Most renovations bring about a new look, but Middlesbrough Golf Club will still have a familiar feel to it once its renovation programme is completed.
The 18-hole layout was originally designed by celebrated golf course architect James Braid and now the club is looking to bring some of the Scot’s iconic design traits and styling back to the fore.
Work began at the club – which recently celebrated its centenary – this year and will continue into successive stages of renovation as part of a long-term development strategy.
The project will continue for several years – while the course is open – and is being carried out by Swan Golf Designs, a company with a reputation for adapting Braid courses to the modern world while remaining true to the original designer’s intents and plans.
And the practice is familiar with the course having carried out the course design audit for the current work as well as renovations to most of its bunkers and greens several years ago.
John Talbot, Middlesbrough Golf Club’s golf course manager, said, “We feel this is one of the north east’s premier courses and taking such a big commitment is just what we need to elevate its design quality and set the standard for all those around us. We’re sure the club will reap the rewards in the long run and investing in our future is vitally important, even in these difficult times.
“James Braid was a great golf course architect and it can only benefit the club to restore the course to what he envisaged it to be when he laid it out all those years ago. Working with such a professional outfit as Swan Golf Designs will ensure any disruption will be as minimal as possible with the course still open for play, and the work they’ve previous done at the club and their track record speaks for itself.”
Howard Swan, Swan Golf Designs’ principal architect, said, “It’s always an honour to work with a course designed by somebody with Braid’s pedigree. As a practice we’re passionate about making golf courses fit as naturally as possible within their surroundings so restoring the features on this great course is something we’re well equipped to do.”
Swan Golf Designs has worked on more than 300 golf projects over the last three decades, including assignments on five different continents.
The practice aims to provide a superior level of golf course through the personal service of its dedicated team of architects and is devoted to the principle of making courses fit seamlessly within their landscape while still being a masterpiece in their own right.
Swan Golf Designs www.swangolfdesigns.com
Middlesbrough Golf Club www.middlesbroughgolfclub.co.uk