Thad Layton & Employing the Design & Build Method - The Greenprint Episode 9
Release Date: 07/16/2025
Architects Round Table Discussion - The Greenprint Episode 29
The Greenprint
A very collaborative episode at the recent EIGCA Annual Meeting in Utrecht, where we joined our partner Toro to record a wide-ranging and insightful conversation with a fantastic group of guests, including: Andy Brown from Toro Toby Ingleton of Golf Course Architecture Magazine Golf course architects: Jeff Lynch of Re:Golf James Edwards of EDI Bruce Charlton of RTJ2. The discussion which was not always a deep "architecture" conversation, began with reflections on three exceptional courses played during the meeting: Kyle Phillips’ Bernardus, along with Hilversumsche and De Pan. These courses...
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The Process by The Greenprint - Dana Fry
The Greenprint
Dana Fry joins The Process by The Greenprint for a deep dive into his design philosophy, influences, and the journey that shaped him into one of golf architecture’s leading figures. From his early days learning the craft, through his time working under Tom Fazio, and alongside influential figures like Andy Banfield and Mike Strantz, Dana shares an honest account of how he evolved from shaper to designer. Now, as co-founder of Fry/Straka alongside Jason Straka, he sits at the forefront of major projects across the U.S. and internationally. The conversation explores standout projects,...
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Jasper Miners on Architecture and History - The Greenprint 28
The Greenprint
We catch up with Jasper Miners of Evalu18 and Top 100 Golf Courses. Jasper has a deep passion for golf course architecture, and he’s become widely respected for helping clubs uncover and understand their history. This work plays a crucial role in guiding future course design, ensuring that any renovations or restorations retain the original spirit and integrity of the course. We dive into his current involvement with St George’s Hill in Surrey, where an exciting renovation/restoration project is about to begin under the direction of Brian Schneider and his team. Jasper will play a central...
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David McLay Kidd - The Process by The Greenprint
The Greenprint
Leighton and Thad sit down with the inimitable David McLay Kidd of DMK designs to unpack the process behind his remarkable career designing some of golf’s most iconic courses. They explore how David evolved his approach early on—taking on the role of general contractor on many of his projects to gain greater control over execution—and how that decision has shaped the consistency and quality of his work. The conversation dives deep into his creative philosophy, particularly how he transforms diverse and often challenging landscapes into compelling golf experiences through meticulous...
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"On the Tee" with Golf Course Architecture Magazine - Greenprint 27
The Greenprint
On the Tee is our round-up of golf course projects taking shape across the globe, from new openings to developments under construction and recently announced designs. In this episode, we’re joined by Toby Ingleton of Golf Course Architecture for our own take on a “Florida Swing,” focusing on a cluster of exciting projects in the region and beyond. We begin with Apogee’s Summit Course in Florida, designed by Kyle Phillips, which is already open and setting a high benchmark. From there, we move to Ireland, where Phillips is also leading the transformation of Brittas Bay, formerly known...
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Tom MacKenzie - The Process by The Greenprint - Episode 2
The Greenprint
In Episode 2 of The Process we sit down with Tom Mackenzie of Mackenzie & Ebert to explore the philosophy and thinking behind his approach to golf course design. Strategy sits at the heart of Tom’s work, with a clear focus on creating the best possible playing conditions while offering engaging strategic choices for as many golfers as possible. Strategy can take many forms, and in the episode Tom shares examples from several projects. At North Hants Golf Club the design approach included reducing the number of bunkers while still maintaining strategic interest and visual clarity. At New...
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Life at Lofoten Links (Jerry Mulvihill & Tekla Kvachadze) - Greenprint 26
The Greenprint
On this Toro Partnership episode, we visit the stunning Lofoten Links in Norway and speak to Jerry Mulvihill (Superintendent) and Tekla Kvachadze Jerry and Tekla share how they manage turf in one of the world’s most remote and visually striking locations, dealing with short growing seasons, harsh weather, limited access to resources, and the unique challenges of midnight sun and polar night. They also explain some of the benefits and advantages of living in this beautiful part of the world. The course goes from strength to strength and continues to attract Golfers from...
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"The Process" by The Greenprint - Nick Mills - Episode 1
The Greenprint
We’re excited to bring you The Process by The Greenprint, a new sub-series that digs deep into how golf course architects think, work, and create. Hosted by Leighton Walker and joined by Thad Layton of Thad Layton Design, the series explores the processes that shape great golf design. In this first full episode, we sit down with Nick Mills, a Melbourne-born golf course designer whose introduction to the game began caddying at Capital Golf Club. That early exposure—combined with hands-on maintenance work and formal study in Landscape Architecture—laid the foundation for a career defined...
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Announcement of "The Process by The Greenprint" with Thad Layton - Greenprint 25
The Greenprint
Following the successful launch of The Greenprint, the podcast dedicated to golf course design, sustainability and agronomy has announced a new sub-series titled “The Process by The Greenprint.” The series will focus exclusively on golf course architecture, offering an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how architects think, work and create. The new sub-series will feature and be co-hosted by, Thad Layton of Thad Layton Design, who brings on-the-ground expertise and extensive knowledge of golf course architecture to the conversations. The Process will take...
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Panel Discussion - How Modern Machinery & Technology is Shaping Course Design - The Greenprint 24
The Greenprint
Episode 24 of The Greenprint is produced in partnership with Toro and takes the form of a wide-ranging panel discussion, recorded at BTME, on how modern machinery and technology are reshaping golf course design. The episode brings together three leading architects—Tim Lobb of Lobb & Partners, Caspar Grauballe of By Caspar, and Paul Kimber of Kimber Glen International—alongside industry expert Andy Brown from Toro. Each architect approaches the subject from their own design perspective, while Andy adds insight from the machinery, irrigation, and innovation side of the game. The...
info_outlineLeighton 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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