With spring well underway, Swan Golf Designs (SGD) is delighted that its renovation projects across the UK and Ireland are ready for play. Members at East Berkshire, Ripon City, Holywood, Donaghadee and Old Conna Golf Clubs, having patiently waited for the works to mature over the long winter, can now look forward to learning how to play the renovated holes later this month.
Phase III at East Berkshire Golf Club saw the construction of 21 new bunkers, one new wetland and one new tee complex as well as significant remodelling of the 10th and 11th green surrounds. After three winters of construction, the new bunker strategy is now complete and will pose fresh questions for East Berks golfers.
Ripon City Golf Club continues to make good progress in transforming the 1908 layout, with two more holes renovated during the winter under the guidance of SGD.
Holywood Golf Club, the home club of Rory McIlroy, renewed its renovation plans with SGD in autumn 2010 before constructing new tees and bunkers to add greater challenge to several holes.
Hard on the heels of the 2009 construction of its innovative practice range and short course, Donaghadee Golf Club has sustained momentum through the rebunkering of two more holes on the Northern Irish links.
And finally, perhaps the biggest project has been undertaken by Old Conna Golf Club with the wholesale redesign of their signature 14th hole. The construction of a new green, new lake and cascading ditch has transformed the short par-4 and is certain to be a talking point for members and visitors as they reach the 19th Hole this summer.
All five clubs have already begun discussing their plans for future work, with SGD continuing to guide the development of the historic courses.
Swan Golf Designs www.swangolfdesigns.com