The Links Valley

Architect: Frank Pont

In 2004, Frank was approached by the scions of the Waller family who asked him to help create a new course on their near 100 year old estate.

The course is situated on a part of the estate which had originally been a large sand pit used for landfill. When that activity ceased in 2006, the site was covered in several metres of sand. Located in the middle of the country’s largest heathland and surrounded by Scots pine, it provides the perfect setting for golf.

Given that the 26 hectare site was too small to house 18 holes, Frank considered his options. He happened to be re-reading Tom Simpson’s “The Architectural Side of Golf” which, in an appendix, discussed the principles behind a reversible design.

He embraced Simpson’s concept and created a course that is played in both directions. Pleasingly, its North and South options are equally popular with members.

The course (or should that be courses?) is gaining plaudits and has recently been ranked in the top 20 9-holers in the world by GOLF Magazine, the only reversible to be so included.