Blackmoor Golf Club in Hampshire has completed an extensive, three-year course improvement project which includes enhancements to all 18 holes on its historic Harry Colt-designed course.
The work has been carried out to upgrade bunkers and to improve drainage, the fairways have been reshaped to enhance visibility and course aesthetics and ancillary work such as new pathways and heather planting have been added.
The groundbreaking project, which cost over £500,000, has been implemented in three phases and designed by golf course architects LOBB + Partners, who were appointed by Blackmoor Golf Club to formulise a work strategy that would restore and enhance the course.
Reinstating some of Colt’s artistry first laid out by the course architect in 1913 and employing modern techniques that support ongoing course maintenance, Blackmoor has been able to futureproof the club and strengthen its reputation as one of the finest heathland courses in Britain.
Speaking about the project, Tim Lobb, Principal Architect at LOBB + Partners, said: “Over the past three winters we have worked with Blackmoor Golf Club to implement our Colt-inspired bunker and heathland restoration project to the course. The Club’s dedication to continual improvement of the course and environment is no more evident than in the final product that is seen today after these works.
“We were thrilled to be part of this team and oversee the design elements with construction by contractors Profusion Environmental. Congratulations to the club and to Course Manager James Norris and all the greenkeeping team for delivering an exceptional course that will grow into the construction works and for first class playing conditions.”
Alongside the heathland restoration and bunker refurbishment, work has been carried out by Blackmoor’s greenkeeping team to relocate more than 3000 m2 of heather turf to enhance the new bunkers and surrounding areas.
Changes have been made to the 1st hole fairway, filling in half of the cross ditch to reinstate fairway, and the green surrounds on the 9th and 17th holes, two of the course’s notable par 3s have been remodelled.
The project was overseen by Course Manager James Norris who commented: “We are fortunate that Blackmoor sits on sandy subsoil which helps alleviate flooding and support course drainage, however, overtime the bunkers had changed shape and the sand mix had become inconsistent. Upgrading was necessary and new liners and drainage were installed to every bunker as well as heather planting added to improve course aesthetics.
“Although the major works are now complete, the course will continue to improve with our programme of maintenance and as the enhancements bed in. We have laid rubber pathways to six holes already and have plans to install pathways to the remaining 12 holes over the next four years.”
The major course renovation follows hard on the heels of the completion of an extensive expansion of the club’s bar and restaurant in 2018, which included the construction of a first floor sun terrace with panoramic views over the course.
Blackmoor is an England Golf Championship venue and is home to The Selborne Salver, one of Britain’s most prestigious amateur golf events. The par 69 course is consistently ranked within the top 100 courses in England and recognised as one of the most picturesque courses in the region.
The completion of the bunker refurbishment and heathland restoration project further elevates the reputation of the club and supports the committees’ vision to provide a strategic, enjoyable and first-class experience to all golfers.
