Ryder Cup course at Gleneagles reopens

Countdown to Scotland’s Ryder Cup Continues with reopening of PGA Centenary course at Gleneagles

26th April 2012

This weekend (Saturday 28 April 2012) marks the official reopening of the PGA Centenary Course at The Gleneagles Hotel, Host Venue of The 2014 Ryder Cup.

The PGA Centenary, which will see the golfing great of the US and Europe do battle over the three day tournament, has been under maintenance since October 2011 to allow for extensive course modifications, devised in consultation with course designer Jack Nicklaus.

It will reopen to the public on Saturday, allowing golf enthusiasts the chance to experience the final Ryder Cup course for themselves in the two-year run-up to the tournament.

Over 50,000 tonnes of earth have been moved at the course over the past six months, with 30,000 square metres of turf laid, and 1,000 tonnes of new sand used in bunkers.

The improvements include the installation of a SubAir system - an aeration and moisture removal system - on all 18 greens in addition to the putting green. Substantial changes have been made to the layout of several holes – with the most dramatic alterations apparent on the 9th and 18th. Drainage in all bunkers has been improved using the “Better Billy Bunker Method” developed at Augusta National Golf Club.

Stuart McEwen, Gleneagles’ Director of Golf, said:

“It’s been a challenging but hugely rewarding six months for all involved in the redesign of the PGA Centenary Course. We are thrilled with how the golf course is shaping up and the recent changes made will certainly make a big difference, particularly the 18th. By successfully completing the redesign changes now, thousands of golfers will be able to enjoy playing the golf course prior to the 2014 Ryder Cup.

I’m excited about getting out there for a game - the golf course looks in terrific condition and will only continue to improve.”

Scott Fenwick, Golf Courses & Estate Manager, said:

“We’re delighted to finally be unveiling the PGA Centenary Course after extensive alterations, and are confident that players and spectators alike will respond well to these changes.

“The work on the 18th should make for a much more dramatic and challenging hole for players, creating a real risk/reward for those who decide to go for the hole in two. For tournament golf, the new amphitheatre at the 18th will improve spectator views and create a bit more of a buzz around the finishing hole.

“Some of the technology we’re using really is at the cutting edge. We’re the first club in the UK to have a fully installed SubAir system on all 19 greens – which should help the greens withstand some of the vagaries of Scotland’s climate. We’re also the first in Europe to use the “Better Billy Bunker” drainage method, developed by former Augusta superintendent Billy Fuller.

“We look forward to seeing plenty of players out on the course this coming summer – it’s a great opportunity to play the Ryder Cup course for themselves ahead of the tournament in 2014.”

Richard Hills, The European Tour’s Ryder Cup Director, said: “Having been very impressed with the proposed changes during the planning stage I look forward to seeing them realised at our next site visit, and we were naturally delighted that Jack Nicklaus was consulted on the renovations.

“Along with the tremendous infrastructure work which is taking place, I am sure the course changes will help deliver a truly memorable occasion when The Ryder Cup comes to Gleneagles in two years’ time.”

GOLF COURSE HOLE CHANGES IN FULL

HOLE 1: Back left greenside bunker removed and turned into grassy hollow.

HOLE 2: Back left greenside bunker removed and turned into grassy hollow.

HOLE 5: Large silver birch tree removed front left of green.

HOLE 6: Green contours were softened, greenside bunker remodelled.

HOLE 8: Two new bunkers installed on right side of green.

HOLE 9: Large sand bunker removed and lake extended into the fairway. Three new fairway bunkers installed on approach to green.

HOLE 10: Tees were lowered by 1.5m and moved to the left, no change to yardage.

HOLE 12: Two left fairway bunkers were removed to open up left side of the fairway. Approach into the green was re-contoured with large bunker removed to open up the approach into the green and make greenside bunker more visible.

HOLE 14: Two bunkers rear of the green were removed and turned into grassy hollows.

HOLE 15: Two bunkers on the right side of the fairway landing area were removed and one new bunker installed tighter to the fairway to tighten up the tee shot.

HOLE 16: One bunker removed on the left of the approach at the layup shot of the green.

HOLE 18: Blue/white/Yellow tees were moved slightly forward and raised by 2.5m. New bunker installed on the right side of the driving landing area. The final 250 yards of the hole was totally remodelled, with the fairway being lowered by 5m, new green installed with 7 new bunkers.

All bunkers on all holes have been remodelled, drainage checked, new liner installed and topped up with new sand.