Golf Update: Longcross back nine progress

The start of the year has seen kinder weather than the closing months of 2022, allowing both the Esso pipeline project and phase one of our course improvement project to move towards a conclusion. As we progress through March, we would like to update you on expected opening dates for the back nine so that you are fully briefed on what’s to come.

Timeline: the next 30 days

Despite adverse weather last week, Esso is still on schedule to complete its pipeline installation by the end of March. MJ Abbott, our turf specialists leading the re-instatement, may be on site for a further two weeks following the close of March to re-turf affected areas.

In the coming days, the online booking restrictions lift for early April so you may still see our 27-hole rotation system visible until 14th April. Until the point that our 17th hole is able to re-open, we will commit to remaining member only (and your guests). We have this contingency plan to reduce any unforeseen disruption to your booked tee times and hope to remove these blocks as the project stays on schedule. Whilst we are all excited to re-open Longcross as a full championship course, it would be a shame to disrupt what has been a smooth process until now over a few days.

Regarding our back nine course improvements, I’m happy to announce there has been significant progress on bunker installation and drainage. Our highly anticipated 16th hole is fully turfed, with attention now on the completion of the new forward tee box and pathways. New bunkers have been installed on our 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th holes. Drainage has been installed on the 15th, with 13th and 14th due to be installed in the next two weeks. The 12th hole has lay too wet through this period and has not been completed; we plan to complete proposed works on this hole during our mid-season maintenance period in August.

What to expect: April

Following the re-instatement, Longcross' 17th hole's right-hand rough will be GUR through April. The 12th tee box that is currently being rebuilt will also be GUR. Once open, also expect to see small sections of GUR around our course renovations. The greenkeeping team will make sure these are well marked. As the temperature increases and the team begin to mow daily, these will be removed and cutting heights lowered. The GUR areas on Bernard Hunt from pipeline re-instatement should be removed early next month.

Our 16th hole is due to open in May, date dependent on April conditions. We are looking forward to announcing this date with an event to celebrate with you in person.

Finally, thank you to all of you for your support and patience during this period, we can’t wait to show you the result of our Longcross investment.