With more than 10 years passed since the opening of the newly constructed course, the Greens Committee led by chair Dennis Brewer were tasked with considering and reviewing the course for improvements.
This review was considered appropriate to run concurrently with both an assessment of fairway bunkering and finalisation of the vegetation management plan.
The fairway bunkering component is an essential step prior to fairway bunkering renovations being completed in a method consistent with the works completed to greenside bunkers in recent years. This element will also see consideration to any reshaping, removal or additions to the fairway bunkering.
Additionally, the finalisation of the vegetation management plan incorporating input from the prior Harley Kruse engagement will enable long term direction to the already in progress vegetation and flora management.
This agreement to undertake the review led to seeking input from the lead remaining course architect from the course redevelopment works, Mr. Ross Perrett (of Thomson Perrett). With personal health issues affecting Mr. Perrett, the modest scope of review and need for on-ground input during any renovation works it was deemed appropriate to seek interest from a Sydney based course architect to consult on the works.
As a result the Board are pleased to advise that Mr. Craig Parry (Parry Golf Design) has been engaged to complete a general review and recommendation of the course, incorporating recommendations with regards to fairway bunkering. The appointment will see Mr. Parry consulted on aspects of course design and playability from time to time where input is required, with the intent and brief to retain the established design intent where practical from Thomson Perrett.
During his outstanding playing career, Parry recorded many victories in Australia including all of the three big tournaments – the Australian Open, Australian PGA and Australian Masters which he won three times.
Overseas he won two USPGA Tour events in the United States as well as a further four wins in Europe and two in Japan. In majors, Parry held the 54-hole lead at the 1992 U.S Masters as well as finishing in a tie for third at the U.S Open in 1993. Since playing days, Parry’s focus has been on course design and drawing upon his vast global experience and periods of understudy to provide a unique golfers perspective on course enhancements.
Upon the appointment Parry was delighted to be engaged by the Club,
“It is a great honour and privilege to be appointed your consultant course architect at Manly Golf Club. I’m looking forward to working with the Club, Luke (Super) and the entire team at Manly Golf Club.”
Parry’s engagement has commenced and you may see him from time to time. Upon drafting, the review and any recommendations will be published for member comment and input prior to adoption.
