Renowned golf course architect, Ross Perrett, continues to bring us insights into the superb work undertaken with his two late former partners, Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge. This month he looks at their revamp of the Clearwater Bay course in Hong Kong.
The Clearwater Bay Golf Club, Hong Kong, is one of the more dramatic golf courses in the world. It is located on a rocky peninsula on the north west of Hong Kong island.
It was designed by Japanese golf architects T Sawai and A Furukawa. The Lowland nine was the first built in 1982 and as the name suggests is more intimate with the sea. To build it first was both logical and good practice. During construction when working on a difficult a site, it is desirable to work out from the extremities to avoid working over finished work.
The Highland nine followed in 1987 and had similar logistical problems. The Clubhouse opened in 1989. When the course was being built, the golf course architects adopted a bold approach with the earthworks and tree clearing. This was just as well because it was their one chance to render the land suitable for golf this meant serious earthworks. In turn, it demanded some very large equipment to be used.
The sixth green at Clearwater Bay, undergoing a Thomson Perrett Wolveridge makeover.
This caused some environmental concerns about over clearing and excessive earthworks. But the end result was worth it.
Following opening the course to much fanfare, the feared critics relished the exciting golf on offer right on the coastline.
Wind is always a challenge at Clearwater Bay, blowing from the north in the winter and opposite in the summer. The effect of
the wind is further exacerbated by the cleverness of layout which has holes running to all points of the compass.
The beauty of the place and the Hong Kong lifestyle always attracted high quality ex-patriate staff. Current Director of Golf, Peter Downie is a Scottish professional ably assisted by Grant Gibson and Kingsley Long, both of whom are long serving Australian teaching professionals.
Clearwater Bay’s leadership always ensured that the club had a policy of constantly improving the facility.
For many years, Thomson Perrett Wolveridge was briefed on a suite of course projects and over time all holes were upgraded, some more than others. Darry Koster, an American superintendent was a perfectionist and during his 16 years in his role he re-grassed the entire course. As well as managing the plethora of projects, he helped our partner, the late Peter Thomson, organise the renovation, the priority and the sequence of all upgrades to the course.
These projects had to be managed very carefully because there were no external resources of materials available and we effectively had a closed site. It was always labour-intensive due to the ever present rock. To assist Darry and the team, the club engaged Stuart Stone of Linkshape, an Australian golfing contractor, to execute the works. So hole by hole we covered the whole course in a bit by bit process while keeping the course in play.
To minimise any unnecessary collateral damage during construction, the works areas were strictly controlled as were the access areas. Stuart used shapers familiar with the site particularly dealing with the rocky ground that was everywhere.
Exceptional scenery, a spectacular golf course. Looking towards the third green at Clearwater Bay.
Clearwater Bay is extremely windy and placing the bunkers to stop sand blowing away was another big job.
To complete the project, bunkers were finished by a combination of two methods – Eco bunker and Capillary concrete.
One method was used to fix the edge of a bunker and the other to fix the sand in it.
Peter Thomson and his team had pulled off a fine renovation of the course but that was only part of the story. There were major renovations to the clubhouse; the driving range was upgraded; and a number of projects on the remainder of the land were completed. They Included the conversion of the par 3-Course from grass to synthetic; and the renovation of the Country and Tennis clubs’ surrounds.
One factor that deserves special mention is the food and beverage offering which is first class and delivered in a friendly atmosphere. Excellent and varied menus exist for breakfast, lunch and dinner well supported by an extensive wine list.
On every visit to Clearwater Bay Golf Club there is always something new and exciting to experience as the club constantly pushes forward.
– with Michael Davis
The post Dramatic, exciting, Clearwater Bay and its Thomson Perrett Wolveridge makeover first appeared on Inside Golf. Australia's Most-Read Golf Magazine as named by Australian Golfers - FREE.
Article Link: https://www.insidegolf.com.au/course-reviews/dramatic-exciting-clearwater-bay-and-its-thomson-perrett-wolveridge-makeover/