The Nick Faldo-designed championship course at Chart Hills Golf Club in Kent is to undergo a major renovation following its recent purchase by Ramac Holdings Ltd.
Since the company acquired Chart Hills in December, the in-house team, led by James Cornish and Anthony Tarchetti, have been working tirelessly on a strategy that will see the extensive redevelopment and improvement of the entire 250-acre property.
From mid-to-late July the golf course will officially be closed to allow green staff and contractors to complete work on all 18 holes, with the renovated Nick Faldo Design course ready for play at the start of the 2021 season, or sooner if growing conditions are favourable.
The first steps taken to elevate the visual and playing aspects of the course include extensive irrigation and sand-capping to the fairways with over 20,000 tonnes of sand. Once seeded, grown and manicured, the new fairways will enable members, guests and visitors to enjoy improved playing surfaces year-round.
During this period, Chart Hills will also be making large-scale changes to the remainder of the facility, including a purpose-built driving range, upgraded short game area, additional practice putting green and a refurbished clubhouse.
“It is extremely exciting to see this project get underway”, said Anthony Tarchetti. “The investment that we are making is significant. It is going to take time, but we are confident that the end result will cement Chart Hills’ place among the very best golfing destinations in the South East.”
In order to ensure the most efficient return to regular golf for members and guests, it was decided that all 18 holes should remain closed until the point of completion, shaving an entire year off the original projected completion date. Initial work is underway on the front nine holes, with the back nine set to be completed by winter to allow for a significant period of growth prior to the scheduled reopening.