Despite being recognised as the best short course in the UK, Nailcote Hall has started work on a number of changes which will make the host venue of the Farmfoods’ British Par 3 Championship even more challenging in 2012.
In fact only the 6th and 9th holes will escape the attention of Nailcote’s owner and course designer, Rick Cressman who commented, “It was a great championship this year and more and more golfers, societies and corporate users are coming to play the course, so I want to be sure that the course is as challenging and entertaining to play as possible”.
The longest hole, the 7th has just had the green extended by about 6 yars, allowing an additional but very tricky pin position.
To attack it, players will have to flight their shot over 125 yards of water and the large, “St Andrews” style bunker if they are brave enough to attack the flag.
The 8th hole is actually having the green enlarged which Rick thinks will make it a little fairer, but again it also provides for an extra pin position alongside water and bunker protection which will be hard to attack without taking some extra risk.
Behind the 5th green, new mounding has been put in place which gives the hole and setting of the green a more enclosed look and means, “the bunkers at the back of the green will be more visible and styled like the bunkers at the back of Augusta’s famous 12th !
A new bunker and shaping to the back of the 4th green is just about to start and extra sprinkler heads are being placed on the 4th, 5th and 8th to give a more consistent quality of surface in dry conditions.
But the big project which will transform a large part of the course and have a major visual impact when players visit Nailcote, is the development of a new water feature in front of both the 2nd and 3rd holes.
This will result in the existing two front bunkers on the 3rd being removed and the water will come to within 2/3 yards of the edge of the green. “From 125 yards, I don’t think this will be the second easiest hole on the course any more” ! said Rick. “But it will look absolutely stunning from the tee and great for spectators to view at the Farmfoods’ British Par 3 Championship which is set for August 7th-0th next year. I can’t wait to see the Pro’s reactions.”
The course will be open throughout the winter so players can enjoy the course and see what is happening too.
