The eminent golf course architect Tom Mackenzie who has collaborated on seven Open Championship venues has been commissioned to supervise a refurbishment programme at Golf At Goodwood with the prospect of hosting a future professional event.
Chichester based Mackenzie & Ebert will start Phase One of the bunker refurbishment programme on the award winning 7,104 yard Downs Course later this month with Phase Two expected to get under way in the Autumn of 2015. Tom who has more than 25 years experience in the industry and is a member of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects has researched and studied James Braid’s design and intends to retain the essential character of the original concept whilst enhancing the challenge for the modern game.
Stuart Gillett, General Manager of Golf At Goodwood, said: “Mackenzie & Ebert have a an outstanding reputation in the golf industry, their appointment reaffirms our long term commitment to take our golf business to the next level. The plan is to relocate some bunkers and in other areas increase their visibility and make them strong and distinctive features of the course”.
Mackenzie & Ebert have advised on 27 of Golf World’s Top 50 courses and Tom recently commented: “Anyone who knows The Goodwood Estate know that they do everything well. We are honoured to be part of the next phase of the development of the Downs Course in the estate’s continued quest for improvement of their golf facilities. I know the Downs Course really well and look forward to working sympathetically to build on the success that it has already achieved. I can’t wait to get started.”
In 2013 the Downs Course was formally ranked by Golf World magazine as one of England’s Top 100 Courses and one of the Top 50 Stay and Play venues by Golf Monthly.
Golf At Goodwood www.goodwood.com/golf
Mackenzie & Ebert www.mackenzieandebert.co.uk