Gleneagles has completed important enhancements to its King’s Course in preparation for its hosting of the Senior Open Presented by Rolex from July 21-24.
The 103-year-old James Braid-designed course underwent extensive restoration in 2016, which included taking the fairway cut lines back to the original design, alongside a comprehensive bunker refurbishment programme, to further enhance the aesthetic design of all 18 holes. To coincide with the staging of the Senior Open, the following key changes have been made to five holes on The King’s Course:
Hole 7 – Kittle Kink
A new tee has been built at the back of the 6th green that significantly increases the length of the hole. Not only does the length add difficulty but, more importantly, it changes the angle from the tee so that it plays as a more severe dog-leg. It is now much harder to cut the corner off the tee shot, which results in adding length to the approach shot and ultimately making this one the most challenging holes on the course. The hole will change from 444 yards to 468 yards – an increase in length of 24 yards.
Hole 8 – Whaup’s Nest
The existing Championship tee has been extended back and to the left to help open up sight of the right side of the green, allowing a greater variety of teeing positions. Club selection will be key for this narrow green.
Hole 12 – Tappit Hen
A new tee has been built and positioned approximately 30 yards back into an existing copse of trees that provides a wonderfully framed ‘shoot’ for a challenging tee shot that now requires a solid carry over the bunkers that guard the saddle. The hole will change from 442 yards to 475 yards – an increase in length of 33 yards.
Hole 14 – Dent Den
A new tee has been built that adds 40 yards to the tee shot, allowing the hole to retain the risk and reward element of a reachable par-4. The added challenge is in the need for a more robust tee shot to carry the ridge of bunkers. The hole will change from 309 yards to 341 yards – an increase in length of 32 yards.
Hole 16 – Wee Bogle
The existing Championship tee has been lowered slightly, extended back and to the left to help open up sight of the entirety of the green, particularly to allow for a back right pin position.
Other notable changes from past championships will be a greater emphasis on tightly mown surfaces around greens complexes and fairway bunkers, to fully embrace the natural contours of the course.
Conor O’Leary, Managing Director of Gleneagles, commented: “Gleneagles’ reputation as a sporting estate has flourished for a century, with golf and The King’s Course at the very heart of that rich history. While our modern classic, The PGA Centenary Course designed by Jack Nicklaus, has hosted iconic Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup matches, we are so proud to welcome legends of the game back to The King’s, where golf started at Gleneagles all those years ago.
“The sympathetic course changes we have made recognise the way the modern game has evolved, but still retain The King’s Course’s numerous strategic challenges that have made this timeless classic so revered the world over.”
