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Monty puts finishing touches to new course at Riffa Views. |
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Jun 4, 2007: Golfing legend Colin Montgomerie was in Bahrain recently to put the finishing touches to his new design at Riffa Views. Accompanied by his associate designer, Robin Hiseman, Monty walked through the new course design and made a few minor adjustments.
"Robin has done a fantastic job on this site incorporating all of my design philosophies," said Monty. "The site sets up for a terrific new layout and has all of the components I like, ensuring that it will be a classic test of golf.
"Some of my favourite courses in the world are built on sandy ground, for instance all the classic links courses in the UK, the Royal Melbourne in Australia and Pine Valley in the USA. The new 7th hole at Riffa Views, a par 3, will have a hint of the 12th at Augusta with the green angled to the line of play and a water hazard directly in front."
Teased about his preference for hitting the ball left to right Monty responded, "Its true I do see most shots in that shape, but when I am designing I am looking at the local topography and prevailing wind conditions to determine the favored shape of shot on each hole, not just my preference! If I made all the holes left to right we would start here and end up in Doha!"
While on the site Robin requested that Monty try out a couple of shots to see if they play the same in reality as they look on paper. The tee shot on the 3rd was tested to determine the turning point at the corner of the dog leg of this par 5. The risk reward par 4 5th hole was put to the test with Monty just clearing the wadi with his tee shot and confirming that the green was driveable, but it had to be an excellent shot. The 7th hole was also put to the test and was confirmed as a really challenging par 3 with accuracy being of paramount importance.
Monty then took time to survey the 9-hole par 3 course. "This course will be as important as the championship layout. We are giving it an equal amount of attention because this is the course for the future of golf. All kids taking up golf Bahrain will be playing here first and it will also be the course of choice for new golfers residing in Riffa Views and taking up the sport. The course will be a mix of short and long par 3s, some of which will play like par 4s to the junior and new golfers. I am keen that a lot of the shots experienced on the championship course will be replicated on the par 3 course, so that it will also be a great test of golf for the experienced player".
Golf Bahrain, Issue 21, Spring 2007
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