GOLF REVAMP: The view from the clubhouse at the Royal Wellington Golf Club. Image: Supplied.
After five years’ planning and 22 months construction, Royal Wellington Golf Club members have a course of challenging new holes in front of them.
Members are already playing on the redesigned course, but the official opening is February 8-15 next year.
Course manager John Spraggs said the main reason for the $7 million project was that members were not happy with it.
“The old course was pretty ordinary and not up to international standards,” Mr Spraggs said.
Mr Spraggs started work in January 2005, specifically for the renovation project.
Six new holes were added, 21 existing holes were renovated, and six old holes were removed in the redesign.
Planning started on February 1, 2005, with the club interviewing architects from all over the world.
The club chose New Zealanders Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson of Turner Macpherson Golf Design.
Before the renovations started in February 2011, 4500 matured pine trees were harvested, adding 15 hectares of additional land for the course.
“The additional land gave ample room to have 27 quality holes,” Mr Spraggs said.
The renovation included new bunkers, tees and greens for all 27 holes.
“Members put up with two years of annoyance but they are back at it enjoying it. Everyone is well happy,” Mr Spraggs said.
After 22 months the construction and renovations finished on March 15 this year..
Club member Brandon MacKenzie, 18, left, likes the new renovations.
“The course is very damp at the moment but once that’s better the course will be one of the best in the country,” Mr MacKenzie said.
CLEAR VIEW: The view of where some of the Pine trees were taken out at the club.
