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

Check them out here!

https://thadlaytondesign.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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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/

https://eigca.org/

https://egd.com/

https://www.bycaspar.com/

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