Dun Laoghaire course project making progress
The new 36-hole complex being built by architects Hawtree for Dun Laoghaire GC in Ireland is progressing. The new complex, near Bray, is to replace the club's old Harry Colt-designed course, which has been sold for redevelopment.
Architect Marc Westenborg says that, although most of the seeding was completed during 2005, a small amount of shaping was finished too late in the year for seeding to take place. "We have a couple of fairways, three or four greens, and a few tees to seed," he said.
"There's still a huge amount of work to do on the cart paths – which are green to tee on every hole using railway sleepers for edging." The Bray site, which features 90m of elevation change, was farmland before golf construction started. "There are stunning views," said Westenborg. "A valley filled with trees runs down the west side of the property – several holes play through that terrain." Tours have been organised for club members to see the new site. "We haven't heard anything negative yet," said Westenborg. "It's a very different golf course from what they have now. The brief was always not to make it too difficult. Bunkers are quite shallow, greens not too undulating.
The club's main concern was to make the course to look as mature as possible." The sale of the old Dun Laoghaire course was supported by a 85 per cent vote at an emergency general meeting. Southern Golf is building the new courses.