047 I Capturing Golf's Beauty: Evan Schiller on Photography, Course Design, and Maintenance

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Evan Schiller, one of the golf industry's most respected course photographers. Evan shares his journey from competitive golfer to capturing some of the world's most stunning golf courses. We discuss the role of photography in shaping a golf course's brand, the behind-the-scenes work of superintendents, and the evolving trends in course design and maintenance. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How Evan transitioned from playing professional golf to becoming a leading golf course photographer The meticulous planning and preparation involved in capturing the perfect golf course image Why high-quality photography is essential for a course's branding, marketing, and membership attraction The often-overlooked contributions of golf course superintendents and maintenance crews How course architecture, grass types, and environmental considerations are shaping modern golf design The importance of relationships between photographers, superintendents, and architects in the golf industry Soundbytes: "That's the kind of detail that makes a difference—not just for photography but for course maintenance. The grass tells a story, and I love learning from the people who care for it every day." (34:44) "I'll be in the parking lot, packing up my gear, when someone—maybe a member, a guest, or even a staffer—asks, Oh, are you heading out now to shoot? No, I'm done. I always get a surprised look. Wait, what? They don't realize I've already been out there for hours." (50:00) Key Quotes: "I was recently at Riviera, the bunkering there stood out as some of the best I've ever seen. Yes, some of the bunkers had steep faces, but the way they were designed and framed within the course was visually stunning. It wasn't just about difficulty; it was about how they shaped the experience of the course. Truly some of the best I've ever seen." "Many people don't fully appreciate—or perhaps don't even realize—just how early golf course teams start their day." "It's an incredible level of commitment that most people never see—but it's what makes the flawless morning rounds possible."