Brandon Johnson, one of golf’s rising voices in course architecture and restoration, has officially launched “The Sketchpad,” a new newsletter and creative platform designed to share his thoughts, sketches, projects, and philosophy surrounding golf course design.
Johnson introduced the first issue of The Sketchpad this week, describing it as both a personal and professional outlet that reflects the artistic and strategic process behind golf architecture. The publication will feature project updates, restoration concepts, design analysis, and hand-drawn sketches that capture Johnson’s evolving ideas and observations from courses around the country.
“Since I started my business in 2024 — and before, during my years with the Arnold Palmer Design Company — I’ve been lucky enough to work on many really interesting projects, with some fascinating sites, and great people,” Johnson wrote in the newsletter introduction. “The purpose of The Sketchpad is to allow me to share some of those projects, and a few of my thoughts on golf course design.”
The Harvard-educated golf course architect holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from North Carolina State University and now, has over 25 years of experience designing golf courses around the world. Johnson has quickly established himself as one of the emerging talents in modern golf architecture. Before launching his own firm, Johnson Golf Design, he spent years with the renowned Arnold Palmer Design Company, where he played a major role in several high-profile golf course projects throughout the United States. During his tenure, he contributed to both new course developments and restoration efforts, helping shape layouts that blend strategy, playability, and aesthetics.
His design philosophy centers heavily on thoughtful strategy, contouring, and creating golf holes that encourage players to think through every shot. Johnson’s work has drawn praise for balancing traditional architectural influences with modern agronomic and playability standards. Among his many recognitions he is the recipient of 2019 ASGCA Design Excellence Award and has been featured on Golf Channel’s Golf Today and Morning Drive during “Architecture Week”.
The Sketchpad derives its name from Johnson’s lifelong habit of sketching golf holes, landscapes, and architectural concepts by hand. He believes sketching remains one of the most important tools in communicating golf design ideas.
“They say a picture is worth a thousand words, I believe a sketch is worth even more,” Johnson explained. “To draw and sketch is to think, to observe, to analyze, to dream and to create.”
The launch of the newsletter coincides with several major projects currently underway for Johnson Golf Design. Among the most notable is the restoration of the historic Bradenton Country Club in Florida, originally designed by legendary architect Donald Ross in 1924. Johnson has been tasked with restoring many of Ross’s original strategic concepts while modernizing infrastructure and improving drainage throughout the property.
Johnson is also overseeing a major renovation at Jeremy Ranch Golf & Country Club in Park City, Utah. The project includes rebuilding all 18 greens, redesigning bunkers, expanding native grass areas, and modernizing the course while respecting its original Arnold Palmer Design Company roots.
Another recent success for Johnson came at Myrtle Beach National’s King’s North Course, where his renovation work introduced dramatic strategic enhancements, rebuilt greens and bunkers, and improved sustainability features throughout the property.
Johnson’s influence also extends beyond architecture projects. He remains active in youth education and community outreach through programs that connect golf with STEM education and career opportunities. Recently, he partnered with the LEO Golf Academy in Montgomery, Alabama, to speak with students about how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics intersect with golf architecture.
In addition, Johnson continues to study elite player strategy through professional competition. His work at Lakewood National Golf Club in Florida, host of the Korn Ferry Tour’s LECOM Suncoast Classic, has allowed him to analyze advanced shot data and observe how contouring, angles, and pin placements influence decision-making at the highest levels of the game.
With The Sketchpad, Johnson hopes to create a deeper connection with golfers, architects, and industry enthusiasts who appreciate the artistry and strategy behind golf course design.
“It is always a joy to interact and talk with people who are interested in golf course architecture and what I passionately pursue as a career,” Johnson said.
For more information or to contact Brandon Johnson Golf Design, interested readers can email [email protected].
