The first phase of an extensive bunker renovation at Ipswich Golf Club has been completed ahead of schedule with four holes reopened for play.
The renovation, which is being carried out by world-renowned course architect Martin Hawtree, grandson of Fred who designed the bunkering on the original course 88 years ago, will be implemented over a number of years.
Phase one involved the closing of one hole, the third, while another three – holes one, five and 18 – were in play, but with temporary greens. The phase was not due to be completed until Christmas.
However, six weeks ahead of schedule, the work has been completed with all four holes now open for play on the main greens.
Neill Ellice, Ipswich Golf Club General Manager, said: “To have the work completed and the greens back in action so far ahead of schedule is great news for members and visitors alike.
“We are thankful for the warm weather we experienced through September and October, which enabled the new turf to develop solid root growth.”
While the greens are back in action all bunkers on the holes will remain out of play as compulsory areas of Ground Under Repair, meaning balls cannot be played or retrieved.
To guard against any players losing their valuable golf balls, the club has arranged a bucket of ‘practice’ golf balls on the tees for players to use. Therefore, should they hit a ball into the bunker, which they cannot retrieve, they will not lose a ball.
Visitors to Ipswich Golf Club will be able to play the famed Purdis Heath Course, ranked within the top 100 golf courses in England by influential publication Golf World and website top100golfcourses.co.uk, this winter at an outstanding rate of just £20, Monday to Friday (subject to prior booking).
Ipswich Golf Club www.ipswichgolfclub.com