The West Course at Wentworth has been a cornerstone of Championship golf. Having played host to numerous flagship tournaments including the BMW PGA Championship and World Matchplay Championships the ‘Burma Road’ course has had drama and excitement etched into its golfing heritage.
Following a £6.5 million investment, the West Course at Wentworth has been the recipient of some significant changes which are guaranteed to test the golfing armoury of the professionals for the 2010 BMW PGA Championship which starts on 20th May. Having been fortunate to play the West Course prior to its changes, I believe it to be one of the best designed courses I have played. The original Colt design matured into a fantastic test of golf using natural elevations to put a great emphasis on course management. Although the West Course has its critics in high profile professionals such as Ian Poulter and Padraig Harrington, the ambiance and history associated with the Wentworth Club do make it difficult hard to believe that anyone can’t enjoy a walk around this stunning Surrey course.
In recent years the West Course has undergone subtle changes by 16th hole resident and current world number 7, Ernie Els. These include bunkering on numerous holes such as the 3rd and 6th holes but this still hasn’t been able to stop the birdie barrage which has been dispatched on the course during the professional tournaments. Paul Casey’s winning total last year was -17 and with David Howell also matching that total during his victory in 2006, it is safe to presume that the West Course hasn’t been the tough test which belies its 7,300 yard scorecard. However the changes implemented by Els in this most recent redesign look set to provide a stern challenge for the European Tour’s flagship event. Although these renovations haven’t dramatically increased the yardage (it actually has shortened it by 4 yards), the Standard Scratch Score has increased by 1 shot to 75 caused mainly due to the increasing difficulty of holes 8, 17 and 18.
The 8th hole (pictured left) which features a hump in the middle of the fairway that actually acts as the dividing line between county borders of Surrey and Berkshire (unsure if that is true but I remember Peter Allis mentioning this during commentary some years ago!). The hole was protected by a large pond which was approximately 20 yards short of the putting surface, the changes ensure that the pond extends all the way up to the very left hand side of the green meaning a pulled shot or even a slightly vigorous putt could end up in the water. This has immediately turned this great birdie opportunity into something a little more tricky! At least golfers who do find themselves in the water will find solace in the fantastic halfway hut just behind the 9th tee – home of possibly finest sausage sandwiches in the land!
The 17th hole is a fine par 5, offering a very tight tee shot with a sloping fairway which kicks down into the right hand rough making second shots very difficult. To ensure that only the finest of second shots finds the green the bank has been built up to sit the green slightly higher than it did previously. In the past a running shot could find its way onto the putting surface thanks to the downhill approach to the green. Although the hole measures an intimidating distance I still think the pros will be able to get onto the green in two – Emanuele Canonica, the big hitting Italian had previously hit the green in two with a 1 iron and 4 iron combination!
It is the 18th hole which has been the recipient of the most dramatic reworking. The dog leg par five offered little resistance and was a very good birdie opportunity. Players now face a small thin green in the mould of the 12th at Augusta National with a creek to clear before the putting surface. All in all the drama that we’ve seen in previous years at Wentworth look set to continue for many years to come.
