TG reveals Wentworth’s new 18th hole!

Wentworth, one of England’s most recognisable inland golf courses, is becoming, well, more and more unrecognisable as the weeks go by in sunny Surrey.

The original plan was just to re-lay the 18 greens that suffered from May-time flowering of the poa-bent grass which caused uneven surfaces. This was the reason that some of the world’s best players decided not to compete in the BMW PGA Championship, the European Tour’s flagship event, earlier this year.

But in a major rethink by Ernie Els’ design team and Wentworth owner Richard Caring, plans have escalated to a complete makeover of the course known so well for its layout among golf fans, with a total renevation cost of £6 million.

As Wentworth head professional Kristian Baker explains, the majority of holes on the famous West Course have changed completely.

“The changes that have been made are unbelievable,” he explains. “They needed to happen. The course is much tougher now. Most of the bunkers have been made deeper and some of the greens have been raised. I can’t see the winning score in the BMW next year being much better than ten under par.”

The most significant alteration has come at the signature finishing hole, a par-five that presented the players with a relatively simple birdie chance at the end of their round. It was a hole that needed a sting in its tail and the design team have provided ample venom to make players think twice before going for the green in two.

“During the tournament, a birdie on the 18th would almost feel like a par. It didn’t provide a stiff enough challenge. But now, I think only the longest players in the field can reach in two.”

The stream on the 18th, which used to just cut through the fairway, has now been extended up to guard a newly elevated green. New, deep bunkers now lurk left and long of the green.

Although the old grass on the greens was unsuitable for Wentworth when they needed it most in May, this doesn’t mean it will go to waste. There are rumours circulating that the old putting green is to be used by Celtic Manor for next years’ Ryder Cup putting green, but these are yet to be confirmed.

Now the turf is in place on many of the re-shaped greens, Wentworth members have been unable to resist a crack on their new surfaces. Staff at the club have been forced to warn its members to refrain from practicing their chipping on the West course after pitch marks were spotted on some of the greens. “It’s just stupidity,” ranted member Malcolm Walker.

The course is scheduled to open in late March next year, and we can’t wait!