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Draft:Michael Riley (golf course architect)

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Michael Riley (golf course architect)

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Michael Riley
Born
Michael Edward Riley
EducationClemson University
OccupationGolf course architect
Years active1983-present
Children1
Websitemichaelrileydesign.net

Michael Riley (born 1958-1959) is an American golf course architect. He designed various golf courses under Jack Nicklaus and later Bob Cupp before starting his own business Michael Riley Design in 1992. Since then, Riley has designed and renovated numerous courses in the contiguous United States, primarily in Georgia, where he resides.[1][2]

Early life and education

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Riley grew up in New Jersey. As a teenager he worked as a caddy for Somerset Hills Country Club in Bernardsville, New Jersey, where he developed an interest in golf course architecture. While in college, Riley worked at Saint Andrews Golf Club in New York, where he became acquainted with Jack Nicklaus and members of Nicklaus Design. He graduated from Clemson University with a degree in horticulture.[1][3]

Career

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Riley began his design career working with Nicklaus from 1983-1990. During this time, Riley designed courses worldwide, including in the United States, Canada, Guam, and Japan. Among them are La Paloma Country Club in Tuscon, Arizona and Kauai Lagoons Golf Club in Kauai, Hawaii. Shortly after, Riley briefly worked under Bob Cupp, helping to design courses such as Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo, California, and Council Fire Golf Club in Chattanooga, Tennessee.[1][4]

In 1992, Riley started his own design company Michael Riley Design, operating primarily in the southeast United States. Original designs such as Reunion Golf Club in Hoschton, Georgia and Governors Towne Club in Acworth, Georgia followed, as well as acclaimed course renovations including Atlanta Country Club, Rivermont Golf Club, and The Standard Club, each also in Georgia.[5][6] He has worked with multiple PGA Tour golfers such as Fred Couples, Curtis Strange, and Tom Kite.[7]

Design approach and style

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Inspired by Nicklaus' work ethic and hands-on approach in his design process, Riley employs an "on the field" method in his own work, believing that the best results are achieved when the course architect is physically present as much as possible during the construction of a golf course. Stylistically, Riley often opts for a classical aesthetic, using natural terrain to guide bold design choices reminiscent of the architectural work during golf's Golden Age in the early 20th century.[2][1][8]

Amateur golf career

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Initially working towards a professional golf career on the PGA Tour, Riley played various mini-tours out of college.[8] During his design career, he competed in several amateur golf tournaments, winning the 1994 Anderson Memorial at Winged Foot Golf Club[9] and finishing runner-up in the 1997 GSGA Mid-Amateur Championship, among others.[10]

Personal life

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Riley currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia and has one son.[1]

Golf courses

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Original designs

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  • Governors Towne Club; Acworth, GA (with Curtis Strange)
  • Iron Horse Golf Club; Milton, GA
  • Kelly Plantation Golf Club; Destin, FL (with Fred Couples)
  • Reunion Golf Club; Hoschton, GA
  • Steele Canyon Golf Club; Sandy Springs, GA
  • The Chattooga Club (putting course); Highlands, NC
  • Thousand Hills Golf Club; Branson, MO

Renovations

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  • Abacoa Golf Club; Jupiter, FL
  • Ansley Golf Club; Atlanta, GA
  • Atlanta Country Club; Marietta, GA
  • Athens Country Club; Athens, GA
  • Brookfield Country Club; Roswell, GA
  • Council Fire Golf Club; Chattanooga, TN
  • Country Club of the South; Alpharetta, GA
  • Cullasaja Club; Highlands, NC
  • Cypress Lakes Country Club; Muscle Shoals, AL
  • Druid Hills Country Club; Atlanta, GA
  • Echelon Golf Club; Alpharetta, GA
  • Green Island Country Club; Columbus, GA
  • Heritage Golf Links; Tucker, GA
  • Idle Hour Club; Macon, GA
  • Rivermont Golf Club; Johns Creek, GA
  • The Standard Club; Duluth, GA
  • The Landings Club; Skidaway Island, GA
  • The Windsor Club; Vero Beach, FL

With Nicklaus Design

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  • Castle Pines Country Club; Castle Rock, CO
  • Dove Canyon Golf Club; Mission Viejo, CA
  • Hokkaido Classic Golf Club; Hokkaido, Japan
  • Kauai Lagoons Golf Club; Lihue, Kauai, HI
  • Komono Club; Nagoya, Japan
  • Lago Escondido; Guam
  • La Paloma Country Club; Tuscon, AZ
  • Oakmont Golf Club; Nabari City, Japan

With Cupp Design

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  • Bluegrass Yacht and Country Club; Hendersonville, TN
  • Capital City Club; Atlanta, GA
  • City of Amarillo; Amarillo, TX
  • Council Fire Golf Club; Chattanooga, TN
  • Legends Club of Tennessee; Nashville, TN
  • Spanish Hills Country Club; Camarillo, CA

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Lam, Jeff (August 1, 2006). "Executive Spotlight: Michael Riley". Avid Golfer (August 2006): 72–76.
  2. ^ a b Blum, Mike (May 2007). "Michael Riley". Golf Georgia: 50.
  3. ^ Anderberg, Ken (November 1996). "Course Design: Georgia Style". Golf Georgia.
  4. ^ "Michael Riley". KNOW Atlanta: 30. Winter 1995.
  5. ^ Companiotte, John (2016). A History of Golf in Georgia. Charleston, South Carolina: The History Press. p. 82. ISBN 9781467117906.
  6. ^ Knorr, Curt (2023). A 50 Year Family Legacy: Rivermont Golf Club. Rivermont Golf Club. p. 43. ISBN 9798218120443.
  7. ^ Companiotte, John (January 2007). "Up Close: The Standard Club". Atlanta Golf: 34.
  8. ^ a b Awtrey, Stan (Winter 2002). "Riley Draws Priase for Hands-on Design Work". FORE Georgia (Winter 2002): 19.
  9. ^ Pinciaro, Anthony (July 18, 1994). "Nashville Duo Takes Title". The Journal News: 30.
  10. ^ Blum, Mike (July 1997). "GSGA Mid Amateur Championship; May 16-18, 1997". Golf Georgia: 35, 37.
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