Tweaks return fairway to heaven

ITS fairways have been graced by celebrities such as Bing Crosby, Sir Sean Connery and Sir Jackie Stewart and it is thought to have hosted the precursor of the Ryder Cup.

Now the historic King’s Golf Course at Gleneagles, Perthshire, is to be restored to its original glory.

The course, which is due to celebrate its centenary in 2019, will see a range of work undertaken this year.

It is widely regarded as a masterpiece in design and one of creator James Braid’s finest inland projects.

Scott Fenwick, Gleneagles golf courses and estate manager, said the aim of the latest work was to return the course closer to Braid’s original vision.

In 1921, only two years after it opened, teams of US and British professionals competed in the first International Match, widely regarded as the precursor to the Ryder Cup.

Over nearly a century some features have been modified to appeal to different playing styles and Mr Fenwick said the new programme of improvements would see many of these tweaks reversed.

They i nclude re - aligning selected fairways back to Braid’s design, bringing several bunkers back into play and rein- stating heather stands around the course. Improvements will include the latest bunker drainage and lining technology.

Mr Fenwick added: ‘Essentially, we are bringing the King’s Course back closer to Braid’s original vision.

‘All of this should make for a more authentic playing experience.

‘When Braid was building the course he had to rely on hand mowers and earth scrapers pulled by horses. Thankfully technology has moved on a lot.’

Gary Silcock, director of golf at Gleneagles, said: ‘We are proud that even the exceptional weather last summer made little dent on play, with the King’s Course remaining open for all but two hours.’