Golf course architect David Krause has helped rework the first hole on the Old Course at Atalaya Golf and Country Club near Marbella, Spain.

Krause and the project team were asked to create an exciting opening hole on the course following the creation of a new access road to an adjacent property development.

The green has been shifted to a spot approximately 40 metres from the edge of the new property. A series of mounds are located around it, as is a new water feature. A new sand bunker and deep hollows are also in place next to the new green.

With this new green location, flag position will be increasingly important, as the approach shot can vary significantly in terms of ease on the hole now.

The Old Course was originally designed by German architect Bernhard von Limburger. The original professional tee on the first hole has also been reestablished close to the clubhouse.

“We still have a lot to do but we are very pleased with the results of the work by David Krause and his team so far,” said Andres Sanchez, general manager at Atalaya. “Our members are quite excited about playing the new hole.”