A New Direction for La Moye Golf Club

La Moye Golf Club, located on Jersey in the Channel Islands, is taking bold steps to enhance its historic links course. Over the years, designers such as George Boomer, James Braid, and Henry Cotton have shaped the layout. Now, architects Tom Mackenzie and Mike Howard of Mackenzie & Ebert (M&E), alongside contractor MJ Abbott, are guiding a new long-term masterplan.

Balancing the Course

One of the primary goals is to rebalance the nines. The front nine is compressed into an area half the size of the back nine, while the back nine extends into stunning duneland developed in the 1970s. The first phase aims to loosen the compact feel of the front nine and make better use of the natural landforms.

New Holes and Dramatic Views

The renovation includes:

• Rerouting the thirteenth hole into nearby dunes.

• Creating a new short par-four fourteenth to replace the old par three.

• Rebuilding the tenth fairway for better drainage.

From the elevated plateau on thirteen, golfers can now enjoy a spectacular view stretching across the fourteenth, fifteenth, and seventeenth greens.

“The aim for fourteen was to create a hole that plays over a huge valley to an angled fairway, so it is a real risk-reward par four,” said Howard. “Better players will be tempted to go for the green, but it’s just a bit out of reach.”

Environmental Stewardship

Environmental care has been central throughout the project. With many protected species on site, the club worked with local ecological consultants and received agronomic support from the R&A agronomy team. Restoration of surrounding duneland was also carried out to offset development.

What’s Next

This first phase was completed between September 2024 and March 2025, with seeded holes now growing in before reopening in June 2026. Future phases will include:

• New sixth and seventh holes, freeing up land for a giant putting green near the clubhouse.

• A new short-game area on the old fourteenth green.

• More variety among the par-three and par-four holes, including a proposed par-three sixth playing along a slope with dramatic beach views.

Howard noted, “La Moye gave us a fairly open brief, and this first phase is the start for them to make the most of the incredible land they have.”

To read the full article and photos, visit Golf Course Architecture Magazine, Issue 81.