Designer Spotlight: Mike Riley Where Course Design Meets Creativity

Mike Riley is a designer pro like no other. Riley molds synthetic turf with vision into a creative playground that mirrors the feel of championship-level golf courses. With roots tied to legendary names like Nicklaus Design and Robert Cupp, Mike brings his own brand of artful precision to all his work.

THE MASTER CRAFTER OF GREENS

Michael Riley Design shows a passion for strong design details and visually stunning, playable synthetic greens. Drawn to the craft early on by the role of natural flow and geometry, Mike Riley pulls from his experience working with Nicklaus Design and Robert Cupp. Valuing the legacy of over three decades of expertise, Southwest Greens formalized a relationship to bring authentic golf features with cutting-edge synthetic turf surfaces.

With a background in plant sciences from Clemson University and brief time on the pro golf circuit, Mike was offered an outstanding opportunity to work for Jack Nicklaus' design firm. As both a site coordinator and a design associate, he was happy to be participate on Nicklaus golf courses in Tucson, California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Japan. He literally learned great golf course design and construction from the ground up with one of the modern masters of the game. 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.

Stand on his creation and you’re immersed in a story where strategically designed shapes meet the thrill of perfect shots. Every contour and bunker is the result of Mike’s design experience. Working closely with our turf specialists, Mike ensures that every green looks sharp and plays just right — whether it’s a private practice putting green or a master plan for an estate.

EXPERTLY CRAFTED, ELITE PLAYABILITY

For avid golfers seeking pro-style greens in their backyard, Mike’s creations are in a class of their own. His unique blend of design vision and synthetic turf performance delivers playable brilliance anytime. If you’re dreaming of a backyard putting oasis that rivals championship-level greens, now’s the time to explore the possibilities.

BRING THE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE HOME

Get in touch to learn how the experts at Southwest Greens can bring championship design right to your Jacksonville home. Perfect your putt and let your game shine!