The Drift Golf Club appoints European Golf Design for Strategic Review
As a continuation of a long-term investment strategy into the Club and its facilities, The Drift Golf Club has appointed European Golf Design (‘EGD’) to undertake a review of the golf course in preparation for the 50th anniversary in 2025. The course review follows the substantial investment into the Trackman Academy which opened in 2022 alongside the plans to renovate and expand the clubhouse, the design process for which is well underway.
EGD will review every aspect of the course and make recommendations on improvements which will enhance the enjoyment, challenge and conditions for members and guests. The initial phase of work will focus on holes 5, 6 and 9, with the objective that the changes are made, and the holes back in play, for the anniversary celebrations in two years. The project will be led by Dave Sampson, whose design credits include Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, the host venue for this year’s Ryder Cup Matches, who said “To have the opportunity to build upon the reputation of The Drift is a pleasure – we were thoroughly impressed with the vision and commitment of the Club, in particular Jon Connell, the Managing Director, and Tom Parrish, the General Manager, and standards set by the Academy development, which is outstanding. This combined with the efforts of Mark Ogden, the Course Manager, and his team, who have presented a course that continues to improve in playability and condition year on year in recent times . After a recent bunker redevelopment project which has been executed very well, we are excited about the additional potential that is yet to be realised and look forward to a long working relationship with the Club.”
Jon Connell explained the thinking behind the appointment: “With the investment made into the Academy, we realised that to fully benefit from that further development was required for the main assets of the Club – its course and clubhouse. We undertook a process of inviting design groups to present their ideas for the course and were impressed with EGD’s creative and collaborative approach. Having the benefit of their international experience, and their local presence, gave us the confidence to make the appointment. As owners we are committed to ensuring the best possible facilities are available for our members and guests, and we look forward to seeing the proposed improvements to the course reveal themselves over the next few years.”
Work on the overall review is underway now, as is more detailed planning for the first phase of work, construction of which is scheduled to begin next month. Frank Lovell, who has been working with the Club and the owners for over 10 years, will lead the construction process.
For more information contact:
Tom Parrish
General Manager – The Drift Golf Club manager@driftgolfclub.com
www.driftgolfclub.com
Dave Sampson
European Golf Design
dsampson@egd.com www.egd.com
