Darley Redevelopment – Creating a course for the future
We’re excited to be working with the talented team at Pangaea Golf Architecture, in association with Paul Lawrie on our course renovations.
Darley Golf Course opened in 1911 as the third public course to be constructed in the town. Originally named Troon Municipal No.1, the golf course has observed several changes over its 113-year history.
The course was repurposed by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) between 1914 and 1919, and, due to the construction of Marr College, was remodelled for the first time in 1929 and renamed ‘The Darley’.
The course was again taken over by the MOD to create an airfield during WWII, but was only reopened as 11 holes in 1947. It wasn’t until 1951 that the course was extended again to 18 holes and remained relatively unchanged until the 2000’s, when the 3rd hole was considerably shorted due to health and safety issues linked to the neighbouring primary school.
In 2021, golf course architects KimberGlen undertook extensive gorse clearance work and remodelled several holes in the middle part of the course. They returned in 2023 to create safe walking routes around and through the golf course, creating several new teeing grounds and continuing the introduction of waste areas throughout these holes.
As we embark on this new chapter, Stuart Rennie and Jeffrey Danner of Pangaea Golf Architecture have been tasked with creating a more strategic and enjoyable golfing experience for all of our valued customers.
They have set about modernising the design of the golf course, building on the works recently undertaken to create an exciting and more playable golf course, while also aiming to make the Darley the number one course at Troon Links once again.
Whilst tackling some of the Health and Safety concerns, they are also proposing a full remodel of the bunkers, using modern materials to ensure they become more playable and consistent throughout to reduce the need for regular and labour intensive rebuild programmes.
Managing water is key to ensuring the fine turf remains in optimal condition, particularly at times when natural rainfall cannot be guaranteed. Therefore a new automated irrigation system will be installed, providing more attention to detail to greens, surrounds, fairways, and tees, whilst ensuring a more efficient use of this valuable resource.
Additional tees will also be introduced throughout the course to provide more variety in play, as well as providing tees which can be utilised throughout the winter months for competitive play.
Safe buggy access throughout the course will be created, to improve the accessibility of course.
Plans are available to view within the Troon Links Clubhouse until Monday 24th March or online HERE
There is an opportunity to comment on the proposals either electonically or online.
The post Darley Redevelopment – Creating a course for the future appeared first on Golf South Ayrshire.