News

A prestigious Scottish golf and country club has secured the services of a top professional golfer to transform it into one of the best courses inthe UK.

Whitekirk Golf & Country Club, situated in the heart of East Lothian,has appointed Open Champion Paul Lawrie to redesign Whitekirk GolfCourse in collaboration with Graeme Webster of Team Niblick, who is one of Scotland’s most respected golf course architects.

Since opening in 1995, the 18-hole course at Whitekirk has hosted the PGA MasterCard Tour from 1998 - 2001 and the PGA Europro Tour2002 – 2006, and it is hoped more high profile competitions will beheld at the course following its transformation.

David Brodie, General Manager said: “Whitekirk, which has recently been acquired by Whitekirk Consortium Ltd and is managed byPrestige Hotel Management, is embarking on an exciting journey that will transform it into one of the leading golf destinations in East Lothian, Scotland, and the United Kingdom. The first phase is to redesign the golf course and with Paul Lawrie’s vision along with Graeme Webster of Team Niblick’s combined, vast experience, the perfect partnership is in place to achieve that vision.”

Prestige Hotel management managing director Richard Spanneradded: “We are delighted that we have secured the services of both Paul Lawrie and Graeme Webster, and are very excited to have them on board as part of Whitekirk.”

Team Niblick, a specialist golf course design and build firm based in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, has been involved in the creation of a number of Aberdeenshire courses, including Meldrum House, near Oldmeldrum, Inchmarlo, near Banchory, and the Aspire Golf Centre inDeeside, which is now the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre.

Mr Lawrie said: “I have been fortunate enough in my career to visit and play the best courses all over the world. Through these experiences I have gained a vast knowledge of what golfers want in a championship course. I am confident that together with Graeme Webster, we will shape and mould Whitekirk into a leading course that golfers worldwide will want to play.”

Graeme Webster of Team Niblick has been working closely with Mr Lawrie on plans for the new 18-hole course at Whitekirk, and work is expected to start later in the year.He added: “As an Open Champion and Ryder Cup player Paul has gained valuable experience from playing the best courses around theworld and it is my role to work with Paul to take those experiences and use them to develop Whitekirk into a challenging course that golfers will be excited to play over and over.”

Situated in the heart of East Lothian the club combines tradition,refined décor, a warm friendly welcome and a beautiful setting approximately 2 miles from the sea. Full details available at www.whitekirk.com.