On The Tee

Delamere Forest

In 2010, Delamere Forest, midway between Chester and Northwich in Cheshire, celebrated its centenary. Two years later, the club embarked on a six-year renovation project to return its fine Herbert Fowler course closer to its open heathland roots.

Under the guidance of Tom Mackenzie, every bunker has been returned to its original Fowler design and greens that had shrunk over the years have been extended back out. What’s more, a significant volume of gorse, trees and scrub has been removed to restore much of the original feel and playing characteristics.

Eight new tees have been created, with the par-5 finale lengthened to 504 yards. The final piece of the jigsaw slotted into place this autumn, when work to soften the green on the short dogleg-left 15th hole at the far end of the course was completed.

Plenty of trees remain, including the attractive copse to the rear of the fine 2nd hole, but overall there’s an enhanced feeling of space. There are many standout holes to savour, among them the 14th, which drops down to an attractively bunkered green.