The first phase of an extensive bunker renovation has been completed at Ipswich Golf Club in Suffolk, UK.

Architect Martin Hawtree has led the project on the club’s Purdis Heath course, with initial work seeing the closure of the course’s third hole, and the introduction of temporary green for holes one, five and eighteen.

This phase of the project was not set to be completed before Christmas, but the four holes have now reopened for play on the main greens.

“To have the work completed and the greens back in action so far ahead of schedule is great news for members and visitors alike,” said Neill Ellice, Ipswich Golf Club general manager. “We are thankful for the warm weather we experienced through September and October,which enabled the new turf to develop solid root growth.”

The bunkers at these holes will remain out of play as compulsory areas of ‘Ground Under Repair’.

The Purdis Heath course at Ipswich Golf Club was designed by James Braid and opened for play in 1926. The club is also home to the nine-hole Bixley course, which opened in the 1960s.