Almost needing no introduction, the West Course has featured prominently in the European Tour’s schedule for many years and, as such, is known to golfers and spectators around the world. Originally designed by Harry Colt, the course has been changed several times with over the years, the most recent being in 2009. It would be fair to say that those changes did not meet the approval of either the Club’s Members or European Tour players and as a result, plans were put into place to renovate the course during the summer of 2016 to reintroduce style, strategy and enjoyment. Working with Ernie Els and his design associate, Greg Letsche, along with a European Tour Advisory Group, including Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjørn and David Jones, Kenny Mackay, and Wentworth’s Chief Executive, Stephen Gibson, we were tasked with liaising with each stakeholder to prepare a cohesive plan that addressed all of the stated concerns.
The work started on site early in June, undertaken by MJ Abbotts, with construction management provided by Steve Clement, and consisted of the complete reconstruction of four greens, the partial reconstruction of another five, and the removal of turf on the remaining ten (including the putting green). All greens were then seeded with 007 Creeping Bentgrass. Additionally, a Sub Air system was installed to each green. Every bunker was renovated and twenty-nine were removed from play to reinstate some of the original design strategies. New irrigation, drainage and cart path networks have also been introduced and, finally, we are working with the Club to develop a long term landscape plan.
The work to all greens was completed within seven weeks, with the remainder of the works finishing early in November. The course will re-open in time for the BMW PGA Championships at the end of May.
Above: Picture taken from the back left of the 2nd green
Left: The recently renovated 11th green & surrounding bunkers
wentworth club
Click on the European Tour logo to watch a video of the work we carried out in association with Ernie, Paul, Thomas, David & the Wentworth Team.