Ambitious plans to revitalize one of Scotland’s top-rated public golf courses have been revealed.
Belleisle Golf Course in Ayrshire, which is owned and operated by South Ayrshire Council, is regularly labeled as one of the finest municipal courses anywhere in Britain.
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Golf South Ayrshire, which manages the parkland facility on behalf of the local authority, has joined with Pangea Golf architecture and welcomed the input of former top Scottish golfer Paul Lawrie, winner of The Open in 1999.
After making minor changes to the course in recent years, it’s now ready for a major makeover – but local Opinion Is divided.
Belleisle opened in 1927 and its reputation as a highly-respected layout goes back decades.
The course hosted qualifying for the European Open when it was held at Turnberry in 1978 and has held prestigious tournaments of its own such as the prestigious Penfold Scottish Open and PGA Seniors. championship,
With impressive views of the Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Arran, Belleisle was originally designed by renowned Scottish golf architect and five-time Open Championship winner, James Braid, and has been described as “a masterpiece on a relatively obscure piece of land”. As described. “One of the best Council courses you’ll ever play”.
Another course reviewer concluded: “Ayrshire certainly claims to have the best set of municipal courses in the country and many consider Bellesley the jewel in that crown.”
The new masterplan released today proposes some dramatic changes including to the facility Construction Complete with a brand new practice academy driving Range, teaching room and a small play area. these new features Will be built on the land where the first hole is currently located and is dependent on Plan Approval.
Other changes to the course include bunker renovations, new tee boxes and a new 18th green, which will be moved from its current location.
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Improved drainage and a new starter pavilion and pro shop are also part of the plans.
Work scheduled to start in January next year, the first phase of development focused on the construction of bunkers, new tees and a new par three hole.
The construction of new holes and a practice complex means that the course routing will be almost unrecognizable from today.
The current 13th hole will become the new first hole (and change from a par four to a par five), and the current 12th will become the new second hole.
The new par three, which will be between 207 and 163 yards depending on the teeing ground used, will be established as the new third hole.
From there, the new 4th through 13th holes will be laid out where the 2nd through 11th holes currently stand, with a pond installed between the new 8th tee and 11th green.
Phase two is expected to commence between September 2025 and March 2026, which will see extensive work carried out on the bunkers and teeing grounds as well as trees within the course, as well as work on the new 18th green.
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Work on the new practice facilities is scheduled to begin in December 2025.
Golf South Ayrshire explained that the reasons for the changes included the need to make the course more playable for the modern golfer and to reduce the amount of course maintenance currently required.
He also stressed that the new practice academy could be a game-changer.
A statement said: “Golf South Ayrshire is excited to be working with the talented team at Pangea Golf Architecture in collaboration with Paul Lawrie on our course.” repair,
“The Belleisle Golf Course is very rich History – Opened in 1927 and designed by James Braid, one of the world’s most influential architects, the Belleisle Golf Course was once prestigious. competitions Including the Penfold Scottish Open (1932) and the Swallow-Penfold Tournament (1963). The course hosted its last major professional tournament in 1967 when it hosted the PGA Seniors Championship.
“As we begin this new chapter, Stuart Rennie and Jeffrey Danner of Pangea Golf Architecture have been tasked with creating a more strategic and enjoyable golf experience for all of our valued clients.
“He plans to design a golf course that retains and enhances many of the risk and reward features envisioned by the original architect, James Braid. sustainability and this Future In their perspective.
“There will now be a complete reconstruction of the bunkers. This will involve re-introducing the construction style intended by James Braid, while using modern materials to ensure they become more playable and consistent throughout the course, and reducing routine and labor Reduce the need for intensive reconstruction programs.
“management Water This is key to ensuring that great turf remains in optimal condition, especially during times when natural rainfall cannot be guaranteed. A new automated irrigation system will be installed, which will allow greater attention to detail on the greens, surrounds and tees and in turn free up greenkeepers to perform other tasks on the course.
“Many of the original earthen plain drains still exist along the route. While most of these are still functioning, they are increasingly struggling to cope with the intense rainfall events experienced in recent years. Pangea will consider better ways of managing water throughout the course by using new ponds created in 2023 and introducing additional wetland features, soakaways and modern drainage methods. It is hoped that these rain events will result in fewer course closures.
“While golf course renovation is essential to maintaining the reputation of Belleisle Golf Course for decades to come, our thoughts must turn to developing the next generation of golfers who will enjoy this spectacular golf course.
“The existing practice facilities are grossly inadequate and do not provide a safe, year-round opportunity for our PGA professionals to connect with young people and those wanting to take up the game.
“Pangea and Paul Lawrie have identified a suitable location close to the existing off-course facilities, which will be further developed, and a planning application will be submitted in the coming months to take this forward.”
Stuart Rennie, European Director of Pangea, said: “This has been an extremely busy period for Pangea Golf Architecture, which has seen us develop two separate golf course improvement masterplans for South Ayrshire Council at Air Belleisle. tron Darley!
“We have council approval and today is the members’ first day Engagement which is an essential part of the process of delivering these exciting golf course projects to client satisfaction in collaboration with Paul Lawrie, the European Institute of Golf Course Architects and the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).
However, not all locals are in support of the plans.
Many believe this project to be too similar to the “barbarism” of Bradt’s original design.
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One disgruntled local said: “Stop the vandalism of Aire Belleisle, it’s a brat course Holiday It’s just the way it is!”
Another member said: “Three years of disruption to an already superb course, which required only (relatively) minor investment to bring it up to a very high standard, for example irrigation, signage between the tees and a surrounding Or two female and male toilets.
“Certainly if the original intent was to create a practice field/driving range I would have thought consideration would have been given to building that (and perhaps a nine-hole course/practice field) using another location, such as part of the existing Dalmilling course.”
A third commented: “Masterplan? No hope in hell!”
A fourth said: ‘Stupid idea and will make things worse.’
Another said: “This won’t make any positive difference to an already falling apart golf course. Leave it alone.”
Others cited the less-than-satisfactory renovation of nearby courses at Troon, particularly Darley, which are under council management.
“Let’s hope they do better Work “Compared to the company that did the work on the two Troon courses at Darley and Lochgreen,” said one.
“I hope you will consider investment at Troon Darley, which lacks proper paths between holes and would benefit from investment in tees and fairways,” said another.
Golf South Ayrshire said a masterplan for Darley would be available to view “soon”.
However there were some positive comments.
One player said: “Having played both courses in the past I hope the improvements get support from members!”
Another said: “Keep up the great work.”
Read more about The Scottish Sun
Drop-in sessions to view the plans are available to the public on the dates and times below:
• Tuesday, October 15 – 12pm – 3pm (with Golf South Ayrshire staff)
• Tuesday, October 22 – 10am to 3pm (with a representative from Pangea Architecture)
• Tuesday, October 29 – 12pm – 3pm (with Golf South Ayrshire staff)
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