The first phase of a dramatic reconstruction of Royal Wellington Golf Club in the capital of New Zealand has been completed.

Kiwi design firm Turner Macpherson is leading a three year project that will see the course – which has been on its present site for over 100 years and has hosted several New Zealand Opens – totally refurbished and extended to 27 holes. The first three of the new holes have now been opened for play.

“The brief was to redesign the course at Royal Wellington into a world class resort for the 21st century,” said Scott Macpherson. “We are rebuilding all greens, tees and bunkers and lengthening the course. There are six brand new holes on new land, and the rest are mainly in the corridors of existing holes. But all the holes will feel brand new – some holes have been reversed, and others are on the existing property, but push though into new areas.”

“The property is a beautiful parkland, next to a river with gently undulating contours. Throughout the property, several steams flow and it is abundant with bird life,” he added. “It has been quite a jigsaw to work out the construction sequence required to keep 18 good holes open for play.”

The official opening of the completely renovated course is scheduled for early 2014.