their communities. With golf course closures becoming increasingly common in areas such as Massachusetts, Mark worries about the pressure this places on remaining facilities, potentially leading to higher prices, greater difficulty securing tee times and longer rounds. He believes the answer may partly lie in making golf facilities more community-oriented, incorporating walking, food, entertainment and other recreational activities alongside golf. The discussion also considers the potential for alternative formats and mixed-use facilities to help keep golf accessible and relevant. As current President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, Mark explains why promoting and recognising public and municipal golf has become an important part of his work. His central message is simple: public courses are where the majority of golfers play, and their future matters enormously to the future of the game. A big thanks to Mark for giving up his time! Check out the American Society of Golf Course Architects website here: ASGCA Mungeam Golf Design: Mungeam Golf Design Find out more here about George Wright Golf Course in Boston through these NLU and Fried Egg videos: No Laying Up The Fried Egg Follow us to receive all episodes straight to your podcast feed Get in touch: The Greenprint Instagram - The Greenprint Golf The Greenprint - LinkedIn www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here Himalayas Golf - Click here Shorehill Golf - Click here Support us here: Buy Me a Coffee Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

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  The Greenprint

  Bill Coore - The Process Ep 10

  Aug 30, 20262h 6m

  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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  The Greenprint

  Designing Golf in Emerging Markets with Tim Lobb, Gary Johnston and the EIGCA - The Greenprint 34

  Aug 21, 20261h 6m

  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: *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:89ffc765-c9c8-489f-8418-9045269ae7cc-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:89ffc765-c9c8-489f-8418-9045269ae7cc-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> 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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  The Greenprint

  "On the Tee" with Golf Course Architecture Magazine - Greenprint 33

  Jul 31, 202654 min

  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: *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:89ffc765-c9c8-489f-8418-9045269ae7cc-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:89ffc765-c9c8-489f-8418-9045269ae7cc-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> 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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