Anglo-French golf architect Stuart Hallett is working on a bunker renovation project on the historic Le Phare course in Biarritz.

Le Phare, which dates back to 1888, is among the oldest courses in France. Originally designed by Tom and Willie Dunn (who created the famous Chasm hole, profiled in issue 22 of Golf Course Architecture), it was comprehensively redesigned by Harry Colt in the 1920s.

Hallett’s project aims to improve strategy and visual impact on the course. Most of Le Phare’s bunkers date from Colt’s renovation in the 1920s, and are now obsolete for better players. Hallett says the works now underway will balance the difficulty for all, solve long-standing safety issues and improve playing conditions.