Designer Spotlight: Mike Riley Where Course Design Meets Creativity

Mike Riley is a designer pro like no other. Mike reshapes synthetic turf into a custom-designed green space that mimics the feel of elite golf courses. With roots tied to historic influencers like Nicklaus Design and Robert Cupp, Mike brings his own brand of creative discipline to every creation.

THE MASTER CRAFTER OF GREENS

Michael Riley Design reflects a passion for strong design clarity and exciting and functional synthetic greens. Inspired from a young age by the role of topography and layout, Mike Riley leverages his experience working with Nicklaus Design and Robert Cupp. Understanding the value of over three decades of golf course mastery, Southwest Greens formalized a relationship to bring authentic golf features with advanced synthetic turf performance characteristics.

With a background in plant sciences from Clemson University and a short stint playing professional golf, Mike was offered an amazing offer to work for Jack Nicklaus' design firm. As both a site coordinator and a design associate, he was happy to be work on Nicklaus golf courses in renowned golf locations including Japan, California, Hawaii, Colorado, and Tucson, AZ. He literally learned the craft of course design and construction from the ground up with the master himself. One of the courses he worked on, the Kiele at Kauai Lagoons in Hawaii, was recognized as Best New Resort Course by Golf Digest magazine in 1989.

Play on a Mike Riley-designed green and you’re part of a journey where clean, thoughtful shapes meet the thrill of perfect shots. Every form and feature is the result of Mike’s design experience. Working closely with us here at Southwest Greens, Mike ensures that every green looks sharp and plays just right — whether it’s a home green or a full estate course.

CREATIVE EXCELLENCE, ELITE PERFORMANCE

For golf enthusiasts seeking championship quality putting greens in their backyard, Mike’s creations are in a class of their own. His unique blend of design experience and expertise and innovative synthetic turf delivers playable brilliance anytime. If you’re dreaming of a backyard putting retreat that rivals a resort experience, now’s the time to take the next step.

A PRO COURSE AT YOUR DOORSTEP

Reach out today to learn how our team can bring elite performance turf design right to your Naperville backyard. Perfect your putt and let your course dreams come true!