The magnificent Carrick on Loch Lomond has hosted a number of prestigious championships since opening in 2007 and has outlined plans to upgrade the irrigation systems.
The Doug Carrick designed course has carved an enviable reputation in its young years and is regarded as one of the finest new courses in Scotland having hosted a plethora of top-class championships. With the enhanced drainage systems, the condition of the course is expected to progress further in coming seasons, ensuring the reputation of the facility continues to grow not only in the local market, but also internationally.
The 7,082 yard, par 71 course enjoys one of the most spectacular locations anywhere in the UK, overlooking Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. In order to guarantee Championship conditions all year round, and to manage any sustained periods of poor weather, De Vere is making a considerable investment into The Carrick’s drainage throughout the 2010 season.
Boasting holes on high ground overlooking Loch Lomond as well as holes that meander along the banks of Loch Lomond, drainage has been a key factor, requiring concentrated efforts from greens staff. The planned works, which started in April 2010, will improve natural drainage on some of the low lying holes and result in high class conditions year round.
Ross Whitfield, Director of Golf and Estates Cameron House Resort, commented, “The Carrick is one of the most naturally impressive courses in the UK and the ongoing drainage works will ensure that we can present it in the best possible condition for all of our guests throughout the year. We are committed to continue developing the facility and in order to achieve this we have highlighted key areas for improvement. Due to our location, drainage has been identified as a key area to develop, and I am excited to see how the course continues to progress following the work we have planned.”
Many of the low lying areas of the course will be targeted in the initial phase, with a total of ten holes being targeted throughout the improvement programme. The works will provide a direct connection to the drainage system from fairways, tees and greens and it is estimated that the improvement in drainage could result in the course being open for an additional 28 days per year in coming seasons.
Since opening in 2007, The Carrick on Loch Lomond has twice hosted the Ladies Scottish Open on the Ladies European Tour in 2007 and 2008, as well as the PGA Cup matches in 2009. The Carrick is one of 16 courses included in De Vere’s new pioneering golf membership scheme, ‘The De Vere Club’, which offers golfers a flexible golf club membership with full playing rights at each of its eleven venues, boasting a portfolio of sixteen golf courses between them. Also included in the scheme are Slaley Hall in Northumberland, Wychwood Park in Cheshire and Oulton Hall in Yorkshire.
The championship golf course is complimented by the award winning Cameron House hotel at De Vere’s luxury 5-star resort. Cameron House underlined its credentials as a luxury hotel after being voted Scotland’s leading golf resort hotel at the annual Golf Tourism Scotland Awards in 2009.
Cameron House Resort www.cameronhouse.co.uk