How To Enhance A ‘Classic’ At Beaconsfield Golf Club

We have a precious treasure on our hands, so when we look to improve the course, we have a responsibility to our members and to future generations of golfers. Who better to advise us than Martin Hawtree? A third-generation course architect with a fabulous CV and a renowned Colt expert. We are one of very few courses that Martin works with.Our golf course was laid out by the famous and influential golf course architect Harry Colt; as our website says, ‘the course remains near the same as when it was originally designed in 1913 and has many of Colt’s trademark features. In particular, it is very well bunkered and has unusually large greens.’

Our golf course director, Stuart Langthorn, has got to know Martin well and gave these insights to me when we met for a socially distanced stroll recently.

How long have you known Martin?

I met Martin after 3 years of working at the club. He is very polite and initially, a man of few words. This lasted until he came across some original Colt cross bunkers on the 2nd fairway. His enthusiasm was amazing, his ideas came thick and fast, filling me with excitement. Since that day I regularly chat with Martin and exchange emails and texts.

Why does Hawtree like BGC so much?

Martin has been a student of Colt for many years and to this day, after a long and successful career, he is still discovering new intricate design features. The attraction of Beaconsfield to Martin has always been the lack of tampering with the original design. He thrives on the challenge of restoring areas which had been previously changed and upgrading holes that, although maybe original, are not quite standing up to the test of time.

Are there improvements already implemented that Hawtree suggested?

Martin has mainly been involved on the new tee complexes on the 1st, 4th, 6th and 14th holes but has now started looking at the green complexes.

What were Hawtree’s views of the old 6th and 16th holes?

Both excellent holes but had been subjected to bunker changes previously which were not in the Colt fashion. Firstly, the current bunkers were not easy on the eye. Secondly, they were not a challenge to the better player and finally they were penal on the higher handicapper. Colt very rarely, if ever, built perfectly round bunkers but of the 6 in question, 5 were round!

What suggestions did he make on those holes?

He was pleased when I contacted him about works on the 6th and 16th holes, two holes he’s always liked but knew could be improved. His suggestions perfectly met the club’s brief to improve the holes visually and enhance both holes so every level of player could enjoy them regardless of their handicap.

What design principles was he following?

Bunkers that were visible when playing the hole. Fair so a good shot would avoid them but also a bunker that would play with the golfer’s mind and thought process! Bunkers that visually enhanced each hole to give that extra special feel when standing over the ball. Lastly, bunkers that were suited to all levels of golfer and hazards that would offer the chance of a ‘sandy par’.

6th

16th

David Garmon-Jones

Greens Committee