Blair Atholl is preparing for next week’s SA Open, and two new black steel bridges, to replace those damaged in the December 2022 flooding of the Crocodile River, are now in place at the eighth green and 16th tee. They are impressive structures and a big improvement on the old bridges. Without much rain yet the growth of the rough for the Open hasn’t been what the club would like, while the fairways are still knitting in. Preferred lies might be necessary. The greens are outstanding as always, fabulous surfaces on which to chip and putt. There are two towering hospitality stands alongside the 18th green, one so close to the right edge of the actual green that it casts a shadow over that section of the green. The stream in front of the green runs between the two.
