Goswick Golf Links, in collaboration with world renowned golf course architects Mackenzie & Ebert, has embarked upon a plan to significantly upgrade its seaside links.
The first steps down this path are being taken this winter with modifications to the 3rd, 4th and 5th holes currently in progress. The most significant improvements have been to the par-5 4th hole with the creation of new tee complexes and the enlargement and reshaping of the green and its surrounds. The net effect of these changes are increased pin locations, expanded short game options for shots played from just off the green and an additional 20 yards in length.
Meanwhile, new tees on the 5th hole will lengthen this already stout par 4 by 55 yards from the blue championship markers. Modifications to the greenside bunker and surrounds on the par-4 3rd hole will make it more in keeping with Goswick’s authentic links character.
“As with all classic links, Goswick requires sensitive handling from a design perspective to ensure that it offers the best golf experience for today's game, while respecting the great heritage of the club,” says Mackenzie & Ebert Director Tom Mackenzie. “Improvement of the turf quality and the shapes around the greens is an ongoing process. As such, the 3rd now has an expansive area of firm fast turf, in keeping with the excellent work already done on the 1st and 2nd holes. The 4th green has been re-sculpted so that it is in character with the best greens on the course. And the 4th and 5th tees have been redeveloped to remove an obvious blight in an otherwise gloriously unspoilt landscape. These are all subtle but significant steps in reinforcing Goswick’s burgeoning reputation.”
Meanwhile, Goswick has also continued to make progress on a long-term programme to convert all of its gravel walkways to turf, including specifically this winter on the 11th and 16th holes. When complete, golfers will be able to make their journey from the 1st tee to the 18th green entirely on fine grasses that thrive in sand-based soil — a good walk unspoiled.
These most recent improvements build on Goswick’s more than 130 years of excellence due in large part to such course design luminaries as Tom Dunn, Willie Park, Jr, James Braid, Frank Pennick and — now — Tom Mackenzie of Mackenzie & Ebert.
As is, Goswick is already:
- One of the world’s few pure fescue golf links with fairways that deliver a lively bounce and greens that roll fast and true all year-round;
- One of the top 100 links golf courses in Great Britain and Ireland according to Golf World;
- One of the top 50 courses of all kinds in England according toNational Club Golfer, and;
- One of just 15 courses selected by the R&A to host RegionalQualifying for The Open Championship.