NEW-LOOK MANOR HOUSE READY TO HOST RISING STARS

But it is on the 16th hole where the most complex part of the renovation project will take place, with work already having begun to transform the par-three into a signature hole. A pond, which currently sits too far away from the green to influence club selection, will be extended to the putting-surface edge to create a more dramatic hole. The size of the green will also be increased to provide room for additional pin locations and a new bunker will be built on the left side of the green to remove the temptation of bailing out.

Phase two is scheduled to begin in summer 2023, with attention turning to improvements across the rest of the back nine on the Longcross before moving onto the Bernard Hunt in 2024.

Graham, who joined the Surrey venue in 2018 after time spent working in the Middle East, said: “Being given the opportunity to become director of golf here at Foxhills Club & Resort is a really proud moment for me. It’s reward for how hard I feel I’ve worked since joining Foxhills five years ago and it’s also hopefully a reflection of my relationship with the members. I feel like I have a real connection with the club, so it’s a really gratifying moment for me and I can’t wait to get started.

“This is an extremely exciting time for golfers at Foxhills. The course changes are going to make a big difference to the playing experience. It’s important to us that the courses are enjoyable for all levels of golfer, from low handicappers to mid-high and the masterplan for this project was designed with this at the front of our mind.”

The Manor House Golf Club will be the destination for some of golf’s rising stars this summer when the Wiltshire venue plays host to Europe’s leading development tour for the first time.

The club’s par-72 parkland course will welcome the 2023 Mizuno Next Gen Series, presented by Clutch Pro Tour, from June 5-7. The official feeder tour to the Challenge Tour, the Clutch Pro Tour Tier One event will visit the Castle Combe venue for the first time ever. On June 5, The Manor House will host a pro-am where amateurs will have the opportunity to play alongside a Clutch Tour player in tournament conditions before the pros take centre stage to compete over 36 holes the following two days. The Manor House’s tree-lined course will provide a tough challenge for the next generation of tour golfers as they compete in the sixth Tier One event of the season for a prize fund of at least £60,000.

The event will arrive at the Wiltshire course following a year of investment. A major sustainable bunker renovation project is currently underway as BunkerMat technology is introduced on the majority of its 80 bunkers to improve sand retention on the steep slopes. Club manager Andy Ryan said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Mizuno Next Gen Series are looking forward to welcoming everyone for what promises to be a great few days. After recent course investment, and with further improvements set to take place ahead of the event including the completion of bunker work, the course will be in an excellent condition and will provide a real test for the game’s next stars.”