The power of an artful renovation

Getting older does bring its benefits, whilst there are some days where being older discredits the theory that one automatically becomes wiser, age has also thrown some lovely opportunities my way. One is the pleasure of being involved with the renovation of two iconic golf courses. A glorious golfing situation where East meets West.

The Golden Bear is a Jack Nicklaus creation at Pine Valley, Beijing and the other is England’s iconic Wentworth West which sits majestically in Virginia Water, just outside of London. When you see this historic course again on TV in May for the BMW PGA Championship, you’ll see a back-to-the-future ‘new look’ as much of the original heather has been put back, and several bunkers removed or lowered. Unwanted and unused pathways have been discreetly taken away together while one or two greens have been lowered.

However, it will be the greens that will be the talking point. Every year there were moans and groans from star players regarding the state of the greens. Not any more, as all have been changed in the space of a year to a new grass type that will rival any Axminster!

The very next day after last year’s tournament work began on the renovation, and it has been extremely interesting for me to see ‘up close’ how the transformation was achieved. As has been the stretching and total reseeding of the Golden Bear which will undoubtedly now be the best course in China. It was already widely regarded as No.1, but now after Jack’s rethink it will blow away all opposition.

Out of Bounds: As a golfer you must experience taking a step on St Andrews, Augusta, Royal Melbourne etc. However, there are renovations and new courses that will also take your breath away.