http://www.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=149235&command=displayContent&sourceNode=149218&contentPK=13850084&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearchCHANGES FOR THE BETTER WILL PUSH COURSE INTO MODERN AGE
11:00 - 17 January 2006
North-east golf architect Graeme Webster has been given the opportunity to take Murcar Links into the 21st Century. Graeme reveals why he is relishing the chance to make the first changes to the course since designers Archie Simpson and James Braid.
GOLF courses are living things and they should be evolved over time.
One only needs to look at St Andrews and Augusta to see evidence of this evolution.
Given the relentless development of technology - the designs of yesteryear, in terms of landing areas, green shapes and bunker locations - have become obsolete.
The challenge in evolving a classic Scottish links like Murcar is to re-introduce the strategy of the game.
It is not simply a question of adding length.
Being invited to work at Murcar is a huge privilege.
I have a long association with the club, having been junior champion there on two occasions, and the year I reached the Scottish boys final, I represented Murcar.
Although I did not appreciate it at the time, my design philosophies have been influenced by the raw and natural look of Murcar, a course I must have played hundreds of times.
The initial work will see a superb practice area completed.
The large field behind the clubhouse will be transformed to include a short game practice area of putting, chipping and bunker play greens, a 2000m grass tee and eight covered bays plus a teaching bay.
The outfield has been sculpted to offer visibility down the full length of the range and a number of "greens" will be created at various yardages, creating a golf course experience on the range.
On course, the first phase will see us re-develop four of the existing holes.
At the first, we have introduced two new bunkers, one on the fairway and one at the green.
The fairway bunker better defines the fairway and demands planning of execution and accuracy from the tee.
The greenside bunker has the visual effect of dramatising and defining the entrance to the green, and yet ironically provides the golfer with a greater chance to make par.
At the 13th we are re-aligning the fairway toward the boundary and re-shaping of the hillside will improve the playability, and the look of the hole.
Strengthening the greenside bunkers will increase the challenge to the player.
The work at the 14th hole will re-establish it as a strong par five.
A new back tee and new fairway bunkers will demand a good tee shot, while the long greenside bunker will be altered to prevent the wind blow from which it currently suffers. The consequential re-shape of the left hand side of the green will greatly change the aspect of the approach shot.
The 18th hole, which is probably the weakest of all the par fours on the course, will be lengthened to reintroduce the original landing area. From the current tees, the introduction of new fairway bunkers will test the accuracy of all players.
Every 18th hole should offer a significant challenge and I am confident that the new 18th will do that.
Another element of work involves restoration of the original sight lines on the course.
To do this we are undertaking a management programme of the gorse, which, over the years, has invaded many parts of the course, covering much of the spectacular natural contours and providing a barrier to the golfers view of the fairway.