Landmark partnership for Wentworth West Course restoration

Wentworth Club and European Golf Design with support from the European Tour have announced a new partnership that will see leading European Tour players take on an instrumental role in the delivery of the West Course restoration project.

The deal will see one of the world’s most pre-eminent golf course consultancies, European Golf Design, added to the West Course advisory team, and ensure that feedback from current European Tour players is at the heart of the West Course’s redesign and restoration.

European Golf Design will closely collaborate with Ernie Els Design on the extensive bunker remodelling programme and will become a key consultant on the project that will restore the West Course back to its former glory. As part of the process, Wentworth’s Director of Golf Courses & Grounds, Kenny Mackay, will work closely with European Golf Design to ensure current players are consulted throughout the extensive renovation and that their views are central in shaping the future of the revered Championship course.

Wentworth’s West Course has been the home of the BMW PGA Championship – the European Tour’s leading tournament – since 1984, hosting the Championship in May this year for the 33^rd year in succession. All the changes will be made well in advance of next year’s tournament in May 2017.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Songhua Ni, Executive President of Reignwood Group, said “We are absolutely determined to make Wentworth the leading venue for European Championship golf. This is very much a long term commitment from Dr. Chanchai, the Club’s Chairman, and this new partnership is a significant step in helping us achieve that mission.”

Wentworth Club Chief Executive Stephen Gibson said, “Having the European Tour as our partner and European Golf Design join our advisory team is absolutely fantastic news for the West Course and for Wentworth. It will mean ongoing player review and endorsement of our plans, which will be delivered by the industry’s best consultants. We really could not have a more complete team for the West Course restoration.

“This time next year, we will have one of the most outstanding courses in world golf. Together with Keith Pelley, I have absolutely no doubt that the changes we are making will attract the world’s best players to Wentworth year on year. That is tremendously exciting.”