Top Golf Course Architects on Board
MEMBERS and visitors will have noticed that work has begun on a significant makeover at Ladybank.
Over the next two-three winters, one of the country’s leading golf course architects will be transforming more than 50 bunkers fairway and greenside bunkers.
The £240,000 investment in a course regarded among the very best heathland challenges in the UK, follows on from a survey of our members.
“We consulted with the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) at the outset and Ladybank is delighted to welcome the KimberGlen team, who have been progressing the new and eagerly-awaited Dumbarnie Links course at Lower Largo,” *said club captain Jim Hair.
“The work is being tackled in phases, in tandem with our rough management programme, to ensure members and visitors continue to enjoy the best possible golfing experience at Ladybank.*
“Work on 11 holes will be completed by the start of the new season as the course continues to offer an enjoyable winter challenge.”
Head pro Sandy Smith noted: “KimberGlen are among the most respected specialist architects in world golf and we are delighted to have them on board.
“They handled the test facility for the R&A at Kingsbarns and Dumbarnie Links is already attracting interest from all around the world in advance of the opening in May.
“KimberGlen have a wealth of experience at courses ranging from Fancourt to Machrihanish Dunes and at healthland courses similar to Ladybank, such as Hesketh to Glasgow Golf Club, Gailes Links.”
Paul Kimber, Niall Glen and shaper Gary Semple, who has been working at Loch Lomond and Sunningdale recently, are working hand-in-glove with our course manager Colin Powrie, assistant Mike Ewan and the greenkeeping team.
“This is an exciting project,” *said Mr Kimber.
“The aim is to provide more consistency of bunker play and to complement the wonderful heathland character, which is what Ladybank is all about.*
“We are working with wonderful natural assets in the form of a sand and gravel base, superb drainage and quality turf across the golf course.
“We are re-shaping bunkers and run-offs to enhance the existing green complexes, with all standard of golfer and shot-making options in mind.
“We have been given flexibility with the design but while some bunkers have altered, most of them have remained surprisingly relevant to the modern game.”
Members and visitors will see the new bunkers taking shape.
The “Blinder” bunker liner material from Profusion is made from recycled old tyres.
Mr Kimber said: “This technology now has a proven track record, ensuring a consistent depth of sand, greater playability and ease of maintenance.”
Ladybank head pro Sandy Smith, Niall Glen, golf architect, Paul Kimber, golf architect, Colin Powrie, course manager and assistant manager Mike Ewan assess progress around the 18th green.
Annual General Meeting
The 2020 Annual General Meeting will be on Tuesday 28th January 2020 which is different to the date advertised on the Fixture Card.
At present the constitution reads that The AGM will be held on the fourth Tuesday of January.
Ladybank Golf Club Chronicles
If you want to find out more about our 140 year history then member and past Captain Bob Drummond is your man.
Bob has recently helped publish a book on the club’s history ‘From Napoleon to Nicklaus’. A great read and on general sale now at the club. Don’t miss out on your copy.