Royal Wimbledon Golf Club in Surrey, England, has now completed eight years of renovation work, with contractor MJ Abbott executing a masterplan created by Mackenzie & Ebert. The design firm conducted initial planning and developed its plan in the mid-2010s, and work began in 2016. Tom Dunn designed the original Royal Wimbledon course in 1882 but the club moved to its present location in 1907, with a Willie Park Jr layout that was redesigned in 1924 by Harry Colt. A century later and the renovation work aims to ensure Royal Wimbledon remains among the best courses in the county. “The approach from day one was to make the whole course play more consistently from start to finish and to emphasise the heathland character of many holes,” said Tom Mackenzie. “We have sought to bring elements of that character to the lower areas, which are more parkland in style.” An extensive heathland restoration is also taking place. “Many holes lie within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), with trees being removed to give the heather and turf room to breathe,” said Mackenzie. “This opened views across to the North Downs from the first tee, which had previously been cloaked with trees.” The plan covers all golf course features, including new forward tees, as well as substantial irrigation and drainage upgrades. “The first phases on the drier, upper holes were done through operational capital, but the scale of the drainage needed on the lower holes meant that the approach changed, and funds were raised to complete the project quickly,” said Mackenzie. “Each phase was scrutinised before construction started to ensure that the approach was consistent.” At the par-four first, trees were cleared to open up long-range views from the tee, bunkers were reshaped, 11 Photo: Mackenzie & Ebert
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