The Philosophy and Practice of Golf Course Architecture: A Conversation with Greg Martin
What makes a golf course truly great? Is it length, difficulty, dramatic visuals, or something more subtle that reveals itself only after repeated rounds? In this episode of the Chicago Golf Report Podcast, we talk with golf course architect Greg Martin, founder of Greg Martin Design , to explore the philosophy, economics, and real-world challenges behind modern golf course architecture. Martin has spent decades designing and renovating golf courses across the Midwest and beyond. His work reflects a philosophy that places strategy, playability, and sustainability above architectural ego. Throughout our conversation, he explains why the best golf courses aren’t necessarily the longest or the most visually dramatic—but rather the ones that keep golfers coming back. For Martin, great golf course architecture lives at the intersection of art, engineering, and human experience. Architecture vs. Art: The Importance of Function One of the most compelling themes from our discussion was Martin’s distinction between pure art and architecture. Art can exist solely for expression. Architecture, however, must serve a purpose. Golf course architecture sits in this unique middle ground. While design aesthetics matter, the ultimate test of a golf course is much simpler: do golfers want to return and play it again? Martin believes the success of a design depends on how well the course works for players. The routing, the shot options, the visual cues, and even the unseen infrastructure must all come together seamlessly to create an enjoyable experience. He describes this as the “magic trick” of golf course architecture. The architect must solve complex problems—drainage, irrigation, grading, and infrastructure—while ensuring that the golfer never notices those solutions. When done well, the engineering disappears into the background and the golfer remains immersed in the challenge and beauty of the course. The Myth of Length in Modern Golf One of the biggest misconceptions in modern golf course design is the belief that longer automatically means better. Martin pushes back strongly on this idea. Some of the greatest holes in golf history are not long at all. Instead, they challenge players through strategic decision-making and shot execution. A perfect example is the famous 10th hole at Riviera Country Club, a short par-4 that continues to confound even the world’s best golfers. Its brilliance lies not in distance but in the choices it forces players to make from the tee. This philosophy drives Martin’s approach to design. The goal is not to overwhelm players with length, but to create holes that require thoughtful strategy and reward precise shot-making. Equally important, great architecture should be inclusive across skill levels. A well-designed course should challenge accomplished golfers while still being enjoyable for beginners, juniors, and senior players. The best courses create options rather than obstacles. Why Golf Courses Need Renovation Another key topic in our discussion was the economics and lifecycle of golf course renovation. Like any complex property, golf courses require periodic reinvestment. Infrastructure components such as bunkers, drainage systems, irrigation networks, and cart paths gradually wear out and must be replaced or updated. Martin compares the process to maintaining a home. Roofs eventually need replacement, floors wear down, and systems become outdated. In golf, these updates typically occur every 10 to 15 years, depending on the resources of the facility and the expectations of its golfers. Private clubs often renovate more frequently due to member demand and available capital. Public facilities, on the other hand, must balance improvements against strict return-on-investment considerations. Failing to reinvest can create what Martin calls “the cost of nothing.” Postponing updates often leads to declining course conditions, higher maintenance costs, and reduced competitiveness in the market. The Rising Impac