Southport Old Links Golf Club

The only solution was to relocate the green in a safe spot approximately 40-metres in front of its current location. As a 9-hole golf course, the 9th hole played as a Par 4, while the 18th, from a different set of tee markers, is a Par 5. It was of course the Club’s wish to maintain this current set up which therefore meant the construction of a new 18th tee complex such that the hole remained a Par 5. This in turn meant some reconfiguration of the fairway bunkering in such a way that their locations correctly influenced both the Par 5 tee shot and the Par 4 tee shot. A difficult design conundrum to get right.

The new green complex with respect to Par 4 and Par 5 strategy was slightly easier. The Club requested a green with a tier and along with that I made sure that the green and surrounds more or less matched the current designs of the existing greens on the golf course which have some quite intricate surround shaping. Bearing in mind the green has to services a Par 4 and Par 5 hole, we also designed an approach bunker which shouldn’t really influence the hole when being played as a Par 4, but very much comes into play for both Par 5 lay-up shots and a forced carry for those going for the green in two.

The work was carried out during exceptionally wet conditions and DAR Golf from Ireland performed miracles to get the green finished. Arden Lea installed the irrigation, Whitemoss supplied the sand and there was also help from a local contractor called Rylands.

Most of the work was completed before Christmas with the added bonus of members of the Club being involved in the stripping and laying of the turf. A great team effort from all those involved.

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