Royal Norwich GC to Relocate

[Paul Gray]

Firstly, my knowledge of Royal Norwich is precisely zero. Well, actually it's limited to a quick look at their website which proudly declares they'll be moving to a new course designed by the same European Golf Design responsible for the national embarrassment which is Celtic Manor.

Will it be a shame to lose the existing course or could this actually be positive progress. Obviously the club considers the move to be financial beneficial but what of the architecture?

[Ronald Montesano]

For a moment, I misread it as Royal West Norfolk (http://www.rwngc.org/) and almost died. Phew.

[David_Tepper]

"For a moment, I misread it as Royal West Norfolk (http://www.rwngc.org/) and almost died. Phew."

Ronald M. -

If sea levels keep rising, it will not be long before RWNGC has to think about relocating.

DT

[Adam Lawrence]

They've been working on this project for a couple of years. Ross McMurray of EGD is working on the design of the new course. They will take over the existing course at Weston Park in Norwich and rebuild it. I think the planning app has just recently gone in (but wouldn't swear to that). We covered the story some months ago...


[size=78%]http://www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/Article/Three-year-timescale-for-Royal-Norwich-course-relocation-project/3281/Default.aspx#.VY-5uOt43zI[/size]

[Paul Gray]

Adam,

I used a little poetic license in my opening gambit; my knowledge was actually limited to a quick look at the website after digging out the January edition of your fine publication! 

[Josh Stevens]

Not a great part of the world for golf. Some decent little tracks out on the coast and of course you can be at Hunstanton or Brancaster in just over an hour.  Inland however its wet and boggy - so I guess they are combining two potato fields into one potato field.  Will no doubt do wonders for potato production, but probably not GCA

[Niall C]

I wonder if Ross McMurray has ever thought of changing his name to Doak, Coore or Crenshaw ? Maybe even Gil Hanse. It could save him getting pelters before he has even started on the design.


Niall

[Adam Lawrence]

I think we will see more of this kind of thing. If you're an old city or suburban club in southern England, or anywhere else with a similar level of insane pricing for residential property, it seems like a no-brainer if you can get it permitted. There were a few in Ireland before the crash... Marc Westenborg, then with Hawtree, built a huge 27 hole complex for Dun Laoghaire GC to replace their old suburban Colt course, which they sold to a developer for a fortune. It wasn't quite to my taste, but it's hard to argue with the numbers.


As well as full scale relocations, there seems to be a small-scale trend for clubs to sell off parcels of land for development. Even a couple of houses can make a big difference to the finances of an ordinary golf club.