Dr. Alister MacKenzie

The original 1874 course at Seaton Carew consisted of only 14 holes and was built on what was essentially meadow land, which over the years became more and more difficult to drain. By the end of the 19th century that course was extended to 18 holes, but by the mid-1920’s equipment had improved and the shoreline had retreated Eastward, providing a new area of dunes. With this in mind the members decided that Seaton Links needed an extensive revamp and so they contacted one of the great golf architects of the day, Dr Alister MacKenzie. A letter, dated the 13th of July 1924, shows he already had some knowledge of the course, having been to Seaton Carew during the First World War He described it as a “fine piece of golfing country” and concluded that reconstruction could make it “by far the finest on the North East coast”. He recommended moving the course further East and “nearer the sea on the ground which has within recent years become available owing to the sea having receded”. There would be new tees and bunkers on most holes, others would be re-routed to existing greens, and five brand new holes would be created to replace the original 11th, 12th, 13th 14th & 15th. Perhaps his best piece of work was on the 17th, where he recommended “altering the approach to the green, so that the tee shot be played to the right”. It resulted in what is now widely recognised as the Signature Hole at Seaton Carew. So next time you play a round at Seaton Carew you’ll know you’re experiencing the work of one of the great golf course designers.