Matthew Scott Golf Design: Golf Course Landscaping with A Philosophy Rooted in Nature and Experience
At Matthew Scott Golf Design, we believe that a golf course should be a harmonious blend of design and nature, where every detail contributes to an unforgettable experience. Our approach combines reverence for natural landscapes with a passion for crafting enjoyable courses that are both beautiful and sustainable.
Respect for the Natural Landscape
We work closely with the landscape, preserving the textures, colors, and free-flowing terrain nature has provided. Rather than altering landforms, we let native plants, diverse grasses, and strategic bunkers tell the story of the land. By limiting unnecessary clearing and sculpting, we maintain the site’s authentic identity while reducing long-term maintenance needs. This respect for the natural environment not only preserves its innate beauty but supports the ongoing health of native flora and fauna.
Aesthetic Elegance Meets Sustainability
Our golf course landscaping design philosophy includes sustainable practices. We employ water-conscious strategies, such as reclaiming water for irrigation, which benefits both the environment and operational budgets. We strive for a balance where aesthetics and ecological sensitivity converge, from soil and turf management to intelligent sprinkler layouts. Every course is carefully shaped with nature’s complexity in mind, so it complements the environment while minimizing our ecological footprint.
Crafting the Player’s Journey
Each course we design is crafted to engage the player’s mind and body, awakening the senses through carefully placed bunkers, greens, and fairways. By considering factors like wind direction, sunlight, and terrain, we create a dynamic experience for all skill levels. Our goal is for players to remember each course not just as a game, but as an immersive experience that respects the surrounding landscape.
Tradition with a Modern Touch
Inspired by the time-tested principles of legendary architects like Coore and Crenshaw, Donald Ross, and Seth Raynor, we honor traditional design principles, integrating them with modern techniques and technologies when it serves the course’s best interest. We draw on the legacy of past designers while tailoring each course to the client’s vision and today’s environmental challenges. Our focus is on creating high-quality experiences that echo the integrity of classic golf courses.
Attention to Detail and Lasting Relationships
Our detail-oriented approach ensures each course is unique, unified, and built to stand the test of time. This meticulous process, from design to project management, is reinforced by strong, transparent relationships with clients. We build consensus with stakeholders, prioritize effective communication, and offer ongoing consulting to ensure each project aligns with the client’s goals—even if it means adapting the design.
At Matthew Scott Golf Design, our philosophy is one of respect, creativity, and collaboration with the natural world. We’re dedicated to creating courses that aren’t just technically sound, but that invite players to experience golf as it was meant to be played—against the backdrop of nature’s own design.
Matthew Preuss
Golf Course Architect at Matthew Scott Golf Design
Matthew Preuss is a seasoned golf course architect whose extensive background in landscape design, construction, and sustainable practices positions him as a valuable asset to Matthew Scott Golf Design. He graduated from Ball State University in 2002 with a degree in Landscape Architecture and a minor in Golf Course Design, including a formative study-abroad experience examining Europe’s revered courses.
His career started with an internship at the Hale Irwin-designed Coyote Crossing Golf Club, where he gained early insight into the collaborative nature of golf course construction. Shortly after, Matthew founded and operated the California Landscape Design and Build Company for 22 years. During this period, he oversaw a diverse range of projects along the Southern California coast, including the creation of tee boxes for the PGA Junior League. This hands-on work exposed him to the complexities of large-scale site management, heavy equipment usage, and intricate hardscape installations, ultimately sharpening his ability to execute both grand visions and nuanced details.
As a dedicated board member of the Greens Committee at Virginia Country Club in Long Beach in 2010, Matthew learned firsthand about sustainable course management and long-term maintenance strategies. This shaped his belief in eco-conscious design—an ethos he continues to champion today.
In 2020, he established MP Landscape Design in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Here, he has refined his approach to project management, client engagement, and custom landscaping solutions. MP Landscape Design’s blend of strategic planning, efficient resource use, and aesthetic sensitivity translates directly to his work in golf course architecture. By managing projects of varying scales, he has honed the skill of tailoring plans to unique landscapes and client objectives, ensuring that each project meets both functional needs and artistic standards. He has also contributed to preliminary designs for a future First Tee golf complex, reflecting his commitment to youth development and community-oriented initiatives.
An avid golfer, Matthew draws inspiration from the world’s premier courses, including Cypress Point, St. Andrews, and Pebble Beach. These experiences inform his understanding of strategic layouts, memorable holes, and the delicate balance of tradition and innovation. At Matthew Scott Golf Design, Matthew applies his extensive background—ranging from large-scale Californian builds to refined Southern landscaping—to create courses that are not only visually stunning and environmentally responsible, but also thoughtfully tailored to deliver a truly exceptional golfing experience.
“At Matthew Scott Golf Design, our philosophy is one of respect, creativity, and collaboration with the natural world. We’re dedicated to creating courses that aren’t just technically sound, but that invite players to experience golf as it was meant to be played—against the backdrop of nature’s own design.”
— Matthew Preuss
Golf Course Designer