Scotscraig undergoes huge course renovation project

By Alistair July 16, 2016 06:55 Updated

One of the world’s oldest golf clubs has undertaken an unprecedented project to return its famous layout to the original specifications in time for its 200th anniversary. Scotscraig Golf Club, which was founded in 1817, is the world’s 13th oldest golf club and boasts an 18-hole championship course originally laid out by James Braid.

The ambitious restoration programme will see all of the course’s green-side and fairway bunkers returned to their original size with many being substantially expanded. On-course alterations will be completed in tandem with extensive gorse removal.

Scotscraig Golf Club

The first phase of the project involved rebuilding 21 green-side bunkers and a comprehensive redesign, rebuild and expansion of the fourth green and its associated sand trap which are both now open for play. Stage two will see 26 fairway and approach bunkers rebuilt in time for the club’s double centenary celebrations next year. The far-reaching restoration project is, as a consequence, as much to do with reviving James Braid’s design as it is about future-proofing a much-loved course.

At the centre of these comprehensive alterations is Chris Barnard; Scotscraig’s talented course manager who took up the post in March 2015 after completing stints at Kingsbarns Golf Links, Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club (New Zealand) and Royal Cinque Ports. Returning to his native Fife, Barnard acknowledged his homecoming had a lot to do with the quality of Scotscraig’s celebrated layout and the opportunity to reawaken one of Scotland’s most cherished courses.

“It was exciting to be back in Fife and especially to such a prestigious club where there are so many possibilities,” said Barnard. “The objective was to move Scotscraig forward, so this year we’ve concentrated on reinstating all the green-side bunkers in advance of the bicentenary year, and then we’ll move on to the fairway bunkers. These are big changes and the members are desperate to get on and play them.”

As well as the new-look bunkers, Scotscraig’s fairways have also been cut so longer hitters will find narrower landing areas the closer they get to the green. With more fescue grasses also being assimilated into the putting surfaces, the changes at Scotscraig are being introduced from the ground up. Barnard continued: “We’re trying to mould the course into something that is playable for both members and visitors and is fair, yet is still a good test for tournaments and low handicappers.”

The on-course changes and the club’s new course manager aren’t the only introductions being made at Scotscraig. The club has also completed a far-reaching investment programme which has seen its fleet of greenkeeping machinery replenished with new John Deere kit, supplied and supported by local dealer The Double A Trading Company of Cupar, Fife.