Designer Spotlight: Mike Riley Where Course Design Meets Creativity

Few match Mike Riley's eye for golf-inspired landscapes. Mike reshapes synthetic turf into a custom-designed green space that mimics the feel of premium golf courses. With roots tied to the greats like Nicklaus Design and Robert Cupp, Mike brings his own brand of creative discipline to all his work.

THE MASTER CRAFTER OF GREENS

Michael Riley Design reflects a passion for strong design elements and visually stunning, playable synthetic greens. Inspired from a young age by the role of topography and layout, Mike Riley draws from his experience working with Nicklaus Design and Robert Cupp. Acknowledging the impact of over three decades of golf course mastery, Southwest Greens formalized a relationship to bring authentic golf features with modern synthetic turf playability.

Graduating with a degree in Horticulture from Clemson University and time playing professional golf, Mike was offered an outstanding opportunity to work for Jack Nicklaus’ design company. As both a site coordinator and a design associate, he was privileged to be involved with Nicklaus golf courses in multiple high-profile locations including California, Tucson, AZ, Hawaii, Colorado, 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 famous Kiele course in Kauai Lagoons, Hawaii, was recognized as Best New Resort Course by Golf Digest magazine in 1989.

Step onto one of Mike’s greens and you’re in a narrative where precise contours and clean shapes meet the thrill of your best game. Every hill and hazard is the result of dedication and creativity. Working closely with our expert team, Mike ensures that every green is both aesthetically-pleasing and perfectly playable — whether it’s a residential backyard installation or a premium landscape design.

CREATIVE EXCELLENCE, ELITE PERFORMANCE

For golf lovers seeking a slice of tournament-level design in their own space, Mike’s creations are a true standout. His unique blend of design vision and synthetic turf performance delivers turf ready for action. If you’re dreaming of a backyard putting oasis that rivals your favorite course, now’s the time to make it a reality.

A PRO COURSE AT YOUR DOORSTEP

Contact us now to learn how Southwest Greens can bring a piece of professional play right to your Fresno home. Make every shot count and let your game shine!