EGD at Elie

[Adam Lawrence]

I saw on Facebook earlier today that European Golf Design has just started a project at Elie, focused on tees and bunkers. CJW Golf, Conor Walsh's company, is doing construction, and Conor tells me that Ross McMurray is in charge.

A bit of a surprise -- EGD don't do a lot of existing course work, and I know they're crazily busy at the moment.

Any insight, Mark Pearce?

[Ally Mcintosh]

Ross is also at Portstewart doing a similar type job. So that’s two.

[John Mayhugh]

I was wondering about this as well.

https://twitter.com/eurogolfdesign/status/1722633095248236845

[Tom_Doak]

I just wonder why a place like Elie would ever think they needed architectural help.  But, I see it's mostly about rebuilding their bunkers, and unfortunately we have managed to convince almost everyone that you need an architect to do that.

[Adam Lawrence]

I just wonder why a place like Elie would ever think they needed architectural help.  But, I see it's mostly about rebuilding their bunkers, and unfortunately we have managed to convince almost everyone that you need an architect to do that.

I understand that. But _I_ wonder why it is worth EGD's while to rebuild the bunkers somewhere like Elie. It's hardly a big money job.

[Tom_Doak]

I just wonder why a place like Elie would ever think they needed architectural help.  But, I see it's mostly about rebuilding their bunkers, and unfortunately we have managed to convince almost everyone that you need an architect to do that.

I understand that. But _I_ wonder why it is worth EGD's while to rebuild the bunkers somewhere like Elie. It's hardly a big money job.

They might just really like the place and want to hang out there for a bit.


Or, they might be looking down the road at the future of building new courses in Europe, and thinking they'd better establish themselves in the renovation business sooner instead of later.  They would probably have their hands on the pulse of new development in Europe better than most firms.

[Robin_Hiseman]

Its a bit more parochial.


Ross has strong family connections with Elie and the golf club.

[Thomas Dai]

Sometimes the only way alleviate squabbles of the “want to do something” vrs “don’t want to do something” vrs “don’t have confidence in the staff” variety amongst the members is by hiring an architect. Bit like why consultants in business are sometimes hired.
Not saying this is the situation in this case but it’s a not unknown position for a club or an organisation to find itself in.
Atb

[Ben Stephens]

Its a bit more parochial.


Ross has strong family connections with Elie and the golf club.

Hi Robin


From P Quinn on social media - Not only you are working in Guernsey (would be a good thread on designing short 18 course and making it fun IMO) aren't you also working at the Belfry doing a new practice area behind the driving range.


Also DS is working at the Drift making improvements to the course likewise for GJ at Foxhills which was recently in GCA magazine.


It seems that EGD are spreading their wings a bit more to work on smaller areas of the golf club/course and course improvement/reconfigurations.


Glad to know that the proper golf course architects are getting more exposure rather than well known pros


Cheers
Ben

[Mark Pearce]

As Robin says, Ross has a strong connection to the village.


There was a need to change the 4th for safety reasons (cars on the road were getting hit by tee shots).  That has already been done.  Effectively the fairway has moved ten yards right (and the small fairway bunker on the right has been removed).  It's a shame that the ridge is now on the left edge of the fairway, rather than being a feature of the tee shot but the change isn't that noticeable. 


The rest is relatively minor bunker work (a few are being moved).

[Robin_Hiseman]

Its a bit more parochial.


Ross has strong family connections with Elie and the golf club.

Hi Robin


From P Quinn on social media - Not only you are working in Guernsey (would be a good thread on designing short 18 course and making it fun IMO) aren't you also working at the Belfry doing a new practice area behind the driving range.


Also DS is working at the Drift making improvements to the course likewise for GJ at Foxhills which was recently in GCA magazine.


It seems that EGD are spreading their wings a bit more to work on smaller areas of the golf club/course and course improvement/reconfigurations.


Glad to know that the proper golf course architects are getting more exposure rather than well known pros


Cheers
Ben

Hi Ben


You are correct in all of the above. We've had a few smaller jobs to keep us busy recently. Also a bit of a push to get them out on social media, so word is getting out a bit more.


Guernsey is a small course, but a big project. We'll be finished by this time next year and open in 2025.