71 Duininck Golf handled construction work, with “a focus on ensuring our work fits seamlessly with the broader landscape and looks like it’s been here for decades,” says their project manager Paul Deis. Bunkers throughout the course were rebuilt, including the installation of Capillary Concrete liners, and on several holes placements were adjusted to improve strategy and visual definition. On the par-five opening hole, for example, a bunker in the second landing area has been reorientated to become a cross bunker, with alterations to the fairway lines in that area providing more options for the layup. Similarly, on the par-five sixth, bunkers have been reshaped and some tree removal has allowed for the expansion of fairway to create a risk-reward second shot opportunity that gives a much-improved angle of approach to the green. “Players were bailing out into the right rough because there was danger on the left so Rees and Greg added a small bunker on the right which looks very foreboding and has totally changed the nature of that second shot,” says Powell. “You now have to really think your way through it. It’s not a no-brainer like it used to be.” Powell also highlights the fourth hole. The original design had called for the hole to play as a dog-leg, but limitations during the original construction meant it played more like a long, straight hole. “The new framing of the fairway bunker has changed to emphasise how the hole turns, as was originally envisioned. It’s a small change that has made a big difference.” Muirhead says: “With relatively minor architectural tweaks, we have created a more interesting and thought-provoking experience.” For the evolution of its course, Old Chatham has placed their trust in the hands of the designers who first conceived it. “We talk a lot in our industry about Donald Ross working at Pinehurst for years, and MacKenzie going back to his courses to make changes,” says Powell. “For 22 years Rees and Greg have had their hands on the development of this golf course. Our plan was always to tweak it and add some complexity.” But what about those average golfers? Can they still negotiate their way round? “The higher handicappers aren’t noticing any real difference in the difficulty,” says Muirhead. “It’s evoking the shot options that we hoped it would, but for the higher handicapper they can lay up and maybe have an extra club into the green. It’s a win-win.” “Old Chatham wants its course to be challenging but fair,” adds Jones. “They’ve always been very conscious of the balance.” GCA Photo: RyanMontgomery/Monty Aerials LLC
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