Peter's passion for golf course architecture began during his professional golfing days on the European tour in 1968. It was during this time he developed a great admiration for the links golf courses. Following his playing career, he transitioned into the role of a caddy for Gary Player, during which he had the invaluable opportunity to immerse himself in the intricacies of American golf course design.
Growing up in the rustic landscapes of Rhodesia, instilled a profound connection to nature and a passion for golf in Peter. This fusion of experiences sparked his desire to contribute to the world of golf beyond playing. Subsequently, he pursued roles as a golf director and greenkeeper, honing his understanding of the intricate balance between the game and its environment.
It was during this time that fate presented him with an opportunity close to home: several farmers in Umhlali entrusted him with the task of designing an additional nine holes for their golf course. The success and positive reception of this project marked the inception of his journey into golf course architecture.
It was during my playing days that I developed a deep admiration for the timeless allure of traditional links golf courses. Their seamless integration with the natural landscape resonated with me profoundly.
Peter Matkovich
Peter was the lead architect on the La Réserve Golf Links in Mauritius which achieved GEO Certified Development Status in 2023. The development was a huge regeneration project, transforming large swaths of mono-crop sugarcane into acres of natural and native habitat. The 18-hole championship course caught the attention of the media immediately as it hosted the Mauritian Open in the opening week. La Réserve exemplifies what it means to be a sustainable golf course.
Some highlights from the project include:
Q - How well do you think the subject of sustainability and golf design can complement one another?
I believe that sustainability and golf design can complement each other remarkably well. My design philosophy has always been ‘’listen to the land’’, working with nature and not against it is the key.
By integrating sustainable practices into golf course design, such as using endemic and indigenous plant species, incorporating natural water management systems, and employing energy-efficient technologies, we aim to create courses that not only minimise environmental impact but also enhance the overall playing experience.
Q - What are some elements or processes you have included in your recent projects that you feel illustrate the integration of a sustainably led approach?
Our most recently completed project is La Reserve Golf Links in Mauritius. Here we restored native grasslands, wetlands and forested ravines. The site was a sugar cane field before the development and was virtually devoid of any biodiversity. With the introduction of native plant species, we have seen an incredible increase in the biodiversity on the site especially in bird species.
Here we also planned water usage very carefully, ensuring that we use only the run-off water that was available to us. Two large storage lakes on-site provide ample storage capacity, catching water that would have otherwise run into the ocean. Additionally, these two lakes provide a wonderful habitat for waterfowl.
On our latest project in Zimbabwe, we have already propagated a nursery of a few thousand indigenous trees amongst which we have more than 1,000 baobab trees grown from seed. These will all be planted on the golf course site which is currently overgrown with invasive alien species.
Q - What does sustainability thinking in design mean to you?
Being constantly aware of our surroundings in a holistic manner, considering both environmental and social aspects, and ensuring that we integrate this into our design thinking. It involves integrating principles of environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic viability throughout the design process to use available resources efficiently and not be wasteful.
Thinking in this manner with these constraints at the forefront, promotes creative design.
Q - A few words on becoming a champion and what it means to you to be championing this kind of direction in the wider industry?
I am honoured to be recognised in this manner. This is a mission very close to my heart and hope that I may inspire more and more designers and developers to place sustainability at the heart of their projects.
Q - Any words on GEO, sustainability in the industry, the importance of connections for golf with wider sustainability or landscape industries and how that could help?
The importance of the work that GEO is doing to educate the world on how golf and sustainability can go hand in hand cannot be overstated. We have a long way to go to convince environmental activists that golf can be for good but thanks to organisations like GEO, we are closing the gap fast.
Find Peter and his work at:
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