Whitburn Golf Club is reaping the rewards of an ambitious restoration and reconfiguration of the course overlooking Marsden Bay and the North Sea.
Following a plan created by golf course architect Jonathan Gaunt and delivered by Charlie Greasley and his team along with head greenkeeper Eddie Cuthbert and his team, and numerous volunteers, the changes have already won high praise from members and guests.
New tees have been created on the third, seventh, eighth, 10th and 16th holes, while a change of playing order for holes 15-18 has created a spectacular par three 16th played from a clifftop tee. The work has seen the layout extended to just over 6,000 yards, and bunkers renovated and added across the course. New paths have also been created to improve the flow of players around the course, and the club is working with The FairWays Foundation following a £14,000 grant to replant heather and gorse.
Club chairman Kevin Walsh said: “A huge thank you has to go to Jonathan, the Greasley team, Eddie and the greenstaff, and all the volunteers. We must also thank all the members for their patience while the work was carried out.
“The work was finished on time and has been really well received so far, with fantastic feedback from the county, members and guests alike. I’ve been a member of Whitburn since 1977 and in that time, every hole has changed. These most recent changes are the best for sure and they’ll have the biggest impact on how much members and guests enjoy their golf here. This has been a significant investment for the club, but it’s certainly worth it and sets us up to continue pushing forward in the years ahead.”
The spotlight will be on the club and course in June, when Whitburn hosts the Durham County Golf Union’s Seniors’ Championship June 26-27.
