English golf architect James Edwards has completed the first stage of a bunker renovation at Orsett Golf Club in Essex, designed to return the course to a more authentic look and feel.

James Braid designed Orsett, which is Essex's only heathland course. The club was founded in 1899, and has hosted Open regional qualifying on eleven occasions.

Orsett's course development committee, led by greenkeeper Don Clark, appointed Edwards to lead the bunker renovation programme this summer. The first stage of work, which saw the reconstruction of the fourth hole's bunkers, was completed last week. Phase one of work also includes the renovation of bunkers on the seventh and eighteenth holes.

Clark said: “Our aim has always been to bring back the traditional bunkering which the course is known for.” Edwards added: “It is an absolute privilege to work at Orsett alongside Don Clark, his excellent team and local contractor Grassform Planthire. The course inspires me every time I set foot on the property and I’m honoured that the club has entrusted us to restore the integrity of the James Braid bunkering.”