Matthew unfortunately I never got to see the Eden plans, I think some would like to see the range go in the reverse direction and lose the Balgove and get back the land for the Eden but that obviously won’t happen. I’d like to see the Balgove remodelled into a better short course. The 14th, 15th and 16th on the Eden are on old farmland so much earth movement will be required to blend in better with the opening 13 holes.
At Deal the 3rd has needed changing for 30 years plus to separate golfers and dog walkers, fortunately there has never been a serious injury but it was on the cards. The tees have been moved 40 yards to the left and extended. Members will play around 520yds and the back tee will be 575yds. Play should actually speed up as few will be waiting for the green to clear. I think the blind landing area past the cross bunkers for second shots will need widening to the left or there will be much searching for balls when the rough is up. I might have to get “lost” if I’m cutting the semi and give us an extra band of light rough!!
16 is a partial restoration bringing back at old area of fairway into play, the width of the second shot landing area will increase by 25 yards. Bunkering has been strengthened considerably with two bunkers in the driving zone being enlarged by 3 or 4x and 2 new bunkers going in plus a new pot bunker in the landing zone. The driving area bunkers will allow for more forward progress than the deep pots they replace. An already great short par 5 should be even better.
Over the years the club has adopted around 50% of Martin’s proposals.