“It was pretty daunting getting the committee and members to accept that what I was proposing would improve and revitalise their course”
major (27 holes) project I was responsible for in 1994 and I’d say it is still one of my best designs. I’m delighted that the client asked me back 11 years later to design a further 14 holes for him (we are making some changes to the 3rd nine to make 36 holes in total), such has been the exceptionally high demand for the golf course.
The most enjoyable aspect of my work is seeing the drawings become reality. It is so satisfying to see a design that was conceived following a long process of surveys, assessment, analysis, negotiation, modification and fine-tuning become a three dimensional flowing landform - pure creation - more than just ‘satisfying’ or ‘enjoyable’.
green or a bunker surround. Also, I find it a major challenge to create a finished surface that controls the flow of water (into a lake or stream, for example), away from the main playing areas. This has a big influence on how I design a golf course.
I have played golf since I was seven years old and, as a teenager, reached county level playing for Yorkshire. I have maintained a Category 1 handicap now for almost thirty years. This gives me a great starting point for any golf course design. Also, I have worked on golf courses designed by some of the best golf course architects, including Harry S Colt, Alister MacKenzie, Tom Simpson,
Herbert Fowler, and Philip MacKenzie Ross. You cannot fail to be influenced by these masters. You may see some of their ideas in my design, but brought up to date. I also have a great deal of respect for the work of more contemporary architects such as Donald Steel, Robert Trent Jones, and Martin Hawtree along with pro-golfer/designers such as Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Ben Crenshaw. If I was asked what my favourite
project has been to date I would have to say they all are, each for different reasons. If I say one is the best I’m only going to upset other clients. However, one does stand out - Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham, because this was the first
WHEN I am asked to change the design on another architect’s course the thing I have to do is regard that as an honour to have been asked, especially if the course is a ‘classic’. I just missed out on some work at Sunningdale, which I was a bit disappointed about because I’d previously done the restoration of all the bunkers at nearby Worplesdon Golf Club and a complete reconstruction of the bunkers, plus other works, at West Hill Golf Club, also in Surrey. If the course is not a classic, I relish the opportunity to make improvements for the long-term benefit of the course and members. We are currently undertaking a major upgrade of Westerwood Golf Club in Cumbernauld, my first major project in Scotland. The Westerwood course was opened in the late 1980’s and heralded as a classic design by Dave Thomas and Seve Ballesteros. Indeed, it has one of the most spectacular par 3 holes in golf - set in a deep quarry. However, over the years (and due to a succession of owners) it has suffered neglect. I am currently designing a new layout with 5 new holes on the 18-hole course, a state-of-the-art
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