GOLF AND LEISURE RESORT NEAR DUNDEE BECOMING A MUST-VISIT VENUE
NEW-LOOK PIPERDAM AFTER £250,000 INVESTMENT BY OWNERS
A drawing of how the Pipedram 14th will look.
NEWS RELEASE
Piperdam Golf and Leisure Resort, Dundee is
bucking the trend by investing £250,000 this winter on an
exciting redevelopment of its 18-hole Osprey course.
While other clubs in the country have tightened their belts in the last couple of years, Piperdam, located a mere 2.5 miles from the city of Dundee, have invested in the future with the appointment of a new PGA professional, construction of a fabulous nine-hole “wee piper” golf course, improvements to the driving range and short game area and an extensive clubhouse extension, housing the new professional shop and bespoke changing rooms. The restaurant has also been extended out to the edge of the loch, allowing wonderful views to accompany the already well renowned and excellent food.
Since Piperdam's Osprey course was opened in 1998 it has matured with age, but it has to be said that during the early years many found it rather hilly and uninspiring and not well prepared to accommodate golfers of all ages and ability. However, those days are gone. The Piperdam of today has developed into a well maintained parkland course offering wonderful views, many bordered by water, a fantastic blend of holes that are a challenge, however very playable to all levels of golfer, and with clubhouse, leisure and restaurant facilities second to none.
Piperdam's rise out of mediocrity started when Shaun Anderson was appointed head greenkeeper.
Through his and his team's dedication, enterprise and expertise, and the backing of considerable investment from the owners on new equipment, the course developed year-on-year.
In 2010 PGA professional Owen Leslie was appointed as Director of Golf. Under Owen’s guidance the golf offer, in particular the development of member coaching and golf schools and development of the club golf shop, has grown. In recent years turf quality of the teeing areas, fairways and greens at Piperdam have proved a match for any.
There remained, however, some major issues regarding the lay-out and design of a number of areas of the course. By taking the views of both members and visiting golfers into consideration, Piperdam identified that Hole 5 was regarded as having an overly severe climb from tee to green, for the enjoyment of the majority of golfers.
Also the carry over water hazards on a number of holes was excessive for ladies, seniors, juniors and high handicap/beginner golfers. The position, too, of some of the lateral water hazards was deemed, by the same group of golfers, to be badly positioned in relation to course strategy.
It was difficult to hold a tee shot on the fairway of Hole 8, due to the very strong sideways slope on the fairway. The approach the green, on this already challenging Par 4 , was ”blind“ for the the vast majority of golfers.
Par 5 holes were all a bit too long and uninspiring. The way ahead was clear, the great improvement in turf and playing surface condition was not enough, substantial changes had to be made to provide a golf course that could actually be played and enjoyed by all levels of golfer.
Furthermore the aim would be to create a golf course full of challenge, great yet fair strategy and more “risk and reward” holes that would provide enjoyable and exciting golf for all.
The man charged with the task of carrying out this transformation was renowned Scottish golf course architect, Graeme Webster, and his talented band of construction specialists at 'Team Niblick"
Reflecting on the challenges faced, Webster confirmed that he is enjoying playing his part in making Piperdam a must-play venue, when he said:
"I have been working with Owen and Shaun on the Piperdam redevelopment for a number of years now, with a series of "off-season" upgrades and improvements.These consisted of mainly repositioning and reshaping of bunkers and drainage work.
"Autumn 2013 ,however, saw us embark on the most ambitious project of course changes. The owners, Phil and Lynda Mulholland, have shown great faith and ambition, investing circa £250,000.00 to support the changes.
"Piperdam has never really appealed to the lady, senior, junior or high handicap golfer due, in the main, to the very long forced carries over water at holes one, 11 and 12, the hill climb on hole 5 and the very severe slope of the 8th fairway.
"All of these issues have been identified and are being rectified ,in a project we passionately call 'The New Course-Piperdam’
"Hole 1 will see a new ladies /senior tee constructed around the edge of the loch where the tee shot will play along the loch edge, to a new shaped area of approach, that will welcome shots played in from the new tee site.
"The green site will be re-bunkered to accommodate tee shots from both the existing and the new tees.
"A new ladies/senior tee will be built on the llth hole, greatly reducing the all or nothing carry to a less demanding 50 metres.
"A section of the stream that crosses the 12th fairway,will be piped at the common driving distance for ladies and seniors , creating a new area of fairway.
"The water features on either side of this new area of fairway will be enlarged and reshaped, retaining the drama of the tee shot.
"We have decided to completely remove the fifth, which involved a steep climb to its greensite, and sixth holes.To accommodate this change ,we have remodelled a number of holes on the more gently undulating lower section of the course,where we have space and available unused areas to comfortably accommodate the changes.
"The Par 5 holes 15 and 18 have always been deemed as overly long and a little “bland”,with water features being positioned poorly in relation to playing strategy. Both holes have been shortened ,re-bunkered and had their water features repositioned and reshaped to provide two exceptional and very strategic Par 5s, with fairer and greater “risk and reward” options.
"Two outstanding new Par 3 holes now nestle into the new layout at holes 15 and 17.
"The old 17th hole, at 220yds an overly long Par 3 for many, has been extended to a short par 4 with various tees being positioned to provide “risk and reward” options for the golfer of between 250 and 311yds.
"Around three dozen established fir trees have been transplanted down the right hand side, to frame and shape the hole.
"The former 8th hole, much maligned for its strongly slopping fairway,will be totally transformed with the reshaping and re-contouring of the fairway.
"The high ground between landing area and green site will also be lowered in the shaping works,allowing a view through to the greensite from the currently “blind” second shot.
"I have no doubt at all ,that Project 'The New Course-Piperdam' will produce changes and upgrades to the 18 hole golf course that, supported by the wonderful “off course” facilities and the continued investment and commitment by the owners to providing first class quality and service, will firmly position the resort near the top of Scotland’s “must play” and “must stay” golfing venues.
Piperdam's Director of Golf and resident PGA Professional Owen Leslie was equally upbeat about the future when he added:
"I have been delighted with how things have progressed and seeing our plans come to fruition is really exciting. Graeme and his team are obviously experts at what they do, and the quality of their work has exceeded my expectations.
"It has also been great to see how Shaun and his greenkeeping team have been able to play their part ,in working alongside the Niblick specialists in the construction works .There could hardly have been a more exciting winter project for them.
"Over the winter Piperdam will undergo a miraculous transformation, by the time the season gets underway it will boast a very different layout which will complement the exemplary course conditions and exceptional playing surfaces.
While other clubs in the country have tightened their belts in the last couple of years, Piperdam, located a mere 2.5 miles from the city of Dundee, have invested in the future with the appointment of a new PGA professional, construction of a fabulous nine-hole “wee piper” golf course, improvements to the driving range and short game area and an extensive clubhouse extension, housing the new professional shop and bespoke changing rooms. The restaurant has also been extended out to the edge of the loch, allowing wonderful views to accompany the already well renowned and excellent food.
Since Piperdam's Osprey course was opened in 1998 it has matured with age, but it has to be said that during the early years many found it rather hilly and uninspiring and not well prepared to accommodate golfers of all ages and ability. However, those days are gone. The Piperdam of today has developed into a well maintained parkland course offering wonderful views, many bordered by water, a fantastic blend of holes that are a challenge, however very playable to all levels of golfer, and with clubhouse, leisure and restaurant facilities second to none.
Piperdam's rise out of mediocrity started when Shaun Anderson was appointed head greenkeeper.
Through his and his team's dedication, enterprise and expertise, and the backing of considerable investment from the owners on new equipment, the course developed year-on-year.
In 2010 PGA professional Owen Leslie was appointed as Director of Golf. Under Owen’s guidance the golf offer, in particular the development of member coaching and golf schools and development of the club golf shop, has grown. In recent years turf quality of the teeing areas, fairways and greens at Piperdam have proved a match for any.
There remained, however, some major issues regarding the lay-out and design of a number of areas of the course. By taking the views of both members and visiting golfers into consideration, Piperdam identified that Hole 5 was regarded as having an overly severe climb from tee to green, for the enjoyment of the majority of golfers.
Also the carry over water hazards on a number of holes was excessive for ladies, seniors, juniors and high handicap/beginner golfers. The position, too, of some of the lateral water hazards was deemed, by the same group of golfers, to be badly positioned in relation to course strategy.
It was difficult to hold a tee shot on the fairway of Hole 8, due to the very strong sideways slope on the fairway. The approach the green, on this already challenging Par 4 , was ”blind“ for the the vast majority of golfers.
Par 5 holes were all a bit too long and uninspiring. The way ahead was clear, the great improvement in turf and playing surface condition was not enough, substantial changes had to be made to provide a golf course that could actually be played and enjoyed by all levels of golfer.
Furthermore the aim would be to create a golf course full of challenge, great yet fair strategy and more “risk and reward” holes that would provide enjoyable and exciting golf for all.
The man charged with the task of carrying out this transformation was renowned Scottish golf course architect, Graeme Webster, and his talented band of construction specialists at 'Team Niblick"
Reflecting on the challenges faced, Webster confirmed that he is enjoying playing his part in making Piperdam a must-play venue, when he said:
"I have been working with Owen and Shaun on the Piperdam redevelopment for a number of years now, with a series of "off-season" upgrades and improvements.These consisted of mainly repositioning and reshaping of bunkers and drainage work.
"Autumn 2013 ,however, saw us embark on the most ambitious project of course changes. The owners, Phil and Lynda Mulholland, have shown great faith and ambition, investing circa £250,000.00 to support the changes.
"Piperdam has never really appealed to the lady, senior, junior or high handicap golfer due, in the main, to the very long forced carries over water at holes one, 11 and 12, the hill climb on hole 5 and the very severe slope of the 8th fairway.
"All of these issues have been identified and are being rectified ,in a project we passionately call 'The New Course-Piperdam’
"Hole 1 will see a new ladies /senior tee constructed around the edge of the loch where the tee shot will play along the loch edge, to a new shaped area of approach, that will welcome shots played in from the new tee site.
"The green site will be re-bunkered to accommodate tee shots from both the existing and the new tees.
"A new ladies/senior tee will be built on the llth hole, greatly reducing the all or nothing carry to a less demanding 50 metres.
"A section of the stream that crosses the 12th fairway,will be piped at the common driving distance for ladies and seniors , creating a new area of fairway.
"The water features on either side of this new area of fairway will be enlarged and reshaped, retaining the drama of the tee shot.
"We have decided to completely remove the fifth, which involved a steep climb to its greensite, and sixth holes.To accommodate this change ,we have remodelled a number of holes on the more gently undulating lower section of the course,where we have space and available unused areas to comfortably accommodate the changes.
"The Par 5 holes 15 and 18 have always been deemed as overly long and a little “bland”,with water features being positioned poorly in relation to playing strategy. Both holes have been shortened ,re-bunkered and had their water features repositioned and reshaped to provide two exceptional and very strategic Par 5s, with fairer and greater “risk and reward” options.
"Two outstanding new Par 3 holes now nestle into the new layout at holes 15 and 17.
"The old 17th hole, at 220yds an overly long Par 3 for many, has been extended to a short par 4 with various tees being positioned to provide “risk and reward” options for the golfer of between 250 and 311yds.
"Around three dozen established fir trees have been transplanted down the right hand side, to frame and shape the hole.
"The former 8th hole, much maligned for its strongly slopping fairway,will be totally transformed with the reshaping and re-contouring of the fairway.
"The high ground between landing area and green site will also be lowered in the shaping works,allowing a view through to the greensite from the currently “blind” second shot.
"I have no doubt at all ,that Project 'The New Course-Piperdam' will produce changes and upgrades to the 18 hole golf course that, supported by the wonderful “off course” facilities and the continued investment and commitment by the owners to providing first class quality and service, will firmly position the resort near the top of Scotland’s “must play” and “must stay” golfing venues.
Piperdam's Director of Golf and resident PGA Professional Owen Leslie was equally upbeat about the future when he added:
"I have been delighted with how things have progressed and seeing our plans come to fruition is really exciting. Graeme and his team are obviously experts at what they do, and the quality of their work has exceeded my expectations.
"It has also been great to see how Shaun and his greenkeeping team have been able to play their part ,in working alongside the Niblick specialists in the construction works .There could hardly have been a more exciting winter project for them.
"Over the winter Piperdam will undergo a miraculous transformation, by the time the season gets underway it will boast a very different layout which will complement the exemplary course conditions and exceptional playing surfaces.
"Anyone heading to Piperdam this spring will be amazed at its
transformation, and delighted with what will be on offer.
"Despite the huge investment in the creation of the 'The New Course-Piperdam' and its wonderful off course facilities ,membership and golf will still remain available at tremendously competitive rates. Adult memberships, for example, are available for as little as £32 per month.
"This also includes a host of benefits, including unlimited golf on both courses, buy-one-get-one-free on range-tokens, an unlimited number of member's guests throughout the year, and reduced member rates for everything from lessons and golf-buggies, to food and drinks in the bar and restaurant.
"And as a last thought. One of the biggest concerns from most golfers today is that most clubs go onto winter hours (some from October-March) with their clubhouse opening times and catering with limited menus.
"Not so at Piperdam, where the restaurant and full catering are available 365 days a year and where a warm open fire and friendly staff are there to welcome you on a cold winter's day.
"With the magnificent changes to the golf course, off course and leisure facilities, could Piperdam be on the verge of producing one of the finest offers available in Scottish golf?"
PIPERDAM YARDAGES
All par-71
Black tees - 6,295yd
White tees - 6,139yd
Blue tees - 5,801yd
Red tees - 5,154yd
"Despite the huge investment in the creation of the 'The New Course-Piperdam' and its wonderful off course facilities ,membership and golf will still remain available at tremendously competitive rates. Adult memberships, for example, are available for as little as £32 per month.
"This also includes a host of benefits, including unlimited golf on both courses, buy-one-get-one-free on range-tokens, an unlimited number of member's guests throughout the year, and reduced member rates for everything from lessons and golf-buggies, to food and drinks in the bar and restaurant.
"And as a last thought. One of the biggest concerns from most golfers today is that most clubs go onto winter hours (some from October-March) with their clubhouse opening times and catering with limited menus.
"Not so at Piperdam, where the restaurant and full catering are available 365 days a year and where a warm open fire and friendly staff are there to welcome you on a cold winter's day.
"With the magnificent changes to the golf course, off course and leisure facilities, could Piperdam be on the verge of producing one of the finest offers available in Scottish golf?"
PIPERDAM YARDAGES
All par-71
Black tees - 6,295yd
White tees - 6,139yd
Blue tees - 5,801yd
Red tees - 5,154yd
Labels: WHERE TO GO
posted by Colin |
See story on its own page | Thursday, January 23, 2014
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