The Royal Wellington Golf Club, located at Heretaunga outside the New Zealand capital has reopened its course after a major redesign.

Wellington-born but British-based golf architect Scott Macpherson and Kiwi golf professional Greg Turner led the redesign, which commenced in February 2011. The club was founded in 1895 and moves to its current location in 1908. It has hosted seven NZ Opens.

Macpherson and Turner have completely altered the routing, creating 13 new holes and rebuilding every green, tee and bunker. The new design is a par 72 parkland course measuring 6,601m (7,219 yards).

“The course is notable for its numerous streams and lakes, distinctive native trees and captivating greens,” said Macpherson. “A strong front nine is balanced by an intriguing back nine and attractive finishing hole playing directly towards the historic wooden clubhouse.”

The course was officially opened on 12 February by the captain of the Royal and Ancient, Sandy Dawson. He said: “The course at Heretaunga is full of interest and challenge and all the holes sit beautifully in the landscape. It is now clearly one of the very top courses in Australia and New Zealand.”

The opening was part of a three day celebration with guests including New Zealand prime minister John Key and Sir Bob Charles, 1963 Open Champion. R&A chief executive Peter Dawson also attended the event. He said “Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson have done a magnificent job in producing a very challenging layout which easily meets the standards required for hosting professional or elite amateur events while at the same time accommodating the needs of normal member and visitor play. I’m sure we will hear much more about this golf course in the years ahead.”