Woll GC undergoes major renovation

Borders golf course experiences ‘dramatic changes’ in a commendable bid to attract new visitors to Ashkirk

WORK on the biggest investment in golf for over a decade in the Scottish Borders has been completed at The Woll golf course in Ashkirk.

The development, which focused largely on the greens on the course, was originally scheduled to take place further into the future, but was brought forward due to a poor season for the greens in 2013.

The surface of the original greens would quickly lose grass coverage, but there will be no such problem with the new greens that have been developed to USGA specifications.

In all, changes were made to six holes on the course, with the owners believing they will cement the course as one of the best in Borders, while also attracting visitors at the same time.

The first hole has been lengthened and moved up next to the river which runs through the course, meaning you now have to hit across it with your second shot, while also avoiding it over the back of the green.

The long par-4 13th hole has been lengthened due to the increase in the size of the green, which now rises from front to back and is encircled by new mounds and swales that draw you into the green.

BASINS

Described as the signature hole on the course, the par-3 15th has undergone a complete redesign and now features a false front, huge catch basins, and is surrounded by mature trees and rhododendrons. Easy on the eye, it is, without question, one of the hardest holes on the course.

The par-4 16th has had its green completely renovated and the new design is protected by the largest bunker on the course, which sits on the right hand side of the entrance to the green.

Already boasting one of the largest memberships in the region, the club has been continually improving the course year on year and the changes are proving popular with all that play the course.

The par-3 17th has water running down the full right-hand-side and now a new pond has been developed to encircle the green and form an island. Impressive to look at and to play, this hole can make or break your round.

MEMORY

The final hole to be renovated was the par-4 18th. The owners wanted to make it stand out and live long in the memory, and they believe the new bunkers around the green do just that.

A club spokesman described the changes as ‘dramatic’.

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