Over a century after legendary architect Charles Blair Macdonald shaped the Mid Ocean Club, noted golf course architect Gil Hanse has been chosen to return this Bermudian layout to its historic apex.
Holding the unique distinction of being Macdonald’s only design outside the United States, the Mid Ocean Club, which opened in 1924, is a global crown jewel. For Hanse, breathing new life into it is both a professional honor and a personal journey.
Hanse is resolute in his approach, distinguishing clearly between a modern renovation and a faithful restoration. “With the restoration of golf courses, we believe very strongly that the original design intent … takes all of our cues from the original architect,” he says. Rather than imposing his own ideas, Hanse aims to meticulously recreate the strategic and visual brilliance of Macdonald and his trusted partner, Seth Raynor.
Macdonald is famous for his “template” approach — adapting ideal hole concepts like the Redan, Punchbowl and Biarritz to unique environments. At Mid Ocean, Macdonald was given an unprecedented canvas. Unlike the flatter seaside terrains he often worked on, Bermuda offered dramatic topography, striking elevation changes and a magnificent juxtaposition of land and sea. Here, Macdonald’s templates took on a grander, more majestic scale.
Nowhere is this brilliance more evident than on the iconic fifth hole, widely regarded as one of the world’s finest. A classic “Cape” template, it tempts players to bite off as much as they can chew from a perched tee over Mangrove Lake. “It is certainly bold: an elevated tee shot, carry over water, an exciting green. Maybe even a bit audacious,” Hanse says. His restoration will reconnect the hole to the lake, expand the putting surface, and return the bunkers to their original, imposing scale.
Recreating a century-old vision requires intense forensic work, especially since Macdonald and Raynor rarely left detailed blueprints behind. Fortunately, Hanse struck gold when club members unearthed vintage photographs of their grandparents — and even Macdonald himself — playing the course. Combined with historical aerials, these intimate family heirlooms have provided a treasure trove of design clues.
The project also carries deep sentimental value. Hanse first fell “head over heels in love” with Mid Ocean Club 40 years ago when he played it on his honeymoon with his wife, Tracey. Decades later, this restoration brings his career full circle.
Unlike many of Macdonald’s fiercely private masterpieces in the U.S., traveling golfers can experience this iconic layout firsthand. The club welcomes non-members on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays after 9:00 AM. Tee times can be booked up to three months in advance, with guest green fees set at approximately $400. Visitors can rent clubs, utilize the club’s traditional caddies and enjoy post-round drinks or lunch at the historic clubhouse.
With Macdonald firmly positioned on Hanse’s personal “Mount Rushmore of golf architects,” the objective is crystal clear. By faithfully uncovering the original contours, Hanse ensures that tomorrow’s players — members and lucky visitors alike — will experience the Mid Ocean Club exactly as its visionary creator intended.
