Feb 1 Weiskopf

From his Scottsdale, Arizona, office Tom Weiskopf reveals his plans for a totally unique course at the Home of Golf…

Leading American course designer Tom Weiskopf is at it again. Building high profile, highly prestigious golf courses in Scotland that is.

Nearly two decades after creating magical Loch Lomond by the bonnie banks,  Weiskopf will shortly be starting another major project: this time at the ‘Home of Golf’ – St Andrews – itself.

Weiskopf will leave the warmth and comfort of his Scottsdale, Arizona, base to head for cold and dank Eastern Scotland in February to get the ball rolling on St Andrews International Golf Club, an exclusive 18 hole inland links style course which will virtually neighbour the recently revamped Duke’s Course, being located on former farmland with dramatic views over the ‘Old Grey Toon.’

The 1973 Open champion is clearly excited about his new Scottish assignment, saying: “It’s a phenomenal opportunity to get this chance because of the name – St Andrews is the most recognised name in golf.”

The course will be similar to Colin Montgomerie’s layout at Carton House in Ireland with Weiskopf pointing out: “I’m making it links style because of the area and the fact there’s no trees at all. My goal is to build the best course, apart from the Old Course, in the area and that’s it.

“It’s not unlike the goal I set myself for Loch Lomond which was to build the best pakland course in the British Isles. That didn’t turn out too badly and in fact is a pretty good benchmark.”

It’s now, after lengthy debate and discussion, all systems go for Weiskopf and his design team although Weiskopf revealed: “I’ve done around 50 courses all over the world but have spent more time on the drawing table with this one than any other I’ve done.”

However, ordinary golfers shouldn’t get too excited. The chances of teeing it up at St Andrews International will be pretty slim to say the least. It will be run on similar lines to Weiskopf’s Loch Lomond masterpiece, solely catering for the rich and famous with Weiskopf revealing: “The course was only permitted

on condition that it was a private club and won’t be a further public facility though there will probably be some concessions.” St Andrews International is the brainchild of Tim Blixsteth, a multi-millionaire American developer, and clearly the moneyspinning US market will have a key role to play in the future of the latest addition to the St Andrews golfing fold.

The clubhouse, as you would expect, will be pretty special too and will comprise 32 bedroom suites. Weiskopf declined to reveal the overall cost of the project but clearly we are talking seriously big bucks here. The course itself is expected to be open for the 2009 season. If you strike it lucky on the Lottery in the meantime you just might be able to play it….