St Mellion Estate has unveiled a series of changes and renovations to its prized Jack Nicklaus Signature Course ahead its host of the British Challenge presented by Modest! Golf Management from 6-9 October.
Following a 15-year wait to welcome back elite golf to the West of England, the 36-hole venue has been making provision for its return to golf’s upper echelons. Now, with the cream of Europe’s golfers set to tee it up at the Cornish venue this autumn the preparatory work is almost complete.
The course changes, which include new tees at the 12th and 14th, extend the course to over 7,000 yards for the first time. Indeed, all of the 47 bunkers have been reshaped by Nicklaus Design, while significant additional drainage works and a state-of-the-art TORO irrigation system has been installed.
And significantly, the fairways have been top-dressed with 500 tonnes of sand to improve surface drainage and year-round playability. The extensive work has been overseen by Master Greenkeeper Mike Bush, who said: “The changes made to The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course form part of a much wider ethos to continually seek improvement in every aspect of the resort. The new tees and refurbished bunkers will be the most obvious additions, but committing to an annual programme of top-dressing for the fairways, as well as the greens, tees and landing areas, has made a significant difference in terms of playability. Add to that the new TORO irrigation system, and I would safely say we’ve never been better prepared to host a top-class tournament such as the British Challenge.”
David Moon, Director of Golf at St Mellion Estate, added: “We are thrilled to be hosting the British Challenge at St Mellion Estate and welcoming spectators of all ages to this free, ticketed event,” explained “Sports fans will once again enjoy elite golf on their doorstep and have the opportunity to watch the next generation of golf stars up close at one of UK’s most revered courses.”
Jamie Hodges, Head of Challenge Tour, said: “It is incredibly exciting to be able to take the Challenge Tour to St. Mellion for the British Challenge presented by Modest! Golf Management. St. Mellion offers one of the best golfing experiences in the UK and the Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will provide a true test for our members.”