The Berkshire & The Richmond appoint TPL

Thomson Perrett & Lobb has been appointed to consult on and oversee important design work on two historic courses close to London – The Berkshire Golf Club, one of the UK’s Top 100 Courses, and The Richmond Golf Club, Surrey.

The Berkshire, which features two of the finest, traditional heathland golf courses, with 69 bunkers in total, has appointed TPL to analyse the playing strategy on both courses and return the bunkering to a more traditional look, while using modern construction techniques and specifications to ensure longevity.

Tim Lobb said: “We are looking at incorporating the heathland elements, including heather, native grasses and rougher edges, into the bunker complexes, to give them an authentic look but with a slightly more modern feel. They will be constructed to the highest technical specification to ensure good playability, maintenance and longevity.”

An example of the bunkering at The Berkshire. This picture shows the 15th hole of the Red Course.

TPL will refer to historic data and photography as it looks to integrate bunkers into the strategy of golfers as they plot their way around the course.

An in-depth analysis and consultation with the club will take place for the remainder of this year, with work likely to start next year.

Meanwhile, at The Richmond Golf Club, TPL will oversee a complete review of the Tom Dunn designed course, which opened in 1891, with special attention to bunkering, including the renovation and reshaping of existing bunkers and the addition of new, strategic hazards.

Work will be completed in two stages, from September 2010 and then again from September 2011, over the winter months.

2nd Hole Berkshire Course