Torrance Course To Open Next Year

The new course at the heart of the controversial £50 million St Andrews Bay resort which is

being designed by European Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance from initial drawings by the late Gene Sarazen should be ready for play next summer.

A second 18-hole layout designed by Sarazen, who died last year, and veteran Australian Bruce Devlin is due to open at the resort in 2002.

Both courses have been designed to capitalise on stunning views of St Andrews and the sea, and on Torrance's course each par-three either plays towards the sea or has the sea as a backdrop.

Despite opposition to the project from certain local pressure groups, environmental factors have also been given high priority in the design process with emphasis being placed on protecting the deer, grouse and partridge on site.

St Andrews Bay is owned by US entrepreneurs Don and Nancy Panoz, and will also include a 209-bedroom hotel and conference centre.

Dr and Mrs Panoz, who are planning similar developments elsewhere in Europe, own the Chateau Elan group which includes Diablo Grande Golf Resort & Spa, California; Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, Georgia; and Chateau Elan Sebring International Raceway Hotel; Florida.