Jorge Santana da Silva, Architect and CEO of GolfDesign.pt - “Rather than leaving behind a portfolio of courses, I would like to leave a way of thinking about golf design[…]”

Having devoted almost four decades to golf course architecture, Jorge Santana da Silva is a prominent figure in the field, creating some of the most iconic golf courses in Portugal and abroad. In this interview with Villas&Golfe, he reflects on the career path that took him from land surveying to golf, the influence played by masters such as Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Cabell Robinson, how the sector has evolved, and the importance of golf course design that respects the landscape and the identity of each location.

You qualified in land surveying and geometric engineering. How did your passion for golf course architecture begin, and what led you to set up Golf Design?
I started playing golf when I was still a young man, almost by chance, in Troia, when the course was in its final stages of construction. Later on, in Madeira, I was able to continue playing at the Santo da Serra Golf Course. When the company I was working for took on responsibility for the initial earthworks and land modelling, I was appointed site manager. That was when my passion for golf course architecture truly took root. I was fascinated by how it was possible to shape and enhance the landscape, creating a landscape specifically for the game that at the same time stood out as a work of art that blended seamlessly with nature.

You have worked with such names as Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Cabell Robinson. Which aspects of what you learnt from these masters are still reflected in your work?
Mr Jones was a truly special man. I worked on projects with him in Europe, North Africa and the United States. His courses were designed to make a powerful first impression, although they were rarely excessively punishing, instead offering alternative strategic options. As he liked to say: “Hard par, easy bogey.” Whereas Robert Trent Jones Sr. was an undeniable source of inspiration, Cabell Robinson was effectively my mentor. Under his guidance, I developed skills in the design, planning and supervision of golf course construction. When he decided to set up his own design firm, he chose me to join him. For around five years, we shared responsibilities in the studio and on site. This was an experience that proved decisive for my career. A charismatic, calm and generous man, he taught me a tremendous amount and helped me develop professionally. We remain close friends to this day. In terms of the technical side of my work, he taught me to be bolder in my design approach.

You have witnessed the transformation of Portuguese golf over a career spanning more than 40 years. What has changed the most?
We have witnessed an extraordinary transformation over the last four decades. Portugal is now home to some of the finest golf courses in Europe. The Algarve has established itself as one of the world’s leading golf destinations, and other regions have also seen the development of outstanding courses. The way courses are designed and built has also changed, as have the players themselves. But, for me, the greatest transformation has been the recognition of golf as a strategic asset for the nation’s tourism sector, thanks to its contribution to the economy, increasing real estate values and the promotion of Portugal on the international stage.

When you visit a site for the first time, what are you looking for? What leads you to believe that a great golf course could be created there?
My background in land surveying enables me to quickly visualise whether a site has potential. Whilst the land itself may be the most important factor, the developer comes a close second. A good idea calls for vision, commitment and the resources to invest. The best sites are those with balanced topography, scenic quality and environmental richness. When it comes down to it, the natural beauty of the location is always the greatest gift that nature can offer a golf course architect.

You advocate architectural design that respects the landscape and the environment. To what extent should nature influence the design of a course?
The existing natural features become the identifying hallmarks of a golf course. Throughout my career, I have endeavoured to preserve the landscape and natural values, incorporating existing vegetation into the design of the courses and identifying aspects that I deemed important to preserve. I have often walked around the sites, individually identifying and marking trees and other natural features that I considered important to preserve. The construction of a golf course is an artificial alteration of the land, but that does not warrant ignoring or compromising the character of the site. I do not fully approve of approaches that artificially recreate certain styles of golf through extensive clearing or profound transformations of the original landscape. I acknowledge the technical merit of such projects, but I believe that the identity of each site should be respected. The most striking courses are those where each hole has its own personality and where nature plays an active part in creating that experience.

Of the many courses you have designed, which project has left the deepest impression on you?
Without a doubt, Mangais Golf Resort, at the mouth of the River Kwanza in Angola. That was the development where I had the greatest freedom to create a golf course and develop an integrated masterplan. The site possesses extraordinary scenic beauty and a rare diversity of wildlife. It was also, quite possibly, the most demanding project of my professional life. The distance, the logistical complexity and the lack of investment made overseeing the construction work extremely challenging. I travelled to Angola more than fifty times for this venture. Despite the difficulties, it was a deeply rewarding experience. A recent study identified more than 150 species of birds on the grounds, proving how a golf course, when properly incorporated into its surroundings, can contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. The ongoing presence of crocodiles in the lakes also bears witness to the ecological richness of the habitat.

You describe yourself as a traditionalist. What is your take on golf course architecture today, in an era of 3D modelling and artificial intelligence?
As someone from a generation that is still adapting, with some difficulty, to current technologies, I appreciate that these tools have become invaluable. For many years now, I have been fortunate to have a younger partner, Alexandre Ribeiro, who is highly skilled in using these tools. However, I still place great value on being on site during construction. Many colleagues rely too heavily on studio work or delegate much of the creative process to experienced ‘shapers’, who, whilst highly skilled, always need the vision of the architect. In my opinion, 3D modelling and AI will struggle to appreciate and bring together all the different elements that contribute to good golf course design.

“The most striking courses are those where each hole has its own personality and where nature plays an active part in creating that experience.”

Where do you see golf courses in 20 or 30 years from now?
I envisage shorter courses, with 9 or 12 holes, which are more cost-effective and require less space and time to play. More academies and municipal courses will be needed. With regard to traditional-sized courses, there will be more renovation and restoration projects than new builds. Environmental requirements will play an increasingly important role in the licensing process. That said, new projects linked to tourism and real estate development will continue to appear.

Do you consider yourself a good golfer?
I have never considered myself a great player, nor has that ever been a concern of mine. I have always devoted more time to designing courses than to perfecting my game. Between the ages of 30 and 40, I managed to get my handicap down to just under 8, which allowed me to enjoy the game to the full. I took part in tournaments, but I often preferred to play the course on my own. Just me and the course. No strings attached.

After almost 200 projects, is there anything left in your working life that you would still like to achieve, or any area that you might like to explore? Is there a project you’re currently working on that you’d like to single out?
If you take into account all the work I’ve been involved in, the number of projects could well be close to two hundred. Among those I’ve designed, I have a special fondness for Laranjal, Pinheirinho, Ombria and OsMangais. Each represents a particular moment in my career. I still have the same dream I had when I started: to return to designing new golf courses from scratch. I also have a particular interest in redeveloping existing courses, adapting them to the current requirements of the game, maintenance and sustainability. Perhaps my greatest goal at this stage is to ensure that GolfDesign.pt continues. Rather than leaving behind a portfolio of courses, I would like to leave a way of thinking about golf design: one that respects the landscape, fits in with nature and focuses on creating memorable experiences for players.

How would you like your contribution to Portuguese and international golf to be remembered?
Throughout my career, I have often come across people who were surprised to learn that certain courses were designed by a Portuguese architect. Ever since the days when I worked with Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Cabell Robinson, I have grown accustomed to tackling difficult projects, where you have to find creative solutions to overcome constraints. That experience helped shape my approach to golf course architecture.
I feel privileged to know that part of my time on this earth will be left behind in these places. Golf courses are living creations that survive for decades and are enjoyed by thousands of people. Knowing that my imprint on the landscape will continue to be experienced and appreciated by others is a huge cause of satisfaction.

Text: Carla Martins
Photos: Rights Reserved