BURNHAM & BERROW
When the original nine at Burnham, designed by Westward Ho! Pro Charles Gibson, opened in 1891 it was nothing exceptional. Gibson used the tried and tested links layout philosophy of the time. However, when the course was extended towards Berrow Church and beyond over the next couple of decades, things began to get interesting.
In 1910, the ubiquitous Herbert Fowler brought his genius to bear, designing the signature “Church” hole and the great closing 18th. Soon after, Harry Colt transformed the course in a breathtaking sweep, removing many blind shots, weak holes and designing almost half of the holes anew. Colt’s partner in his design team, Hugh Alison, was a member of the club at that time. Alison would go on to become legendary for his overseas work for Colt, especially in Japan.
To gild the lily, Alistair Mackenzie was enlisted to advise on the rerouting of the 9th and 10th, and even Harold Hilton got involved at one stage. The last changes (plus the new nine-hole Channel course) were wrought by Fred Hawtree in 1977. Fred is less well known, but Hawtree & Sons is the oldest golf design company in the world and are the R&A’s go-to guys to tweak Open Championship courses. It’s a staggering collection of design talent, a “super group” if you will, and it shows.
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