Edinburgh Course
The idea for a third golf course at Wentworth was conceived in the late 1970s, but it wasn’t until 1990 that the Edinburgh Course opened for play. It was designed by coach and former Ryder Cup player and captain John Jacobs in consultation with nine-time major champion Gary Player and the Club’s then professional Bernard Gallacher.
Architect John Jacobs chose to pay homage to one of Harry Colt’s enduring design philosophies, specifically that a golf course should be challenging and capable of testing the game’s best players, but at the same time playable and able to give immense pleasure to the handicap golfer.
In its short lifespan the Edinburgh has proved to be true to those original design principles.
Inspired by Colt
A wide selection of teeing areas ensures that golfers can play the course at a length which suits them. Generous landing areas off the tee are a boon to the average player and help give them the freedom to hit their drivers, one of golf’s simple pleasures!
However, longer hitters will find that strategically located pines encroach away from the main body of trees and into the confines of the fairways, often obstructing the line of play for anyone who strays too far from the optimum line. And a good variety of doglegs ensures that one must always pay heed to the ideal shape of shot required.
In terms of approach play, the degree of difficulty is very much dependant on the choice of the Courses Manager. Large greens offer the opportunity of straightforward pin locations to appeal to the average player, but the clever hazard placement also makes it possible to ‘tuck’ pins into tougher, more closely-guarded areas to make the more accomplished players work hard to earn their birdie chances.
Beauty by design
Centuries ago this land was covered with woodland and right from the outset Jacobs was intent on creating a golf course that was sympathetic to its surroundings – in modern parlance, one that would leave a ‘soft’ footprint on its environment. It was one of the main principles of Jacobs’ original design and it has, in time, become one of the Edinburgh’s great strengths. It is a haven for wildlife, a sanctuary for the area’s flora and fauna.
All-time golfing great and self-appointed philosopher Walter Hagen once expressed the view that on a golf course one should always take time to appreciate the surroundings. “Never hurry, never worry, and be sure to smell the flowers along the way,” is what he said.
So when perhaps a putt slips past the hole or a well-intended swipe produces an errant shot, it might be wise to remember Hagen’s words of wisdom; especially here. The Edinburgh has much to offer the golfer who cares to take moment to simply look around.
Quote
“The Edinburgh is one of the best conditioned courses in the world”
- Two-time Wentworth Senior Masters winner, Eduardo Romero
Fact File
Opened: 1923
Architect: John Jacobs (with Gary Player and Bernard Gallacher)
Par: 72
Length: 7,004 yards
Course Record: 67, Gary Orr
Tournaments held: Wentworth Senior Masters