The realm of golf course design is fortunate to have a master of the craft — a star that has crafted an illustrious career with his mix of creativity, thoroughness and versatility. That star is Greg Martin, a seasoned veteran with a portfolio packed full of distinctive golf course designs that have left a lasting impression on the golfing community.
Originally from Illinois, Greg Martin’s passion for golf course design ignited early in his career when he was employed in golf course maintenance. In his youth, he was a caddy and played golf, yet it was the combination of golf, architecture, engineering, and landscape that drew him to golf course architecture. He earned a Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture at the University of Illinois and proceeded to work with pioneers in the industry, gaining a solid background and understanding of the elements involved in course design.
What sets Greg Martin’s designs apart from others is his deep-rooted belief that a golf course should not just be a place to play golf but also a venue that respects and enhances the natural environment. Martin’s commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in each of his designs, which seamlessly intertwine with nature.
A great example of this notion can be found in the acclaimed renovation of Pottawatomie Golf Course in St. Charles, Illinois, completed in 2009. It was designed with an ecological perspective, making it a haven for local wildlife while also offering golfers an engaging and picturesque environment. Here, Martin showed his expertise in practical matters, making minimal earth movements and wisely handling drainage, thereby reducing construction and long-term maintenance costs.
Another notable Greg Martin creation is the renowned Rich Harvest Links, Sugar Grove, Illinois. This course embraces the ‘links’ style, providing a challenging design that takes full advantage of the undulating terrain. Developed between 1987 and 1999, his ingenuity and embrace of the existing land forms allowed for a course that combines challenge, beauty, and playability. An array of professional and amateur events has found their way to these fairways, including the 2009 Solheim Cup, a testament to the quality of Martin’s design.
The hallmark of Martin’s designs is the balance of fairness and difficulty. He believes the game should be a fun but challenging endeavor, where every hole can provide a puzzle to solve. His design approach, therefore, caters for all level golfers, intrigues the experienced players with tactical opportunities, and yet retains accessibility for recreational golfers. The result? A golf course that tells a compelling story, hole after hole.
Beyond his technical abilities, Greg Martin is known just as much for his collaborative nature. His work ethic is incredibly inclusive, involving local stakeholders in the entire process. He consistently goes the extra mile to understand how a golf course will impact its environment, both in physical and community aspects.
He is a staunch advocate for the broader implications of golf course design, viewing golf courses as important community and ecological assets. This ethos is ingrained in the work of his company, Martin Design Partnership, Ltd. — a firm specializing in planning, design, and consultation related to golf course projects. It’s no surprise that his unwavering commitment to where golf intersects with nature and community led him to serve as president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) in 2015-2016.
In a world increasingly aware of ecological challenges, Martin’s sustainable designs are not only beautiful and innovative but also geared towards the future. His projects consistently embody a love for the game, respect for the land, and understanding of the necessity for sustainable practices.
As we continue to follow his career, it is clear that Greg Martin is not just designing golf courses — he’s sculpting stories from the landscapes, proving that a well-designed golf course can be about far more than the game itself. An artful alchemist of functionality, design, and natural aesthetic, Greg Martin continues to shape the golf industry for the better.