PGA Senior Championship at Close House

[Scott Macpherson]

It's a real thrill for me to see the European Senior Tour visit the course I designed at Close House this week. I went to watch a some holes and the Head Greenkeeper (Brian Clark) and his team have done a great job preparing the Colt Course. The fairways, which do not have any irrigation, look great, and the greens are running at 10-10.5 on the stimp.

The course has 300 feet elevation change from its highest to lowest point (also identical to that at Pasatiempo), so there is some elevation for the players to negotiate. The course has been set-up at 6685 yards by the PGA, and the two nines have been reversed for the event so the 1st tee is closer to the practice range. I'll be interested to get feedback on this decision after the event, as my instinct is to stay with the normal routing.

The course is generally quite broad, but as every hole plays in a different direction and elevation to the previous hole, it can take a few rounds to get to know the course. The one player I know who has previously visited the course is Peter Fowler, so it is interesting that he is the co-leader after round one.

Entry to the tournament is free, but spectators are encouraged to book a ticket on-line. By Wednesday, 20,000 tickets had been ordered showing a desire for tournament golf in NE England.

Here are a couple of snaps off my phone from the Pro-Am yesterday (Wednesday).



Sam Torrance putts on the 6th green (15th for the event) during the Pro-Am


This is the par 3 9th Hole, which is being played as the 18th for the PGA Senior Championship.

[Marty Bonnar]

Nice, Scott.
It's on sky sports 4 at 1am tonight. Recording set!
Cheers,
M.

[Scott Macpherson]

Hi Martin,

Yes I think SKY have half and hour, or an hour, on for each of the 4 days. There was another viewing available about 5pm. On the weekend it might be about 10pm – check your TV schedule.

Scott

[Jason Topp]

Scott:

Any surprises in how the course is playing?

[Scott Macpherson]

Jason,

Just back from watching Peter Fowler win the Championship. He played very well – especially his putting. We will have a debrief with the owner and the PGA in the next couple of weeks, but my initial feelings are that the course provided a thorough test of all parts of the game, and over the 4 rounds, the best golfer won.

Some feedback from the players was regarding he firmness of the greens. They were firm this week and this meant golfers had to control the ball flight and spin rates – especially with their approach shots. Given ball control is a skilled act, I am delighted that the greens were firm, and I give credit to the green keepers for the work they have done.

The event was well attended and will return to Close House for the next 2 years so this feels like the start of an exciting journey for the club.

Scott