Countdown to Scotland’s Ryder Cup continues with the re-opening of The PGA Centenary Course.

Saturday 28 April 2012 marked the official reopening of The PGA Centenary Course at The Gleneagles Hotel, Host Venue of The 2014 Ryder Cup. The PGA Centenary, which will see the golfing greats of the US and Europe do battle over the three day tournament, has been under maintenance since October 2011 to allow for extensive course modifications, devised in consultation with course designer Jack Nicklaus.

It reopened to the public on Saturday, allowing golf enthusiasts the chance to experience the final Ryder Cup course for themselves in the two-year run-up to the tournament.

Over 50,000 tonnes of earth have been moved at the course over the past six months, with 30,000 square metres of turf laid, and 1,000 tonnes of new sand used in bunkers. The improvements include the installation of a SubAir system – an aeration and moisture removal system – on all 18 greens in addition to the putting green. Substantial changes have been made to the layout of several holes – with the most dramatic alterations apparent on the 9th and 18th. Drainage in all bunkers has been improved using the “Better Billy Bunker Method” developed at Augusta National Golf Club.

Stuart McEwen, Gleneagles’ Director of Golf, said:
“It’s been a challenging but hugely rewarding six months for all involved in the redesign of The PGA Centenary Course. We are thrilled with how the golf course is shaping up and the recent changes made will certainly make a big difference, particularly the 18th. By successfully completing the redesign changes now, thousands of golfers will be able to enjoy playing the golf course prior to the 2014 Ryder Cup. I’m excited about getting out there for a game – the golf course looks in terrific condition and will only continue to improve.”

Scott Fenwick, Golf Courses & Estate Manager, said:
“We’re delighted to finally be unveiling the PGA Centenary Course after extensive alterations, and are confident that players and spectators alike will respond well to these changes.

“The work on the 18th should make for a much more dramatic and challenging hole for players, creating a real risk/reward for those who decide to go for the hole in two. For tournament golf, the new amphitheatre at the 18th will improve spectator views and create a bit more of a buzz around the finishing hole.
“Some of the technology we’re using really is at the cutting edge. We’re the first club in the UK to have a fully installed SubAir system on all 19 greens – which should help the greens withstand some of the vagaries of Scotland’s climate. We’re also the first in Europe to use the “Better Billy Bunker” drainage method, developed by former Augusta superintendent Billy Fuller. “We look forward to seeing plenty of players out on the course this coming summer – it’s a great opportunity to play the Ryder Cup course for themselves ahead of the tournament in 2014.”

Richard Hills, The European Tour’s Ryder Cup Director, said: “Having been very impressed with the proposed changes during the planning stage I look forward to seeing them realised at our next site visit, and we were naturally delighted that Jack Nicklaus was consulted on the renovations.
“Along with the tremendous infrastructure work which is taking place, I am sure the course changes will help deliver a truly memorable occasion when The Ryder Cup comes to Gleneagles in two years’ time.”