Pretty. Difficult.

Using Pioneering Construction techniques, Edgbaston Golf Club has just restored its bunkers to H.S Colt's original vision

The Golf Course was designed in 1936 by the legendary H.S. Colt, who was responsible for the design and remodelling of many famous courses. These included the New and Eden courses at St Andrews, Muirfield, Sunningdale and Royal St Georges Hill. Edgbaston is a natural parkland course surrounded by mature woodland. It is a challenging course that demands accurate play into its small greens, lest you end up in the many swales and run-off areas that require a proficient short game to negotiate. Edgbaston was nominated as one of the top 200 courses in the UK by Peter Alliss. With a slope index of 132, it is the 3rd most difficult course in Warwickshire.

Edgbaston is a par 69 course. It is not particularly long but it does require some well thought out shots to score low.

There are many pitfalls awaiting the stray shot and tight, fast and undulating greens that will punish poor putts. Edgbaston is an enjoyable course that will demand your best attention. We invest over 60% of our revenue in course maintenance.

Course Plans for Autumn and Winter 2022/23

As autumn approaches, I wanted to update members with the plans for the next phase of the bunker programme and the continued drainage work.

Bunker Programme 2022

The challenges with COVID delayed the final phases of the bunkers, but I am delighted world-renowned course architects Mackenzie and Ebert have been instructed to work on the designs for the remaining bunkers. The work for this phase in 2022 starts in early October. The final phase is planned to commence in the autumn/winter of 2023, subject to approval and the financial position of the Club.

The aim of the bunker programme remains consistent, that is to reinstate the HS Colt designed bunkers to mirror their original features and style but also incorporate some of the changes in the modern game. This may mean some bunkers are potentially repositioned to allow for this.   

Profusion who are the bunker installer and contractor will commence works from the 12th October. The bunkers redesigned this winter will be on holes, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 18. In addition, the practice bunker will also be rebuilt to enhance this space for members' practice.

As in previous years, there will be some disruption to the course, but we will communicate any changes as early as possible to the membership. The work on the bunkers has come at a very good time as the remaining or 'old' bunker sand levels are varied due to how they drain after rainfall, this also causes stones to appear. The newer bunkers do not have these issues.

Below are some of the designs for the bunkers and more detailed drawings are being formulated at the moment by Mackenzie and Ebert.

*As you may be able to see from the drawings the key changes are to the 17th hole were an additional fairway bunker will be installed and the green side bunker reduced in size. There may also be some other design changes but we will notify members of these when they are available.

Drainage Works

Following the successful drainage works to the 2nd hole, 3rd and 4th, further drainage work will be undertaken using the Club’s trenching and drainage equipment. Further drainage will be installed on the 13th, 14th and 8th hole.

Thank to the members for their support of the continued development of the course. It is our objective to make the course more playable in all conditions for members and this phase of the bunkers continues the previous work undertaken and the drainage works again help to improve the courses ability to manage the wet winter months.

David Fulcher

Director of Golf and Operations