West Course, Wentworth, England

Harry Colt designed Wentworth’s famed West Course in the 1920s. Some 80 years on it was felt some of the original shot values had been lost; that the course did not play as Colt intended it. This restoration project, completed between October 2005 and May 2006, addressed those issues.

It involved extensive re-bunkering and lengthening where appropriate. Ernie’s changes blend in well with the original Colt design and ensure that this great course remains a test for the best players in the world and is also still fun for amateurs. A second phase of minor alterations was completed in 2007.

In 2009 Wentworth announced a third phase of major work, to be carried out in consultation with Ernie Els Design, in which all 18 greens and green surrounds will be re-built to USGA specification to ensure they perform to the highest standards. Long-standing settlement issues will be addressed and drainage improved to help disperse water more efficiently to the perimeters of the greens. At the same time, the existing poa anua greens will be replaced with colonial bent grass which provides a consistent surface of the highest quality.

Status: Initial changes instigated in 2005-07; third phase work involving reconstruction of all 18 greens to be completed in late 2009
Visit the website: www.wentworthclub.com