The Management has recently given the approval to proceed with the golf course renovation, and the team is excited with the plan to improve the course further. This will be the first “large-scale” renovation since the course was built in 1993 without changing the original routing and plans by Max Wexler. The objective is to reintroduce the initial concept and strategy while creating several new challenges that fit the spirit of Wexler’s design, a true championship course.

One of the major works is to re-turf the fairways, the approaches with Bermuda green less park and greens with local Bermuda variety. This will also give us an opportunity to expand the putting surface and add more characters to the greens. Additional sand bunkers with improved sand quality will be built and at the same time to address the drainage issues on fairways and bunkers. Tee boxes will be re-turfed with Bermuda green less park, and new black tees to be added at each hole.

While closing 1 hole at each nine for renovation, golfers will still able to play 18 holes as 2 par 5 will be converted into 4 holes, 2 par 3 and 2 par 4. There will be no interference while playing and members may even see the progress of work when passing through the renovated hole. 

Currently we had started constructing a proper new green for temporary use during the renovation at Hole 3 Par 5 and the other green at Hole 11 Par 5. When it is playable (tentatively by February 2012), we will start closing Hole 1 and Hole 16 as the first 2 holes going for renovation. Each closure expected to be completed and available to play within 3 months provided there are no interruption material supplies and weather permits.

Construction of new green at Hole 3 in progress

The old bunkers had undergone a total revamp with additional new bunker on the green right hand side with bigger bunker and more visible to the players.

Hole 1, left hand side approach bunker before renovation

Hole 1, left hand side approach bunker after renovation

Hole 1, right hand side of green before renovation

Hole 1, new approach bunker after completion

As a challenge, a new bunker will be built to guard the landing area that may force the player to consider their tee shot to the right, far from fairway Hole 2 (marked by red arrow in picture below) instead playing it safe.

Hole 1 before renovation

Hole 1, how it will look after new bunkers added

HOLE 16 PAR 3

Two new approach bunkers will be built to replace the old bunker that is not in play. Green will be extended to the back as allowance to hold the ball and some slopes from front to back of the green to create interesting putting surface.

Hole 16, before renovation

Hole 16, changes to be done

Reported by your Course Superintendent,

Izani Mokhtar

15 December 2011