Changes to course at Sandburn Hall Golf Course (From York Press)

Changes to course at Sandburn Hall Golf Course

10:34am Saturday 18th February 2012 in Sport By Tony Kelly, Deputy sports editor

DEGREES of difficulty are always to the fore at golf courses and Sandburn Hall Golf Club is no different.

In the latest part of a five-year construction programme, there will be changes to three of the holes at the course, which is sited just off the A64 on the road to Flaxton.

Work has already been carried out throughout the winter on the second and seventh holes, while finishing touches are due to be applied to the tenth. And the aim is to increase the difficulty of the course, said head groundsman Brian Hall.

Bunkers on the three holes have been re-sculptured into more imposing hazards with tee positions altered as well.

Said Hall: “The improvements continue to keep the course up to spec.

“When I came to the club originally part of the appeal for me was that there was a constant round of improvements planned and these are part of that programme.”

Extensive drainage work had previously been done on the course which has ensured it stays open almost the entire year. Now it was a case of more tweaks “here and there” said the head groundsman.

“What I really enjoy in my work here is being able to construct and keep the course testing and improving and that’s down to the commitment the owners have given us and the good work that has already been done,” he said.

Both clubhouse manager Emma Brown and golf manager Alistair Nicol were delighted by the improvements carried out, reporting that members had looked on the changes favourably.

Said Brown: “I play with several of the members most Saturdays and they have been impressed by the changes.”

Added Nicol: “There’s been a real positive reaction and all the work falls in line with the club not wanting to stand still. We always feel we have to keep improving.”