Changes at top Home Counties courses

Thomson Perrett & Lobb, the international golf course architecture practice founded by five times Open Champion Peter Thomson with partners Ross Perrett and Tim Lobb, has been appointed to consult on and oversee important design work on two historic courses – The Berkshire and Richmond GC.

The Berkshire, which features two of the finest, traditional heathland golf courses, has appointed TPL to analyse the playing strategy on both courses and return its 69 bunkers to a more traditional look, while using modern construction techniques and specifications to ensure longevity.
 
Tim Lobb said: “We are looking at incorporating the heathland elements, including heather, native grasses and rougher edges into the bunker complexes, to give them an authentic look but with a slightly more modern feel. They will be constructed to the highest technical specification to ensure good playability, maintenance and longevity.
 
TPL will refer to historic data and photography as it looks to integrate bunkers into the strategy of golfers as they plot their way around the course.
 
Lt. Col. John Hunt, Secretary of The Berkshire Golf Club said: “The goal is to refurbish all of our bunkers improving the way they play, their drainage and their shape, returning them to the heather-topped look that the original designer, Herbert Fowler, created. TPL has produced some early pictoral work illustrating how the bunkers will look, which is of the highest quality.”
 
An in-depth analysis and consultation with the club will take place for the remainder of this year, with work likely to start next year.
 
Meanwhile, at The Richmond Golf Club, Surrey, TPL will oversee a complete review of the Tom Dunn designed course, which opened in 1891, with special attention to bunkering, including the renovation and reshaping of existing bunkers and the addition of new, strategic hazards.
 
Work will be completed in two stages, from September 2010 and then again from September 2011, over the winter months.
 
Tim Lobb added: “The Richmond Golf Club is a gem of a golf course and I believe this upgrade will enhance what is already a very special and enjoyable golfing experience.”