Blackmoor Golf Club has completed an extensive, three-year course improvement project which includes enhancements to all 18 holes on the Harry Colt course.

The work has been carried out to upgrade bunkers and to improve drainage, the fairways have been reshaped to enhance visibility and course aesthetics and ancillary work such as new pathways and heather planting have been added.

The groundbreaking project which cost circa £500,000 has been implemented in three phases and designed by renowned golf course architects Lobb & Partners, who were appointed by Blackmoor Golf Club to formulise a work strategy that would restore and enhance the course.

The project involved reinstating some of Colt’s artistry first laid out by the course architect in 1913 and employing modern techniques that support ongoing course maintenance.

Tim Lobb, principal architect at Lobb & Partners, said: “Over the past three winters we have worked with Blackmoor Golf Club to implement our Colt-inspired bunker and heathland restoration project to the course. The club’s dedication to continual improvement of the course and environment is no more evident than in the final product that is seen today after these works.

“We were thrilled to be part of this team and oversee the design elements with construction by contractors Profusion Environmental. Congratulations to the club and to course manager James Norris and all the greenkeeping team for delivering an exceptional course that will grow into the construction works and for first class playing conditions.”

Alongside the heathland restoration and bunker refurbishment, work has been carried out by Blackmoor’s greenkeeping team to relocate heather turf to enhance the new bunkers and surrounding areas. Changes have been made to the first hole fairway, and the green surrounds on the ninth and 17th holes have been remodelled.

Norris said: “We are fortunate that Blackmoor sits on sandy subsoil which helps alleviate flooding and support course drainage. However, over time the bunkers had changed shape and the sand mix had become inconsistent. Upgrading was necessary and new liners and drainage were installed to every bunker as well as heather planting added to improve course aesthetics.

“Although the major works are now complete, the course will continue to improve with our programme of maintenance and as the enhancements bed in. We have laid rubber pathways to six holes already and have plans to install pathways to the remaining 12 holes over the next four years.”

In 2018 Blackmoor completed an extensive remodelling and expansion project to its clubhouse bar and restaurant including the construction of a first-floor sun terrace with panoramic views over the course. The club is an England Golf championship venue and is home to the Selborne Salver, one of Britain’s most prestigious amateur golf events.

The par 69 course is consistently ranked in the top 100 courses in England.

To find out more about Blackmoor Golf Club or make a general inquiry about the club, call club secretary Simon Burton on 01420 472775, email [email protected] or visit www.blackmoorgolf.co.uk