Big changes at classy bearwood lakes

There will be a fresh new look to Berkshire’s brilliant Bearwood Lakes this season following key changes to holes at the end of both nines which were undertaken last winter and form part of a two year architectural/improvement plan led by Guy Hockley who worked closely with Martin Hawtree on the original design. 

Since the course opened in 1996 no modifications had been made until the start of the work which began in November 2011.

A number of new bunkers have been added and some modified to improve the visibility of some holes from the tee and to future proof the golf course, giving the longer hitters something to think about. Other changes include mature trees being moved on the estate to improve the overall look of some holes and a heather restoration programme has been implemented and areas condusive to heather growing conditions have had new plantations.

To celebrate the changes, Bearwood have launched a unique Day Membership scheme, where golfers can pay £100 per person and receive a welcome gift, engraved bag tag, personalised locker, use of all the clubhouse and practice facilities and 18 holes of golf. The Day Membership programme is available Monday to Thursday only and bookings must be made in advance by ringing 0118 979 7900 or emailing daymembership@bearwoodlakes.co.uk

The changes in a  nutshell:

8th Hole/9th Hole – Before the improvement work began, a small pond sat between the 8th and 9th holes.  This pond has been dramatically extended and clad with railways sleepers to create a feature par-three – the ninth. 

The green has been extended to the back left to provide a challenging pin position – especially from the back tee and there is now a run off area to the front right which has replaced a bunker. 

Standing on the 8th Tee the water can now clearly be seen and is designed to catch the golfers eye, although it really shouldn’t be in play!  Gorse has been removed from the right of the 8th and heather has been planted.

10th Hole/11th Hole – There was a small drainage ditch that ran across the fairway on the 10th and the area to the right of the green was always very wet.  The ditch has been removed and the “wet” area has been excavated into two ponds that join the Upper Bearwood Lake which sits in front of the 11th Tee. 

This has not only improved the visual appearance of both holes but has also dramatically improved the drainage.

These were the most significant changes but several minor changes will be carried out this winter. 

A new elevated tee has been built on the par-5 16th hole to enable golfers to look down the hole.  Two new fairway bunkers have been added to make the drive more challenging and also more pleasing to the eye.  Changes are also being made to the front of the green with a further bunker added to the front left of the green.