There is great news coming out of the Sand Hills region today: Ballyneal, winner of the Best New Course in 2006 and an instant classic is getting a baby brother. According to Cybergolf:
Bruce Hepner, lead associate of Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design for the original Ballyneal course, will design the new course. Construction will begin this year.
“Ballyneal is a world-class golf course, and we expect the new course will put Ballyneal in the category of Royal Melbourne and Winged Foot with respect to the best 36-hole private clubs in the world,” says Ballyneal founder Rupert O’Neal. “Naturally, the second course will enhance Ballyneal’s appeal as a golfing destination.”
Heralded for its all-fescue playing surface and a firm-and-fast style that rewards creative play, the original layout at Ballyneal will remain walking-only and uncompromised by the addition of the new course, which will occupy land southeast and south of the existing 18. While the site for Ballyneal’s original course reminds golfers of Irish links, the new site is more reminiscent of the East Lothian linksland in Scotland
“The site for the new 18 is a quieter piece of ground, so nothing needs to be forced,” Hepner says. “My goal will be to peel away the layers and let the best golf course evolve and reveal itself. We will be seeking a similar playing surface to the existing course at Ballyneal while accommodating limited cart play on the new 18.”
