Golfers are reaping the benefits from a £2m investment in the three golf courses at The Belfry – The Brabazon, PGA National and The Derby – that’s seen the courses remain open over some of the wettest weeks in living memory. Thanks to an ongoing development programme, golfers are able to experience exceptional playing conditions for this time of year.
Whilst in winters past The Belfry had a reputation for being wet, 2008 has seen the courses remain open through periods of poor weather whilst other local courses have had to close.
Kenny MacKay, director of golf courses and estates said, “To improve drainage £80,000 a year has been spent on sand which has been spread across the courses periodically over the last two years. We are now able to keep the courses in fantastic condition for year-round golf.”
A further £55,000 worth of drainage works have also been carried out extending drainage lines across more than half of the world-famous Brabazon course.
“January saw twice the level of rainfall of December, which is why other local courses had to close. But The Belfry’s long term drainage programme is already reaping rewards,” said Mackay, also the new Chairman of BIGGA.
Investment hasn’t stopped at drainage. With The Brabazon’s newly re-designed sixth hole now fully in play and plans in place to lengthen and re-sculpt the 11th fairway and green over coming months, The Brabazon course is likely to represent an altogether different challenge in the future.
With the golf courses in such great shape, The Belfry is running a green fee special offer throughout February and March. Golfers getting together with three friends can play The Brabazon course, which has hosted more Ryder Cups than any other in the world, for £240 a tee time or £60 a golfer; the PGA National course for £140 a tee time or £35 a golfer; or The Derby course for £80 a tee time or £20 a golfer.
The Belfry www.thebelfry.co.uk