Designer Spotlight: Mike Riley Where Course Design Meets Creativity

Mike Riley stands out in the world of course design. Riley molds synthetic turf with vision into a custom-designed green space that mimics the feel of premium golf courses. With roots tied to legendary names like Nicklaus Design and Robert Cupp, Mike brings his own brand of unique expertise to each design.

THE MASTER CRAFTER OF GREENS

Michael Riley Design reflects a passion for strong design details and bold yet playable synthetic greens. Inspired from a young age by the role of contours and shapes, Mike Riley leverages his experience working with Nicklaus Design and Robert Cupp. Valuing the legacy of 35 years of hands-on design experience, Southwest Greens formalized a relationship to integrate natural course attributes with high-tech synthetic turf benefits.

Armed with a horticulture degree from Clemson University and an early pro golf career, Mike was offered a pivotal role to work for the Jack Nicklaus team. As both a site coordinator and a design associate, he was happy to be involved with Nicklaus golf courses in various regions around the globe including Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii and Japan. He literally learned top-tier design principles and construction from the ground up with the master himself. One of the courses he worked on, the Kauai Lagoons’ Kiele course, was named Best New Resort Course by Golf Digest in 1989.

Step onto one of Mike’s greens and you’re stepping into a story where clean, thoughtful shapes meet the thrill of your best game. Every dip and trap is the result of a journey through experience and passion. Working closely with our turf specialists, Mike ensures that every green looks sharp and plays just right — whether it’s a residential backyard installation or a master plan for an estate.

STUNNING DESIGN, READY TO PLAY

For those who love the game seeking pro-style greens in their own space, Mike’s creations are unmatched. His unique blend of design expertise and synthetic turf performance delivers turf ready for action. If you’re dreaming of backyard putting green luxury that rivals your favorite course, now’s the time to explore the possibilities.

MAKE YOUR HOME A GOLF DESTINATION

Get in touch to learn how Southwest Greens can bring elite performance turf design right to your Pittsburgh backyard. Enjoy every swing and let your skills flourish!