Cool Season Grass Development with PGG Wrightson & Scott Roberts - The Greenprint 30

Cool Season Grass Development with PGG Wrightson & Scott Roberts - The Greenprint 30

It's an agronomy based episode of The Greenprint, and Leighton Walker is joined by Scott Roberts, Course Manager at Hindhead Golf Club in the UK, alongside Mark Shaw and Will Bowden from PGG Wrightson Seeds in New Zealand. Together they explore the fascinating world of cool-season turfgrasses, uncovering the science, research and long-term planning that underpin the playing surfaces golfers often take for granted. There's also a strong emphasis on how these grasses effect playability of Golf Courses The conversation begins with an introduction to PGG Wrightson Seeds and their role within DLF, one of the world's largest seed companies. Mark and Will explain how New Zealand has become a global centre for turfgrass breeding, particularly for colonial browntop, and discuss how genetics collected from golf courses and natural environments are used to develop new cultivars capable of meeting the demands of modern golf. Scott shares his journey through the greenkeeping profession, including his involvement in the complete redevelopment of Basingstoke Golf Club before moving to Hindhead. His experience provides valuable insight into the practical challenges of selecting grass species during construction projects and balancing performance, maintenance requirements and golfer expectations. A major theme throughout the episode is the complexity of turfgrass breeding. Mark and Will explain that developing a new cultivar can take more than a decade, from identifying promising parent plants and carrying out controlled crosses through to years of evaluation, seed multiplication and commercial production. They discuss the constant challenge of improving turf quality while simultaneously increasing resilience to drought, disease and wear. The group also examines the differences between creeping bentgrass, colonial browntop and fine fescues, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each species. While creeping bentgrass offers exceptional playing quality and recovery, browntop and fescues often require fewer inputs and can provide greater sustainability in the right environment. The discussion highlights that there is rarely a universal solution, with successful grass selection depending heavily on climate, soil conditions, maintenance budgets and the overall vision for the golf course. Sustainability features heavily in the conversation as the panel explores the impact of declining pesticide availability, increasing pressure on water resources and changing climatic conditions. The guests explain how breeding programmes are increasingly focused on disease resistance and drought tolerance, helping golf courses adapt to future challenges while maintaining acceptable standards of play. They also discuss examples from Europe and New Zealand where golf courses are operating with significantly reduced chemical inputs, providing a glimpse into the future direction of turf management. The episode concludes with a discussion around the importance of collaboration between breeders, architects, agronomists and course managers. Through examples including Tara Iti, Te Arai Links, Jack's Point and Royal Melbourne, the guests demonstrate how early involvement in the design process can help ensure the right grass species and cultivars are selected to deliver both exceptional playing conditions and long-term sustainability. This episode offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of turfgrass development and highlights the crucial role that genetics will play in shaping the future of golf course management. It also sets the stage for the next instalment in the series, which will focus on warm-season grasses, including Bermuda and Zoysia, and their growing relevance in an increasingly unpredictable climate. Hindhead Golf Club [https://www.hindheadgolfclub.co.uk/] PGG Wrightson [https://pggwrightsonturf.com/nz] Will Bowden [https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-bowden-38aa4472/] Mark Shaw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-shaw-b2bb4350/] 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/ [https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/] The Greenprint - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-greenprint-golf/?viewAsMember=true] www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com [golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com] A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here for more information [https://www.toro.com/en/golf?srsltid=AfmBOoq9use7cwaA5X-_2axzv1FewNRkVLhPglMN0n_9B3ndN_dDf1dt] Himalayas Golf - https://himalayasgolf.com/ [https://himalayasgolf.com/] Shorehill Golf - https://sh-golf.com/ [https://sh-golf.com/] Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk [https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk] Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

Bruce Charlton - The Process by The Greenprint Episode 6

In this episode of The Process by The Greenprint, Leighton and Thad sit down with legendary golf course architect Bruce Charlton of Robert Trent Jones II to explore the design philosophies and creative process he has developed over more than 40 years in the industry. Bruce reflects on his early fascination with golf course design - including sketching golf holes during church services, and explains how that passion evolved into a career shaping courses around the world. The conversation dives into his instinctive approach to routing, why he prefers to "follow the water," and how listening to the natural movement of the land remains central to his philosophy. Leighton and Thad also discuss Bruce's experiences working alongside Bobby Jones Jr., the creative freedom and trust he has been given throughout his career, and the incredible variety found across the courses he has designed. Bruce shares insight into how golf architecture has evolved over the decades, particularly when revisiting courses originally built 30 or 40 years ago and modernising them for today's game while respecting their original character. The conversation also touches on the realities of balancing an extensive global career with family life, and how Bruce has managed the demands of constant travel and long-term projects while maintaining perspective away from the golf course. A thoughtful and engaging conversation with one of the most respected figures in golf course architecture. https://www.rtj2.com/ [https://www.rtj2.com/] *]: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"> Reach out to Thad - https://thadlaytondesign.com/ [https://thadlaytondesign.com/] https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/the-green-print/ https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/ [https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-greenprint-golf/?viewAsMember=true www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com [golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com] A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here for more information [https://www.toro.com/en/golf?srsltid=AfmBOoq9use7cwaA5X-_2axzv1FewNRkVLhPglMN0n_9B3ndN_dDf1dt] Himalayas Golf - https://himalayasgolf.com/ [https://himalayasgolf.com/] Shorehill Golf - https://sh-golf.com/ [https://sh-golf.com/] Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk [https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk] Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

Riley Johns - The Process by The Greenprint

*]: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"> On this episode of The Process, we sit down with the thoughtful and highly respected golf course architect and shaper Riley Johns. Riley's path through the game is a rare one — having worked alongside both Bill Coore and Tom Doak, he has been shaped by two of the most influential modern design philosophies in golf. Those experiences, combined with years of hands-on shaping work around the world, have helped form Riley's own distinctive perspective on architecture, creativity, and restraint, culminating in Rhebb & Johns Design. *]: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"> Our conversation explores the experiences and influences that continue to shape Riley's process today. He reflects on his upbringing in the Canadian Rockies and how growing up surrounded by dramatic landscapes sharpened his appreciation for terrain, movement, and scale. Riley also shares stories from his time working with some of the game's most respected operators and architects, discussing the importance of observation, patience, and learning through travel. Part of the discussion centers around Riley's long-standing partnership with Keith Rhebb and the collaborative dynamic that has made their work so admired throughout the golf world. We also dive into the art of routing — one of the most critical and misunderstood aspects of golf course architecture — as Riley explains how he walks and studies a piece of land repeatedly to uncover the best possible golf holes. Rather than forcing ideas onto the landscape, he discusses the discipline of letting the land guide the process and why great routing often comes from careful observation more than ambition. Riley also shares his thoughts on the ideal golf facility — one built around far more than just golf itself. This episode is a thoughtful look into the mindset behind great golf architecture and the experiences that continue to influence one of the industry's most respected modern craftsmen. https://rhebbandjohns.com/ [https://rhebbandjohns.com/] Reach out to Thad - https://thadlaytondesign.com/ [https://thadlaytondesign.com/] https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/the-green-print/ https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/ [https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-greenprint-golf/?viewAsMember=true www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com [golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com] A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here for more information [https://www.toro.com/en/golf?srsltid=AfmBOoq9use7cwaA5X-_2axzv1FewNRkVLhPglMN0n_9B3ndN_dDf1dt] Himalayas Golf - https://himalayasgolf.com/ [https://himalayasgolf.com/] Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk [https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk] Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

Architects Round Table Discussion - The Greenprint Episode 29

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 provided the perfect backdrop to explore the strength of golf in the Netherlands, a country with a rich golfing history where courses are often seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape and foster a strong sense of community. From there, the conversation expanded into how the setting of a golf course influences perception, not just in terms of scenery but in how it interacts with architectural intent. The group also explored the challenges facing golf in the Netherlands, particularly around increasing regulation. The country is often seen as a bellwether for future trends in areas such as biodiversity, chemical use, and water management, raising important questions about how these issues may shape the future of golf globally. The evolution of golf clubs was another key theme, with discussion around opening facilities up to become more inclusive, mixed-use spaces that appeal to a broader audience. Alongside this, the value of practice and short-form facilities—such as short game areas, driving ranges, and putting courses—was highlighted as an increasingly important part of modern golf operations. We also delved into length of Golf Courses and the question of; do we need to reduce the length of courses to appeal to a larger number of Golfers. It was a thoughtful and engaging conversation throughout, and we are grateful to all of our guests for their time and insights. Toro Golf [https://www.toro.com/en/golf?srsltid=AfmBOoq3u04vRQciqgZOQwwybBFIV1fsxMuI01v4FngjZqO61obY3q7E] EIGCA [https://eigca.org/] Golf Course Architecture Magazine [https://www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/] ReGolf [https://www.regolfdesign.com/] EDI Golf [https://www.edi-golf.com/] RTJ2 [https://www.rtj2.com/] A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro Check them out here! [https://www.toro.com/en/golf?srsltid=AfmBOoq9use7cwaA5X-_2axzv1FewNRkVLhPglMN0n_9B3ndN_dDf1dt] https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/the-green-print/ https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/ [https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-greenprint-golf/?viewAsMember=true www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com [golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com] Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk [https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk] Sign up to our Newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i8JkT6]

Dana Fry - The Process by 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, including Miakka in central Florida - a bold and distinctive development with shades of Shadow Creek Golf Course, as well as the contrasting coastal challenge of Curracloe Links in Ireland. Dana also opens up about the realities of golf course architecture: the types of land designers are given, the constraints they face, and how great architects maximize every site's potential. Candid, thoughtful, and deeply passionate, Dana delivers an insightful look into the mindset behind world-class golf course design. https://www.frystraka.com/ [https://www.frystraka.com/] Reach out to Thad - https://thadlaytondesign.com/ [https://thadlaytondesign.com/] A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro Check them out here! [https://www.toro.com/en/golf?srsltid=AfmBOoq9use7cwaA5X-_2axzv1FewNRkVLhPglMN0n_9B3ndN_dDf1dt] https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/the-green-print/ https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/ [https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-greenprint-golf/?viewAsMember=true www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com [golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com] Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk [https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk] Sign up to our Newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i8JkT6]