Whitburn Golf Club has asked its members for feedback on an ambitious course improvement plan put together by architect Jonathan Gaunt.
The club, which overlooks the picturesque Marsden Bay and the mouth of the River Tyne, has been working with Jonathan on an extensive proposal to modernise the Lizard Lane course.
A club spokesperson said: “The committee feel strongly that these plans should be shared with members to gauge their thoughts and comments before spending significant sums of money. The improvements are not just about lengthening the course, they are designed to improve the challenge faced for a fair test of golf.”
Jonathan visited the course, met with club officials, and has created a detailed hole by hole plan along with estimated costs for the work. Members will be able to give their views before the committee and greens team decide which elements to take forward.
Among the proposals are new tees for the third, sixth and seventh holes, while a change of playing order for holes 15-18 – which provides a truly spectacular par three 16th played from a cliff top tee.
A project working group has arranged three test events for the proposed new 16th tee, and two presentation and Q&A sessions will take place with members in the coming months.
The plan has been put together following a surge in membership, which has enabled Whitburn to consider investing in the course while also purchasing new equipment, including a new utility vehicle and greens spreader. Several course improvement projects have also been carried out already, and the club has also trialled a halfway house and/or a buggy serving providing cold drinks and snacks.
