Wentworth to soften West Course

Wentworth’s West Course is to undergo a significant remodelling that will make it more playable for a wider range of players.

The renovation project, which is to be carried out immediately after the conclusion of this year’s BMW PGA Championship in late May, will include cutting the number of bunkers from 88 to 65, and reducing the height of the bunkers that remain to make them slightly easier to escape from.

A total of 23 bunkers are to be removed from the West Course to make it more playable for club members

The works, which will be carried out by Ernie Els’ design company, will also involve the complete remodelling of the greens on the 8th, 11th, 14th, 15th and 16th holes, as well as the reseeding of all 18 putting surfaces.

Tees on the third, 10th and 18th holes will be rebuilt and modernised, while there will be fairway drainage improvement work across eight holes, and the irrigation system will also be upgraded and the roadway network resurfaced throughout.

In a return to Harry Colt’s traditional vision for the West Course, heath and woodland enhancement work will take place, and there will also be a comprehensive planting scheme, adding native plants and trees across the course.

Ernie Els hits a shot into the 18th green during the unveiling of the new-look West Course in 2009

Els, who was involved with the last major changes to the West Course in 2009, said: “I am delighted to be continuing my 25-year relationship with the West Course at Wentworth, and am extremely excited to be involved in implementing the renovations, which we believe will considerably enhance the reputation and playability of the course. These changes will include the remodelling of several greens to the benefit of all levels of player.”

The improvements form part of the commitment by the club’s new owners to invest £20 million by the end of 2018, with the vision of making Wentworth the world’s premier private golf and country club.

Kenny Mackay, Wentworth’s Director of Golf Courses & Grounds, said: “As host of the BMW PGA Championship, the West Course plays a vital role in the golfing calendar and, working with Ernie Els Design, our ambition is to cement its place as a world class course for both tournaments and Club members alike.”

Discussions with leading golf course architect firms about renovations to the East and Edinburgh golf courses are currently taking place, while work on the clubhouse’s new interiors are scheduled to begin this autumn.

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