Designing Golf

Great Architects: Donald Ross (feat Bradley Klein)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Donald Ross had one of the most prolific, impressive careers in the history of golf architecture. Yet his design methods and ideas are not as widely and precisely understood as those of, say, Alister MacKenzie or C.B. Macdonald. So in this episode, Garrett sits down with Bradley Klein, a longtime golf architecture writer and golf course consultant, to answer some Ross-themed questions asked by members of Fried Egg Golf Club. First, though, Garrett discusses what he believes are the five essential Donald Ross golf courses.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Economics of Golf Course Construction (feat. Bruce Hepner)

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000

What do the different components of a golf course construction project cost? Or really — what should they cost? In today’s episode, we tackle the economics of building golf courses. First, Garrett outlines Alister MacKenzie’s ideas about economy in construction and applies them to today’s realities. Then he brings on golf architect Bruce Hepner to discuss Hepner’s recent work on public courses like Miami Lake Golf Club and his thoughts on the excesses of modern golf architecture.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Original Augusta National (feat. Brian Schneider and Josh Pettit)

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000

The golf course at Augusta National has changed a great deal over time. So what was the original version like? This episode dives into what Garrett calls one of the strangest and most interesting courses ever created. First, he is joined by Josh Pettit, founder of the Alister MacKenzie Institute, to discuss how certain holes at Augusta National were inspired by links templates. Then Garrett sits down with golf architect Brian Schneider to talk about the ways that the 1930s iteration of the course might inspire modern golf architecture.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golf Architecture 101: Routing

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Most golf architects will tell you that the most important step in designing a golf course is routing — that is, locating greens, fairways, and tees, and linking them together into a full sequence of holes. And yet routing is also probably the hardest aspect of golf course design to discuss. So in this installment of our Golf Architecture 101 series, Garrett sits down with PJ Clark to demystify the art of routing.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pete Dye’s Design Legacy (feat. Scot Sherman)

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

With the Players Championship approaching, we take a close look at the philosophy and influence of Pete Dye, the architect behind the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, Harbour Town Golf Links, and many other great courses. First, Garrett explains why golf architecture nerds tend to admire Dye even though Dye violated a lot of currently fashionable principles of design. Then, Garrett brings on Scot Sherman, lead designer at Love Golf Design, to discuss his history with the Dye family as well as his recent and upcoming work at TPC Sawgrass and Harbour Town.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Great Courses: Riviera (feat. Zac Blair)

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

With the Genesis Invitational returning to Riviera Country Club this week, Garrett digs into the masterful 1927 design by George Thomas and Billy Bell. First, he outlines what makes Riviera great and how he thinks it could be improved. Then he brings on Zac Blair, professional golfer and founder of The Tree Farm, to talk about the finer details of the course.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to Appreciate Golf Courses (feat. Geoff Shackelford)

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

How can you properly appreciate a golf course while you’re playing it? In this episode, Garrett talks about a couple of techniques he uses to understand golf architecture in the midst of a round. Then he brings on Geoff Shackelford (18:12), author of the book "Golf Architecture for Normal People" and the Substack newsletter The Quadrilateral, to discuss the “RED” system of appreciating and evaluating golf courses.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Aren’t There More Stadium Golf Courses? (feat. Tim Liddy)

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In the 1980s, the concept of a stadium golf course seemed poised to take off. The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass and the PGA West Stadium Course, both designed by Pete Dye, made high-profile debuts on the PGA Tour in 1982 and 1987, respectively. But then the trend ended before it really became a trend. In this episode, Garrett explains the idea of a stadium course and offers some theories as to why it didn’t catch on. He then talks to architect Tim Liddy (19:19) about his recent renovation work at PGA West.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026 Golf Course Openings We're Excited About

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

It’s a new year, so we’re looking ahead. First, Garrett talks about whether modern golf architecture is running low on fresh ideas. Then he is joined by his Fried Egg Golf colleague Matt Rouches to discuss six (or, by the end of their conversation, seven) course openings they’re excited about in 2026.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 10 Defining Golf Courses of the Past 15 Years

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In the future, when we look back on the years between 2010 and 2025, what will we see as the golf courses that defined the era? Andy Johnson and Matt Rouches join Garrett Morrison to discuss.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golf Architecture 101: The Golden Age

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

What is the so-called “Golden Age of golf architecture”? In this installment of our Golf Architecture 101 series, Garrett introduces his Fried Egg Golf colleague PJ Clark to the three big ideas that sparked the Golden Age at the beginning of the 20th century.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Future of Golf Course Restoration

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In the U.S., many of the greatest old golf courses have already undergone restoration work. So where can historically informed golf architecture go next? In this episode, Garrett explores a few projects that represent intriguing frontiers of the golf course restoration and renovation industry. First, he sits down with Jeff Stein to talk about Stein’s and Brian Ross’s historically inspired redesign of the Great Dunes at Jekyll Island Resort. Then he speaks with Clyde Johnson about the subtle craft of restoring British links courses.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regions of Golf: The Melbourne Sandbelt

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

The Sandbelt of Melbourne, Australia, boasts one of the densest concentrations of great golf courses in the world: the West and East courses of Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath, Victoria Golf Club, and more. In this episode of Designing Golf, Garrett dives deep into the Sandbelt’s history, geology, golf, culture, and virtues as a destination. His guests are Harley Kruse and Lukas Michel, both Australian golf architects who are deeply familiar with the region.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jasper Park Rises from the Ashes

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Last year, a devastating wildfire hit Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. Jasper Park Lodge and its beautiful Stanley Thompson-designed golf course sustained heavy damage. In today's episode, Garrett speaks with Canadian golf architect Ian Andrew about Jasper Park's road to recovery. They also discuss the history of Jasper Park Golf Course and the design philosophy of Stanley Thompson.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The State of the Golf Course Industry (2025 Edition)

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Garrett sits down with Greg Nathan, president and CEO of the National Golf Foundation, to take stock of the U.S. golf course industry. Has the post-Covid surge in participation proven sustainable? What kinds of golf course development are we seeing? Why does there seem to be an under-supply of public golf facilities in certain areas? How are short courses faring? Garrett and Greg get into these questions and more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Makes a Good Match-Play Golf Course?

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

With the Ryder Cup approaching, Garrett asks a question that has been on his mind for a while: what, if anything, suits a golf course to the match-play format? Garrett talks to two different architects: first, Andy Staples, who recently designed a match-play course called The Match at PGA National Resort; second, Brian Schneider, who is somewhat skeptical of the notion of a “match-play course.” To close out the episode, Garrett discusses his takeaways from his chats with Andy and Brian, and he offers some thoughts on Bethpage Black’s design and suitability for the Ryder Cup.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The History of the Idea of Fairness in Golf

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Building off of our latest Golf Architecture 101 episode, Garrett Morrison sits down with golf historian Bob Crosby to discuss the historical roots of the notion of fairness in golf course design. Garrett and Bob explore how two major figures of the game in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Laidlaw Purves and John Low, came to represent opposite sides of the fairness debate—a debate that still rages today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deep Dive: Cypress Point

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:29:00 +0000

On today’s episode, we dive deep into the history and architecture of Cypress Point Club, site of the upcoming 50th Walker Cup. First, Garrett speaks with David Normoyle, author of Cypress Point’s soon-to-be-published centennial book, about the history of the club. Then Garrett offers some of his own reflections on the course’s land, routing, and design features. Finally, he brings on Joshua Pettit, founder of the Alister MacKenzie Institute, to discuss a few lesser-known facts about Cypress Point’s construction.

(0:00-8:35) Introduction and Personal History

(10:26-51:07) Interview with David Normoyle

(53:24-1:21:55) Cypress Point's Land, Routing, Design, and Presentation

(1:21:55-1:40:48) Interview with Joshua Pettit

(1:40:48-1:50:53) Concluding Thoughts

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golf Architecture 101: Fairness

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

In the latest installment of our Golf Architecture 101 series, Garrett sits down with PJ to discuss the hot-button issue of fairness. What does it mean for a golf course to be fair? What kinds of design features might be considered unfair? Should we expect fairness out of a golf course? Garrett and PJ discuss it all in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bringing the UK Golf Club Model to the U.S.

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

American golfers who visit the UK often come back wondering the U.S. doesn’t have more private golf clubs that encourage outside play. There are a number of reasons for the differences between the UK and U.S. club “models”—some tax-related, others having to do with history and culture. Still, it is possible to create a golf club in the U.S. that combines a strong local membership with a welcoming posture toward the public. That’s exactly what a group of people in Michigan is trying to do by reinventing Dunham Hills Golf Club as Proving Ground Golf Club.

In today’s episode, Garrett sits down with the architect behind this project, Mike DeVries. Mike is a partner with the firm Clayton, DeVries & Pont and a decorated solo architect whose designs include Kingsley Club, Cape Wickham Golf Links, Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club, Diamond Springs Golf Course, The Mines Golf Golf Course, and Pilgrims Run Golf Club. Mike and Garrett discuss the story behind the Proving Ground project and the benefits of emulating the UK club model. In the back half of the episode, they dig into Mike’s approach to designing and building affordable, accessible golf courses.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why a Golf Course’s Footprint Is So Important

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

One of the most important discussions in golf architecture today relates to the “footprint” of a golf course—that is, how much space a course takes up, both physically and environmentally. As the USGA Green Section discovered in a recent study, golf course footprints have gotten substantially bigger over time. To explore this phenomenon, Garrett Morrison sits down with George Waters, the manager of USGA Green Section Education. Garrett and George discuss how golf courses have evolved over the past 100 years, why course footprints have grown while many course features (fairways, bunkers, greens) have shrunk, and what these developments mean for the future of golf architecture.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deep Dive: Royal Portrush

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 13:20:00 +0000

Today we’re diving deep into this year’s Open Championship venue, the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Portrush, Northern Ireland. Garrett Morrison is joined by Matt Rouches, production associate at Fried Egg Golf, to discuss the history and architecture of this Harry Colt masterpiece. They touch on the the course’s exceptional land, inventive routing, beautifully shaped greens, and more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trees and Golf

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000

The best way to plunge a golf club into chaos is to suggest chopping down trees. In today’s episode, golf architecture author and consultant Bradley Klein joins Garrett Morrison to discuss this controversial issue. They delve into the history of trees on golf courses, explain the origins of the recent trend of tree removal, and address various arguments made both for and against tree-management programs.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deep Dive: Oakmont

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Today we’re diving deep into this year’s U.S. Open venue, Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. First, Garrett Morrison speaks with David Moore, Curator of Collections at Oakmont, about the early history of the club. Then Garrett sits down with Fried Egg Golf staff writer Joseph LaMagna to dig into the details of Oakmont’s architecture. They talk about the course’s topography, routing, underlying design philosophy, greens, hazards, aesthetics, and more. They also touch on the club’s controversial tree-removal program, Gil Hanse’s recent renovation work, and the kind of test that the course will administer to the pros. Garrett and Joseph wrap up by discussing a few specific holes to watch at the U.S. Open.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golf Architecture 101: Template Holes

Tue, 20 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000

In this installment of our Golf Architecture 101 series, Garrett introduces his Fried Egg Golf colleague PJ Clark to C.B. Macdonald's "ideal holes." They discuss how Macdonald came up with the notion of "templates" based on famous British golf holes, and they dig into the history and characteristics of the Redan, Alps, and Road designs. Garrett and PJ wrap up by talking about whether the ideal holes have outlived their usefulness.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is It Time to Move Beyond Minimalism?

Tue, 06 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000

If you’ve listened to any amount of golf architecture discussion in the past two decades, you’ve probably heard the term “minimalism.” In a basic sense, minimalism means trying to create compelling golf while moving as little earth as possible. Recently, some architects have been looking for alternatives to this philosophy. Two such architects are Tim Jackson and David Kahn, the principals of the firm Jackson Kahn Design. In this episode, Garrett Morrison speaks with Tim and David about what they make of “minimalism” as a category, how they approach different types of land, whether they’re concerned with making artificial golf features appear natural, and which courses and designers have inspired them.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to Design for Elite and Average Golfers Simultaneously

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 07:30:00 +0000

It’s not easy to design a golf course that challenges elite players without making average golfers want to quit the game. That was the task OCM Golf faced in its 2023-24 redesign of Course 3 at Medinah Country Club. In this episode, OCM partner Mike Cocking sits down with Garrett Morrison to talk about how he helped reimagine Medinah No. 3 as a course simultaneously capable of hosting both the 2026 Presidents Cup and an ordinary Saturday four-ball.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alister MacKenzie, Augusta National, and the 1930s in America

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000

What was Alister MacKenzie up to in the 1930s? For one thing, he was building Augusta National. But more generally, MacKenzie was exploring new forms of golf architecture and producing some genuinely experimental, even radical, courses. In this episode, Garrett Morrison speaks with Josh Pettit, founder of the Alister MacKenzie Institute, about MacKenzie’s wild ’30s: what projects he completed, how this era of his career influenced the design of Augusta National, and how it might light the way forward for golf architecture in the 21st century.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can Golf Courses Help Us Be More Human?

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Beau Welling is the founder and CEO of Beau Welling Design, and in addition to collaborating with Tiger Woods and designing courses like Bluejack National and Fields Ranch West at PGA Frisco, he is an an experienced landscape designer and urban planner. In this episode, Garrett Morrison talks with Beau about how designing a golf course is like designing a city. As far as Beau is concerned, the goal is the same: to help people feel and be more human.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Makes TPC Sawgrass Great (and How It Could Be Better)

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Ahead of this week's Players Championship, Garrett Morrison is joined by Fried Egg Golf's Joseph LaMagna for a discussion about Pete Dye's Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. The two share their favorite things about the course and what makes it one of the best venues on the PGA Tour before coming up with some ideas on how the Stadium Course, and the Players itself, can improve.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golf Architecture 101: Alister MacKenzie's 13 Principles

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:00:00 +0000

In this second installment of our Golf Architecture 101 series, Garrett Morrison guides Fried Egg Golf producer PJ Clark through Alister MacKenzie’s famous 13 principles of golf course design. Garrett and PJ give particular attention to MacKenzie’s preferences for hole-to-hole variety, a minimum of blind approaches, returning nines, and naturalistic earthworks. They also manage to work in an allusion to a Tim Robinson sketch.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 10 Golf Architecture Books Everyone Should Read

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:00:00 +0000

If you want to learn more about golf course design, which books should you read? Garrett Morrison fields this question pretty frequently, so for today’s episode, he brings on writer and historian Stephen Proctor to discuss the 10 most essential golf architecture books.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Four Golf Courses That Shaped Geoff Ogilvy

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 08:30:00 +0000

Geoff Ogilvy is the 2006 U.S. Open champion, one of the sharpest minds in golf, and an architect whose firm, OCM, is making waves in the industry. In this episode, Garrett Morrison asks him about the four golf courses that most influenced his ideas about the game.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golf Architecture 101: The Three (or Two?) Schools of Design

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

For the first episode of our Golf Architecture 101 series, Garrett Morrison talks Fried Egg Golf producer PJ Clark through the so-called “schools”—that is, philosophies—of golf course design: penal, strategic, and heroic. If you want to learn more about golf architecture, this is a good place to start.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What to Expect from Golf Architecture in 2025

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 07:50:00 +0000

Garrett Morrison sits down with Fried Egg Golf founder Andy Johnson to preview the year in golf architecture. Garrett and Andy discuss the projects, architects, and trends that they’ll be tracking in 2025.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Designing Golf Trailer

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 20:51:00 +0000

Introducing Designing Golf, a new podcast from Fried Egg Golf, hosted by Garrett Morrison.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.