Golf course design, sustainability and the changing shape of golf

Recorded during the EIGCA Annual Meeting 2026 in Utrecht, a recent episode of The Greenprint Podcast brought together EIGCA Members, Partners and media voices for a wide-ranging discussion on where golf — and golf course design — is heading next.

Hosted by Leighton Walker and recorded in partnership with Toro, the conversation featured EIGCA members Jeff Lynch, James Edwards and Bruce Charlton, alongside Toby Ingleton of Golf Course Architecture magazine and Andy Brown from EIGCA Golf Partner, Toro.

What emerged was not simply a discussion about architecture. Instead, the conversation reflected something broader: a profession increasingly focused on sustainability, flexibility, community connection and how golf facilities can evolve to remain relevant in a changing world.

The setting itself helped shape the discussion.

During the Annual Meeting, delegates experienced three very different but equally memorable golf courses — Bernardus, Hilversumsche and De Pan — each offering its own perspective on landscape, strategy and atmosphere.

While Bernardus demonstrated the scale and visual impact possible in modern golf development, much of the conversation returned to the older courses played during the week, particularly Hilversumsche and De Pan. Their maturity, integration with the landscape and sense of place clearly resonated with the architects around the table.

Again and again, the discussion returned to a simple but important idea: memorable golf experiences are rarely created through difficulty or length alone.

Instead, they come from atmosphere, landscape, enjoyment and connection to the surrounding environment.

That point became increasingly relevant as the conversation moved towards sustainability and the future pressures facing golf facilities.

A major topic throughout the was the role golf must play in responding to environmental pressures — particularly around water management, biodiversity and reductions in pesticide use. The panel reflected on how the Netherlands is already experiencing many of the environmental and regulatory challenges that other countries are likely to face in the future.

For modern golf course architects, sustainability is no longer something separate from design. It now sits at the centre of it.

The panel discussed how much architectural work today involves adapting existing golf courses rather than creating entirely new ones. Water storage, drainage strategies, habitat enhancement and more efficient land use are becoming increasingly important considerations within renovation projects.

What stood out throughout the discussion was the sense that golf architecture is becoming more holistic. Architects are not simply shaping golf holes. They are increasingly helping clubs think about land use, operational sustainability, community value and the overall experience of a golf facility.

That broader thinking naturally led into one of the strongest themes of the conversation: practice facilities and short-game environments.

James Edwards spoke about how many traditional golf clubs were never truly designed around practice. Historically, practice areas often sat on leftover land, disconnected from the clubhouse and secondary to the main course itself.

Today, however, expectations are changing.

Across golf, there is growing interest in facilities that are more welcoming, more flexible and more social. Short-game areas, putting courses, compact practice environments and family-friendly spaces are increasingly seen not as optional extras, but as essential parts of a modern golf facility. The discussion explored how these spaces can help attract different audiences into golf — including people who may never previously have considered entering a traditional golf club environment.

Importantly, the panel did not see this as replacing traditional golf. Rather, it was viewed as an expansion of what golf facilities can offer.

Several contributors pointed towards a future where golf clubs become broader recreational destinations: places where practice, entertainment, hospitality and community activity sit alongside the golf course itself.

The emergence of shorter formats, practice-led venues and multi-use leisure environments suggests that golf facilities are beginning to evolve beyond the traditional model of the 18-hole championship course alone.

And underlying much of the conversation was another recurring idea: golf should be enjoyable. As Bruce Charlton observed during the discussion, many golfers simply want the game to be “more fun”. That may sound obvious, but it represents an important shift in thinking.

Rather than focusing solely on length, difficulty or championship identity, many architects are increasingly prioritising flexibility, creativity and playability across a wider range of abilities and time commitments.

The conversation also reflected the wider theme of the EIGCA Conference itself: “AI and Emerging Technologies”.

Technology was discussed not as a replacement for architectural thinking, but as a tool that can support better decision-making and more sustainable golf facilities. From moisture sensing and irrigation management to robotics and data-driven maintenance, technology is already changing how courses are maintained and managed.

At the same time, the panel repeatedly stressed that technology alone is not the answer.

The future of golf will still depend on thoughtful design, strong collaboration and an understanding of how people actually want to use golf facilities.

Perhaps the strongest takeaway from the discussion was the sense of shared purpose between architects, industry partners and facility operators.

The challenges facing golf are significant — environmental pressures, changing participation habits, operational costs and evolving expectations — but the conversation in Utrecht was overwhelmingly optimistic.

Rather than resisting change, the discussion demonstrated a profession actively exploring how golf can evolve while remaining true to the qualities that make the game special.

As with the best golf courses experienced during the week, the future of golf may depend less on trying to impress, and more on creating places people genuinely enjoy being part of.

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Listen to the full episode of The Greenprint Podcast for the complete discussion and deeper insights from all contributors.

Other episodes, featuring EIGCA members are:

• Bruce Charlton, James Edwards and Jeff Lynch discuss how technology is reshaping golf course design, maintenance and sustainability. From autonomous machinery and AI to smarter irrigation and turf management, the conversation explores how innovation can support better golf experiences while improving environmental performance and long-term resilience.
• Kari Haug and Giulia Ferroni take a focused, topic-led look at golf course design for players with slower swing speeds, recognising that swing speed, rather than age, gender, or experience, is the key factor influencing distance and ball flight for a large proportion of golfers. Kari and Giulia explore how course design can better serve this majority, moving beyond forward tees to consider hazard placement, realistic carry distances, and the design of green complexes that remain engaging for stronger players while accessible to all. Drawing on research and practical experience, the conversation highlights how thoughtful design can improve inclusivity, enjoyment, and long-term playability across the golfing spectrum. Listen here (21st January 2026). Read summary post here.
• Paul Jansen discusses the development of his career in golf course architecture, beginning with his early experience in the profession, including a formative period with Faldo Design. He goes on to describe two collaborative initiatives developed with Nick Faldo, focused on rethinking practice environments through high-quality short courses, short-game areas, and advanced putting facilities. Paul explains how these projects respond to growing demand for realistic, well-crafted practice spaces that emphasise detail, strategy, and true playability. The conversation also turns to the Ponta do Pargo project in Madeira, where Paul reflects on the challenges and opportunities of working with a dramatic coastal landscape, the long-term vision for the site, and the progress toward its planned opening in 2027. Listen here (4th December 2025)
• Caspar Grauballe, outgoing President, and his successor, Gary Johnston, reflect on a period of transition for the Institute following the recent Annual Meeting in the north of Scotland, which also marked EIGCA’s 25th anniversary. Their conversation explores the Institute’s role in championing the profession, the growing importance of sustainability highlighted at Dornoch, the enduring significance of Royal Dornoch itself, and how the role of the golf course architect continues to evolve, drawing on insights from their own current work. Listen here (15th June 2025). Read summary post here.
• Tim Lobb reflects on the path that led him from his formative years in Melbourne to key professional experiences with European Golf Design and Thompson, Perrett and Lobb, before establishing his own studio. He discusses how these stages shaped an approach to design that responds to the landscape, rather than trying to dominate it. Listen here (11th May 2025).