Channels to open new Swan-designed course

Construction of a new golf course at Channels Golf Club in Essex began last month, after planning permission was granted in late February.

The new-look course, at Little Waltham, near Chelmsford, will see a modern, 18-hole course designed for golf in the 21st century, with more water and buggy paths. The new-look 6,670-yard, par-72 course is expected to be fully open by 2017.

The course – which will be immediately to the north of the current site – will feature 13 new holes, while five from the existing design will be adapted to complete the lay-out. The design is being carried out by Ongar-based architects Swan Golf Designs. And, as part of the design brief, 18 holes will be open at all times in order to minimise disruption to the club’s large membership.

Speaking about the new project, Swan Golf Design director William Swan said: “Over the last couple of years we have been working through the detailed planning application process, which has involved consulting with Chelmsford City Council, Essex County Council and the Environment Agency, as well as several other environmental, ecological and archaeological consultants. Throughout this process we’ve been making minor design alterations to the proposed golf course layout to take into account their advice, but without compromising the objective of producing the finest golf course in Essex. Our brief is to provide a golf course fit for the 21st century, as the sport has, of course, taken massive strides technically in the last 30 years.”

Channels, which was built on the site of an old gravel pit, has been owned by the same family since it first opened in 1974.

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