The club, which is located between Bathford and Corsham, made the decision to alter the angle of the 370-yard par-4 opener in order to offer greater protection to the road that runs parallel to it.
The fairway has been realigned about 10 yards to the right, with a new contoured bunker complex on the left-hand side. The two bunkers that were on the left-hand side of the green have been replaced by a larger single bunker.
Club chairman Richard Talbot said: “We’re looking to protect and grow our reputation as we approach a magnificent milestone in our history. This last six months has not only seen us redesign our first hole, but also carry out improvements and modifications on four other holes, as well undertake a significant programme of care and maintenance on our trees across the course.”
Kingsdown is the oldest golf club in Wiltshire, and one of the oldest clubs in England. John Allan, the head professional at Royal North Devon, initially created a 9-hole course in 1880, which was later extended to 18 holes in 1932. The first six holes of the course are located on the southern clubhouse side of the road, with the remaining 12 holes on the north side.
