One of New Zealand’s most historic golf courses is to undergo a comprehensive redesign.

Royal Wellington Golf Club was the first course in the country to gain 'Royal' status when it did so in 2005. Founded in 1895, the club has been on its present site at Heretaunga for over 100 years.

The 27 hole facility, on a parkland site adjacent to the Hutt River has hosted seven New Zealand Opens since 1912. The layout has had two previous incarnations in its lifespan, but has just embarked on its third and perhaps most significant changes.

Design firm Turner Macpherson, led by former touring professional Greg Turner and architect Scott Macpherson, has been chosen to complete the redesign. Construction began in February 2011 and the project will be phased to ensure the club has eighteen holes in play at all times during the three year construction schedule.

“The final outcome of the redesign will be that the club will have 27 championship holes, laid out in three returning loops of nine. The style of the redesign is 'Old English' and will see every hole entirely renovated, plus the construction of six entirely new holes,” said Macpherson.