Southerness Golf Links near Dumfries, Scotland, has appointed Clayton, DeVries & Pont (CDP) as its consulting architect.
Sam Cooper and Frank Pont of CDP will lead long-term course plans, focusing on bunker renovations and opportunities to improve and enhance the strategic design and nature of the course.
Southerness is Scotland’s southernmost golf course, lying on the northern coast of the Solway Firth, opposite England’s Silloth on Solway. Philip Mackenzie Ross, a former partner of Tom Simpson and the designer of the Ailsa course at Turnberry, laid out Southerness in 1947.
“Links golf comes in a range of styles,” said Cooper. “My personal favourite is the natural and understated version, especially when it has a rich, strategic architectural heritage. Southerness is the embodiment of this.
“Southerness was designed by one of the last great architects of the Golden Age. With a backdrop of mountains to one side and the Solway Firth to another, this expanse of rippling fescue and stunning heather is a special place. We are excited to be able to help bring back some of the variety for which Philip Mackenzie Ross was famous.”
Edward Cartwright, head of GB&I operations at CDP, said: “A great links course in such a beautiful setting is rare thing. We consider ourselves most fortunate to be invited to advise Southerness Golf Links.”
Ronnie MacNeillie, the club’s general manager, said: “Our dealings with the enthusiastic and knowledgeable Sam Cooper have left us with no doubt that our members and visitors will benefit greatly from the rich knowledge he has of the work of the early architects. Coupled with the vast experience and understanding within the CDP team, we are convinced this is a good fit.
“We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful layout in what is arguably one of the most peaceful settings for golf. We are confident that the integrity of our true links course will be maintained and the sheer enjoyment factor of playing it will be heightened. Our whole team is passionate about presenting as good a course as we possibly can. We cannot wait to get started.”