World-famous golf course heads back to the future

One of Scotland’s most famous golf courses has been restored to its original glory following a £1 million renovation project – including a drainage system inspired by the human heart.

The James Braiddesigned Queen’s Course at Gleneagles first opened to the public in 1919.

Fairways and bunkers have now been returned to Braid’s design and heather stands reinstated to reflect the course’s appearance in the 1920s.

The 18-month renovation programme has also seen the installation of innovative drainage technology inspired by the heart’s response to atmospheric pressure.

The installation of “Energy-Passive Ground Water Recharge Pump” technology on the 16th green resolves a centuryold drainage issue by siphoning water from saturated surface areas.

Scott Fenwick, golf courses and estate manager at Gleneagles, said: “Braid’s bunker designs at Gleneagles were based on the courses supporting summer play only, so to bring them back to his original design concept and make them playable all-year-round, marks a tremendous achievement.

“In the mid-1980s we began changing the identity to meet golfers’ expectations at that time, which included reshaping the course until the fairways became really narrow and the original bunkers were moved into the rough.

“Using archived photographs and Braid’s designs as our guide, we’ve reversed most of those changes, increasing the fairways by around 40%.

“Additionally, around the course, we’re reintroducing Scottish heather to frame the fairways and better reflect the course’s appearance in the 1920s.”