Episode 43: Brian Silva

February 7, 2019

Brian Silva began working for iconic New England architect Geoffrey Cornish in 1983, building golf courses in the traditional way of the day. After a revelation concerning the essence of strategic golf he transitioned into golf course restoration, becoming one of the business’s most respected talents at renovating historic Golden Age-era courses. His particular passion is for Seth Raynor, and Silva has been peerless in drawing attention to Raynor’s work and helping clubs revive his lost architecture. Silva’s acclaimed original courses include Black Creek in Tennessee, Black Rock, Waverly Oaks and Renaissance in Massachusetts, and he continues a busy renovation and consulting schedule.

Brian talks with Derek about his long career and everything else golf, including becoming a practice range ball banger, the disgusting happenings at Omni Amelia Island Plantation, being blown away reading a competing job proposal from Bob Cupp, the difficulty in getting high handicap players to “read” strategy, his epiphany at PGA West and the genius of Pete Dye, the regrettable Age of Engineering, the under-utilized potential of flat Florida golf sites, getting past the “skin” of a golf hole and into its skeleton, trends and followers in design and the joy of bringing Raynor to life at Black Creek Club.

Photo: Augusta Country Club

Home Page Photo: Black Creek Club, 10th green

Outro: “Blinded By the Light,” Manfred Mann’s Earth Band

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2 Replies to “Episode 43: Brian Silva”

Other than playing a handful of Mr. Silva’s courses and knowing of his reputation for renovations and restorations, I didn’t know much about him. But after listening to this episode, count me as a big fan. Mr. Silva’s passion for his craft is evident; his enthusiasm is contagious; and his humor, modesty and self-effacing nature are infectious. Seems like the type of person you’d love to play a round of golf with, then sit back in the clubhouse for 2 or 3 hours with and listen to his stories and talk golf course design.

Derek – you did an excellent job with this interview. The enthusiasm of Brian poured out and the two hours seemed to fly by. I’m searching out to play more Silva courses this year. Thanks for sharing

Allan Long says:
February 16, 2019 at 5:21 pm
Other than playing a handful of Mr. Silva’s courses and knowing of his reputation for renovations and restorations, I didn’t know much about him. But after listening to this episode, count me as a big fan. Mr. Silva’s passion for his craft is evident; his enthusiasm is contagious; and his humor, modesty and self-effacing nature are infectious. Seems like the type of person you’d love to play a round of golf with, then sit back in the clubhouse for 2 or 3 hours with and listen to his stories and talk golf course design.
Ryan Burleson says:
February 18, 2019 at 7:32 am
Derek – you did an excellent job with this interview. The enthusiasm of Brian poured out and the two hours seemed to fly by. I’m searching out to play more Silva courses this year. Thanks for sharing