77 name – the classic Jones styling shines through. It is most apparent on three holes: the third, a short iron over water where green and surrounds blend and golfers that choose a safer route could be left with a very demanding chip or putt to a green that slopes significantly; the par-four sixth, with a lake up the entire left side and bunkers set into mounding on the right; and the ninth. As with the other two closing holes at The Wisley, this is a grand finale to a green on the water’s edge. Much of the renovation work took place under the ground, with MJ Abbott completing a considerable infrastructure upgrade, including the replacement of a drainage system that no longer coped with the demands of the climate and landscape. The heavy soils have always been challenging and it is testament to the expertise of Lockyer and his team that the course has few equals in terms of presentation. MJ Abbott’s work allows the Garden nine to better withstand wet conditions, draining more efficiently through a system with increased water-handling capacity. Those previously driving decisionmaking at The Wisley had wanted to give the course an inland links feel, a somewhat futile endeavour on a site that serves as a flood-plain for the town of Weybridge. The club is now embracing its parkland character and design choices have been made with the understanding that there are natural limits to when, and how much, a running game is possible. With the Garden nine back in play, it now sits in rather marked contrast to the club’s Mill and Church nines. It would be unfair to say they look tired in comparison, but it is clear to see how application of the principles employed in this renovation could yield extremely positive results on the rest of the course. It is quite exciting to consider the potential for improvement on, for example, the Church nine’s par-five fourth and driveable par-four eighth, particularly around their greens, and the Mill’s short par-four fourth and fifth, a flick with a wedge to a putting surface that is currently almost entirely surrounded by sand. It seems likely that The Wisley will proceed with renovation work on its remaining 18 holes. With similar results, the entire course would be a compelling example of the best of Jones, refreshed for the focus on enjoyment and playability that is prevalent in modern design. “ The Garden nine renovation demonstrates that less can be more for both visual appeal and course strategy” Looking back on the par-four sixth hole Photo: Kevin Murray THE WISLEY
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=