Members have given a thumbs up to proposals to re-route and upgrade three holes at Kilmarnock (Barassie), one of Scotland’s top tournament venues.

At a Special General Meeting earlier this week, a vote was passed on the re-routing and upgrade of the eighth, ninth and tenth holes at the Ayrshire venue,

The work, which will start in 2028, will be carried out by course designer Clyde Johnson, a Scot who used to work for Tom Doak but is now with Cunnin’ Golf Design.

“We are delighted that our membership has given its backing to the proposed improvements to holes eight, nine and ten on the Barassie Links,” said general manager David Addison.

“This represents an important milestone for the club and demonstrates the club’s commitment to continued investment and the enhancement of the course here at Kilmarnock (Barassie).

“It is a huge step forward in our plans to enhance our member and golfing experience for those who come to visit us from around the world.

“Working alongside a world-renowned architect like Clyde, it has helped us develop proposals that we believe will enhance the playing experience, improve the strategic interest of these holes and compliment the character of our Traditional Course.

Member support is hugely important as we look to protect and build upon the reputation of Kilmarnock (Barassie) for future generations of the club. We were delighted to see the vote get a 92 per cent approval from the members on the evening.”

Kilmarnock (Barassie) is one of Scotland’s most-decorated tournament venues, having hosted a wide variety of events over the years.

These include the Scottish Professional Championship, Scottish Amateur Championship, Scottish Stroke-Play Championship, Scottish Women’s Amateur Championship, Boys’ Amateur Championship, Girls’ Amateur Championship and Women’s Amateur Championship.

In addition, it has also staged both Final Qualifying and Regional Qualifying for The Open, as well as The Junior Open, Jacques Leglise Trophy and European Youths’ Championship.

“Its exciting times for the club and especially the greenkeeping department,” said course manager Kerr Rowan. “Not only will the team get a chance to improve the weakest holes on the course, it will give them a chance to learn new skills and really have some fun whilst working alongside Clyde.”

It’s been an exciting few days for Ayrshire courses, with South Ayrshire Council having given the green light for a $5 million investment in Ayr Belleisle.