MJ Abbott Limited commences next phase of bunker work at Goodwood

The second phase of a bunker redesign and reorientation project on the James Braid-designed Downs Course at the Goodwood Estate in Sussex, UK, is now underway.

Led by architect and EIGCA President Tom Mackenzie and golf construction experts MJ Abbott, the project began back in the winter of 2014. So far thirteen holes have received attention with the remainder set to be completed before Christmas 2016. The focus of the work is to create a more natural design to the bunkers using more rugged, natural shapes.

“We devised a plan to reduce the number of bunkers and overall sand area while making the remaining bunkers more visually appealing as well as more directly in play for the best players,” said Mackenzie. “At the same time, we tried to make life a little easier for the higher handicappers by providing them new routes to play some of the holes. It has been a pleasure working with the team at Goodwood and MJ Abbott on this project which we feel has injected new life into the Downs Course.”

“We have been delighted as to how the work completed has grown in,” said Stuart Gillett, general manager of Golf at Goodwood. “It gives a wonderfully natural feeling to the course. We are lucky in having great topography and the bunkers are now part of that landscape. These enhancements really lift The Downs course to a new level. We’re delighted with how the work’s gone so far and are looking forward to the next phase getting underway.”

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